What drinks get rid of stomach acid? A guide to soothing sips

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. If you are looking for natural ways to get rid of stomach acid, certain drinks can offer soothing relief by neutralizing acidity or protecting the esophageal lining from irritation.

Quick Summary

Several beverages, including herbal teas, aloe vera juice, coconut water, and alkaline water, can help manage or soothe the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. These drinks work by neutralizing stomach acid, reducing inflammation, or creating a protective barrier in the esophagus. Staying hydrated and avoiding trigger beverages like caffeine and carbonated drinks are also key strategies for long-term relief.

Key Points

Herbal Teas: Ginger and chamomile teas offer natural anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe the digestive tract and reduce stomach acid.
Aloe Vera Juice: Drinking pure, food-grade aloe vera juice before meals can help reduce inflammation and coat the stomach lining for protection.
Coconut Water: This hydrating beverage contains electrolytes that aid in maintaining pH balance, helping to neutralize excess stomach acid.
Alkaline Water: Sipping on alkaline water can help buffer and neutralize stomach acid, with some evidence suggesting it may also inactivate the digestive enzyme pepsin.
Low-Fat Milk: Low-fat or plant-based milks like almond milk can provide temporary relief from heartburn by coating the esophagus, but full-fat dairy may worsen symptoms.
Avoid Trigger Drinks: It's crucial to avoid common reflux triggers such as coffee, citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
Incorporate Lifestyle Changes: Supporting your diet with habits like eating smaller meals, not lying down after eating, and managing stress can significantly reduce acid reflux.

Navigating Acid Reflux with Smart Drink Choices

For those who experience the burning sensation of acid reflux, changing your choice of beverages can provide significant relief. While some drinks can act as powerful triggers, others possess properties that can soothe irritation and help neutralize the acidic environment of the stomach. By understanding which drinks to favor and which to avoid, you can better manage your symptoms and improve your overall digestive comfort.

The Best Drinks for Soothing Stomach Acid

1. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are one of the most effective and widely recommended natural remedies for acid reflux, thanks to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger Tea: Known as "nature's anti-acid," ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation in the digestive tract. It can also help relieve nausea, bloating, and other digestive discomforts associated with high stomach acidity. A cup of ginger tea after a meal can aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of acid reflux.
Chamomile Tea: This gentle tea is known for its calming effects on the stomach and its anti-inflammatory properties. Sipping chamomile tea after meals or before bed may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, easing heartburn.
Licorice Tea (DGL): Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice that has been shown to increase the mucus layer in the esophagus, protecting the lining from stomach acid. Be sure to use the DGL version, as regular licorice can raise blood pressure in some individuals.

2. Aloe Vera Juice

This juice, extracted from the aloe vera plant, is celebrated for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. A small study found that drinking aloe vera juice reduced the frequency of heartburn, belching, and other symptoms of acid reflux. For best results, look for a pure, food-grade version and drink a small amount before meals.

3. Coconut Water

Unsweetened coconut water is a highly hydrating beverage rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. These electrolytes help promote pH balance in the body, which can help neutralize excess stomach acidity. Coconut water is also easy to digest, making it a gentle and effective option for soothing the digestive system.

4. Alkaline Water

Alkaline water, which has a pH higher than regular tap water, may help neutralize stomach acid. Some studies suggest that drinking alkaline water may help inactivate pepsin, an enzyme in the stomach that contributes to reflux damage. Look for brands with a pH of 8.8 or higher. Sipping it throughout the day, especially after meals, can be beneficial.

5. Low-Fat Milk Alternatives

While whole milk can sometimes trigger reflux due to its fat content, low-fat or plant-based milks may provide relief.

Low-Fat Milk: The cooling effect can temporarily soothe the burning sensation of heartburn.
Almond Milk: This is often an alkaline option that can help neutralize stomach acid.

Comparison Table: Soothing Sips for Acid Reflux


Drink Category	Benefits for Acid Reflux	Potential Concerns	How to Consume	Best For
Herbal Teas	Anti-inflammatory, soothing, aids digestion.	Some varieties (peppermint) can trigger symptoms.	Brew fresh ginger, chamomile, or licorice (DGL) tea; sip slowly.	General soothing, post-meal digestion.
Aloe Vera Juice	Reduces inflammation, soothes stomach lining.	Ensure it's food-grade without laxatives; potential for abdominal discomfort in some.	Drink 1/4 cup before meals; buy from a trusted source.	Preventing reflux, soothing irritation.
Coconut Water	Neutralizes acid with electrolytes, hydrating.	Choose unsweetened to avoid added sugars.	Drink a glass, especially when experiencing symptoms.	Neutralizing sudden acid spikes.
Alkaline Water	Helps raise stomach pH, neutralizes acid.	Requires specific products; potential mineral imbalance if overconsumed.	Sip throughout the day; check pH level.	Reducing overall acidity.
Low-Fat Milk	Coats esophagus, neutralizes acid (low-fat version).	High fat can worsen reflux; may stimulate more acid production.	Use skim or low-fat varieties in moderation.	Immediate, temporary soothing.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Acid Reflux

Beyond what you drink, several lifestyle modifications can support a healthier digestive system and reduce reflux episodes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, reducing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, such as alcohol, coffee, fatty foods, and citrus, is also crucial. Furthermore, try to remain upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating to allow gravity to help keep stomach acid in its proper place. For nighttime reflux, elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can be very effective.

For more comprehensive information on managing GERD and acid reflux through diet, you can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.

Important Considerations

While these beverages can offer relief, they are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you experience chronic or severe acid reflux, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which may include medication alongside dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Always listen to your body and what works best for you, as individual triggers can vary significantly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right beverages is a simple yet powerful step in managing acid reflux and alleviating the discomfort of high stomach acid. Drinks like ginger tea, aloe vera juice, and alkaline water offer natural, soothing alternatives that can neutralize acid and calm an irritated digestive tract. By incorporating these drinks into a broader strategy of healthy eating habits and mindful lifestyle choices, you can find effective, natural relief from heartburn. Remember to pay attention to your body's response and consult a doctor for persistent or severe symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plain water can help relieve acid reflux. It helps dilute stomach acid and aids in digestion, reducing the concentration of acid that might travel up the esophagus. Sipping water slowly, rather than drinking large quantities quickly, is often recommended.

The effect of milk on acid reflux varies by individual. Low-fat or skim milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid and provide a soothing effect. However, the fat in whole milk can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening symptoms. Plant-based options like almond milk are often a safer choice.

Yes, ginger tea is an effective and well-known remedy for easing stomach acid. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation, and it may also help with faster gastric emptying, reducing the likelihood of acid regurgitation.

Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, licorice (DGL), and fennel are generally the best options for acid reflux. They are caffeine-free and possess anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract. Avoid peppermint tea, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms for some people.

Lemon juice is very acidic, but a small amount mixed with warm water and honey can have an alkalizing effect on the body. However, the results are mixed, and some individuals may find it irritates their esophagus. It's best to proceed with caution and see how your body reacts.

It is generally best to avoid or significantly reduce your intake of coffee and soda if you have acid reflux. The caffeine in coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, and the carbonation in soda can put pressure on the stomach, both of which increase the risk of reflux. If you can't eliminate coffee entirely, consider switching to decaf.

Some of the worst drinks for acid reflux include citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon), tomato juice, carbonated beverages (soda, sparkling water), coffee, and alcohol, especially wine and beer.