What Liquid Helps Acid Reflux? A Guide to Soothing Beverages

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a sip of water can immediately help wash stomach acid back down into the stomach, providing instant, though temporary, relief from the burning sensation. Finding what liquid helps acid reflux is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing recurring discomfort.

Quick Summary

Discover effective liquids that can help soothe and prevent acid reflux symptoms. Learn about alkaline drinks and herbal teas, as well as which beverages to avoid for better digestive comfort.

Key Points

Alkaline Water is Beneficial: Water with a pH of 8 or higher can help neutralize stomach acid and deactivate pepsin, the enzyme that damages the esophagus.
Herbal Teas Provide Relief: Caffeine-free options like ginger, chamomile, and licorice root teas offer anti-inflammatory and calming effects for the digestive tract.
Choose Low-Fat and Plant-Based Milks: Unlike high-fat milk, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, low-fat dairy and alkaline plant milks like almond milk are safer alternatives.
Opt for Low-Acid Juices: Stay away from citrus and tomato juices, and instead choose low-acid options like carrot or aloe vera juice, or blend alkaline fruits like melons into smoothies.
Avoid Reflux-Triggering Liquids: Carbonated beverages, alcohol, and caffeine are major culprits that can increase stomach pressure or relax the LES, leading to increased reflux symptoms.
Small Sips are Better Than Big Gulps: Drinking water slowly throughout the day helps dilute acid and clear the esophagus without introducing excess air.

Hydration is Key: Water and Alkaline Water

Staying properly hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies for managing acid reflux. Water helps to dilute stomach acid and also aids in flushing contents from the esophagus back into the stomach, reducing irritation. For those with persistent symptoms, the type of water can make a difference. Alkaline water, which has a higher pH than regular tap water, has been shown to potentially offer additional benefits. Some studies suggest that its higher pH can help neutralize stomach acid. Additionally, alkaline water may help to inactivate pepsin, an enzyme involved in reflux-related tissue damage.

To effectively use water to combat reflux, consider these methods:

Sip throughout the day: Avoid large gulps, which can introduce air into the stomach and increase pressure. Gentle, frequent sips keep the esophagus clear of acid.
Drink alkaline water: Look for commercially available alkaline water with a pH of 8 or higher. Many naturopaths recommend a pH of 9.5 or higher for maximum benefit.
Drink with meals: While you shouldn't chug a full glass during a meal, sipping water can help with the digestion process and dilute stomach contents.

Soothing Herbal Teas

For centuries, herbal teas have been used to soothe digestive complaints, and many varieties are excellent choices for those with acid reflux. These teas provide warmth and can help calm the digestive tract. It's important to choose caffeine-free options, as caffeine can trigger symptoms.

Here are some of the best herbal teas for acid reflux:

Ginger Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce nausea and calm stomach irritation. It may also help improve gastric emptying, moving food out of the stomach faster.
Chamomile Tea: This tea is widely recognized for its calming effects and can help reduce stress, a known trigger for acid reflux. It may also possess anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an upset stomach.
Licorice Root Tea: Some studies suggest that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) can increase the mucus coating on the esophageal lining, protecting it from stomach acid. Caution is advised, as excessive consumption of non-DGL licorice can have side effects.

Plant-Based Milks and Low-Fat Dairy

While full-fat milk can worsen acid reflux due to its fat content, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), lower-fat alternatives and plant-based milks can be beneficial.

Skim or Low-Fat Milk: This can provide a temporary buffer against stomach acid and may offer immediate relief for some individuals.
Almond Milk: As a naturally alkaline liquid, almond milk can help neutralize stomach acid and may help ease symptoms.
Oat Milk: Lower in fat than cow's milk, oat milk is another mild, plant-based option that can be gentle on the stomach.
Soy Milk: Lower in fat than whole milk, soy milk is another good alternative for those sensitive to dairy fat.

