What juice is ok for heartburn? Soothing, low-acid options

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 article published in the Journal of Functional Foods, a low-acid diet may reduce reflux episodes by as much as 40%. This is why choosing the right beverage, including knowing what juice is ok for heartburn, is crucial for managing symptoms and finding relief.

Quick Summary

Explore low-acid juices and other soothing drink options that can help alleviate heartburn symptoms. Learn which juices to choose, which to avoid, and best practices for incorporating them into your diet for digestive comfort.

Key Points

Low-acid options are key: Choose juices with higher pH levels, such as aloe vera, watermelon, and carrot, to avoid irritating the esophagus.
Avoid acidic culprits: Stay away from highly acidic juices like citrus (orange, grapefruit) and tomato, which are major triggers for heartburn.
Dilute and sip slowly: Diluting your juice with water and sipping slowly can help minimize stomach pressure and prevent acid reflux.
Timing is important: Don't consume juice right before lying down; wait at least three hours to allow for proper digestion.
Check for additives: Read labels carefully to ensure your juice does not contain hidden triggers like added citric acid or excess sugar.
Listen to your body: Keep track of how different juices affect you, as individual tolerances can vary widely.
Aloe vera and ginger can soothe: Aloe vera juice and ginger tea are often recommended for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for digestive issues.

The Science Behind Acid Reflux and Juices

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. The acidity of certain foods and beverages can irritate the esophageal lining and trigger or worsen these symptoms. A key factor is the pH level, with a lower pH indicating higher acidity. By choosing juices with a higher pH, you can help minimize irritation and support your body's natural processes. In fact, a low-acid diet is a primary strategy recommended by gastroenterology experts for managing conditions like GERD.

Juices That Are Gentle on the Stomach

Not all juices are created equal when it comes to heartburn. Opting for low-acid or alkaline options is key. Many fruit and vegetable varieties offer flavor and nutrients without aggravating your symptoms.

Best Juice Choices for Heartburn:

Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera juice can help soothe irritation in the esophagus. Use a decolorized and purified version to avoid potential side effects.
Watermelon Juice: With a high water content and a pH around 5.2–5.6, watermelon juice is excellent for diluting stomach acid and providing hydration.
Carrot Juice: This vegetable juice is alkaline and contains compounds that can be beneficial for those with acid reflux.
Pear Juice: A good source of fiber, pears are alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acid. Choose 100% pear juice without added citric acid.
Mango Juice: Ripe mangoes have a low-acid profile, with a pH of around 4.5–5.0, and are naturally sweet and hydrating.
Cucumber Juice: A classic watery vegetable, cucumber is alkaline and provides a cooling effect.
Cabbage Juice: Some sources suggest cabbage juice may be beneficial for soothing the digestive tract.
Melon Juice (Cantaloupe, Honeydew): These melons are naturally alkaline and have high water content, making them very gentle on the stomach.

Juices and Drinks to Avoid

Just as some juices can help, others can make heartburn worse due to their high acidity or other properties.

Worst Juice and Drink Choices for Heartburn:

Citrus Juices: Lemon, orange, and grapefruit juices are all highly acidic and major triggers for acid reflux.
Tomato Juice: Although a vegetable, tomatoes are naturally acidic and can irritate the esophagus.
Pineapple Juice: The bromelain enzyme and high acid content in pineapple can worsen symptoms for many individuals.
Cranberry Juice: This juice is highly acidic and should be avoided.
Carbonated Beverages: The bubbles in soda and sparkling water can increase pressure on the stomach, causing reflux.
Alcohol: Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to travel upwards.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can trigger or worsen symptoms by relaxing the esophageal sphincter.

Juice Tolerance Comparison Table

It's important to remember that individual tolerance can vary. This table serves as a general guide based on common triggers.


Feature	Heartburn-Friendly Juices	Heartburn-Trigger Juices
Acidity (pH)	Higher pH, more alkaline (e.g., Watermelon pH 5.2-5.6)	Lower pH, more acidic (e.g., Orange Juice pH 3.6-4.3)
Symptom Impact	Soothes inflammation and dilutes stomach acid	Irritates the esophagus and increases stomach acid production
Ingredients	Whole fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, pears, aloe vera)	Citrus fruits, tomatoes, high-fat ingredients
Best Practice	Consume in moderation, especially when diluted	Avoid or consume rarely, depending on personal triggers
Example	Freshly juiced watermelon, pear, or aloe vera	Orange juice, tomato juice, or pineapple juice

Tips for Enjoying Juices with Heartburn

In addition to choosing the right juice, how you drink it matters. Following these tips can help you get the most benefit with the least discomfort:

Dilute with water: Adding water can further decrease the acidity of your drink and aid in hydration.
Sip slowly: Guzzling a drink can fill your stomach quickly and increase pressure. Sipping slowly is gentler on your digestive system.
Avoid drinking before bed: Don't drink juice within three hours of lying down to prevent reflux while sleeping.
Read labels carefully: Always check for added citric acid or extra sugars, which can be hidden triggers.
Listen to your body: Keep a food journal to track how specific juices affect your symptoms. Your personal experience is the most important guide.

Conclusion

For individuals with heartburn, navigating the world of juices can be tricky, but it's far from impossible. The key is to gravitate towards low-acid or alkaline options that won't irritate the esophageal lining or trigger acid reflux. Juices from fruits like watermelon and pears, and vegetables such as carrots and aloe vera, offer flavorful and hydrating alternatives to highly acidic beverages. By being mindful of ingredients, diluting your drinks, and observing how your body reacts, you can still enjoy juice as part of a balanced, heartburn-friendly diet. If your symptoms are frequent or severe, always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance on managing heartburn and other health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, orange juice is very acidic (pH ~2.0-3.0) and typically triggers or worsens heartburn symptoms. It's best to opt for low-acid fruit juices like pear or watermelon instead.

Carrot juice, cucumber juice, and aloe vera juice are some of the best vegetable-based juices for heartburn. They are alkaline and can help soothe the digestive system.

Some non-citrus apple juice varieties are considered lower in acid and may be better tolerated than more acidic options. However, some apples can still be moderately acidic, so monitor your personal reaction and consider diluting it.

Yes, diluting juice with water can help reduce its overall acidity and make it easier for your stomach to tolerate. Sipping water throughout the day also helps clear excess acid from the esophagus.

Yes, some brands offer low-acid juices. Always check the label for 100% juice with no added citric acid or artificial sweeteners. Look for juices made from inherently low-acid fruits like pear or watermelon.

No, you don't need to avoid all fruit juices. The key is to differentiate between high-acid and low-acid options. Low-acid fruit juices from fruits like pears, melons, and bananas are generally well-tolerated.

Yes, smoothies can be a good option if you use low-acid fruits and vegetables. Combining ingredients like ripe bananas, melon, spinach, and plant-based milk can create a nutrient-dense, heartburn-friendly drink.