Refreshing Juices and Smoothies

Choosing the right kind of juice is critical, as many popular fruit juices are highly acidic. The goal is to select lower-acid options or blend your own with beneficial ingredients.

Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera juice may help soothe the irritated lining of the esophagus and stomach. Ensure you use a decolorized and purified version to avoid laxative effects.
Carrot Juice: A lower-acid vegetable juice, carrot juice is packed with nutrients and is less likely to trigger symptoms.
Melon-Based Smoothies: Melons like cantaloupe and watermelon are alkaline and high in water content. Blending them with other low-acid ingredients can create a safe and refreshing drink.

Liquids to Avoid with Acid Reflux

Just as important as knowing what to drink is understanding what to avoid. Certain beverages can relax the LES or increase stomach acid production, leading to painful symptoms.

Carbonated Beverages: The bubbles in soda, sparkling water, and other fizzy drinks increase stomach pressure and can force open the LES, allowing acid to escape.
Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is known to relax the LES and irritate the stomach lining, making it a common trigger.
Caffeine: Drinks like coffee, black tea, and energy drinks can relax the LES and boost stomach acid.
Citrus Juices: Orange, grapefruit, and tomato juices are highly acidic and can directly irritate the esophagus.
Peppermint: While often thought of as soothing, peppermint can relax the LES and worsen reflux symptoms in some individuals.

Comparison of Reflux-Friendly Liquids


Liquid	Key Properties	Potential Benefits	Cautions
Alkaline Water	Higher pH (8+)	Neutralizes stomach acid, inactivates pepsin	No downsides; choose filtered brands
Ginger Tea	Anti-inflammatory	Reduces nausea, improves gastric emptying	Avoid excessive amounts, use fresh ginger
Chamomile Tea	Calming, Anti-inflammatory	Reduces stress, soothes stomach	Avoid mint blends; use caution if allergic to ragweed
Almond Milk	Alkaline, Low-fat	Neutralizes stomach acid, gentle on stomach	Check for added sugars; choose unsweetened
Aloe Vera Juice	Anti-inflammatory	Soothes inflamed esophagus lining	Use purified, decolorized juice; consult a doctor
Low-Fat Milk	Buffering effect	Temporary relief from symptoms	Choose low-fat or skim only; high fat worsens reflux

Conclusion

Managing acid reflux with diet can significantly improve comfort and reduce symptoms. When considering what liquid helps acid reflux, the most effective choices tend to be alkaline or have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Simple, plain water should be your go-to for daily hydration, but integrating options like ginger tea, almond milk, or specific low-acid juices can provide additional relief. Avoiding common culprits like caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks is just as vital. By making mindful beverage choices, you can better manage your symptoms and support long-term digestive health. For more detailed dietary guidance, consider consulting an expert like those at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the fat content. High-fat milk can worsen symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Low-fat or skim milk may provide temporary relief by acting as a buffer, but plant-based alternatives like almond milk are often a better choice.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and black tea can trigger or worsen acid reflux by relaxing the LES and increasing stomach acid. Herbal, caffeine-free teas such as ginger or chamomile are safer options.

Yes, carbonated beverages, including sparkling water, can increase pressure in the stomach due to the dissolved carbon dioxide. This can force open the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to move up into the esophagus.

Most commercial ginger ales are carbonated and contain very little real ginger, making them a poor choice. The carbonation can increase symptoms. Opt for a homemade ginger tea with fresh ginger root instead.

Drinking water helps in two ways: it dilutes the stomach acid, making it less potent, and it helps to wash stomach contents and acid down from the esophagus back into the stomach.

Almond milk is often considered the best plant-based option due to its alkaline nature, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Soy milk and oat milk are also low-fat alternatives that are gentler on the digestive system than full-fat dairy.

While some anecdotal reports suggest it helps, apple cider vinegar is acidic and can irritate the esophagus. It should be heavily diluted with water if used at all, and it's best to consult a healthcare professional first, as scientific evidence is limited.