Which drinks reduce acidity and heartburn?

December 19, 2025 •

3 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. Finding the right beverages can be an effective way to manage these uncomfortable symptoms. This guide will explore which drinks reduce acidity and help calm an upset digestive system.

Quick Summary

Several beverages can help mitigate acid reflux and soothe heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid or creating a protective barrier. Good choices include alkaline water, ginger tea, low-fat milks, and non-acidic juices. Avoiding trigger drinks like coffee and soda is also key for relief.

Key Points

Alkaline Water: Drinking water with a pH of 8.8 or higher can neutralize stomach acid and inactivate pepsin, a key enzyme in reflux damage.
Ginger Tea: As a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger tea can help reduce nausea and soothe the digestive tract.
Low-Fat Milk: While whole milk can aggravate symptoms, low-fat or skim milk may offer temporary relief for some people by soothing the esophagus.
Almond Milk: This plant-based milk has an alkaline nature that can help neutralize stomach acid and is often well-tolerated by those with reflux.
Coconut Water: Unsweetened coconut water is rich in electrolytes that promote pH balance and can neutralize excess stomach acidity.
Avoid Trigger Drinks: Steer clear of acidic juices (citrus), carbonated beverages, and caffeinated drinks, which can worsen acid reflux.
Stay Hydrated: Sipping water regularly throughout the day can help dilute stomach acid and keep the digestive system functioning smoothly.

Understand the causes of acid reflux

Acid reflux, often characterized by heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve connecting the esophagus and stomach, weakens or relaxes inappropriately. Several factors can trigger this, including certain foods and drinks, high-fat meals, overeating, and lying down after a meal. While lifestyle and diet changes can provide significant relief, identifying and consuming the right drinks can make a substantial difference in managing symptoms.

Alkaline drinks to neutralize stomach acid

One of the most effective strategies for reducing acidity is to consume alkaline beverages, which can help neutralize the pH of your stomach.

Alkaline Water: With a pH typically between 8.0 and 9.5, alkaline water has been shown in studies to help neutralize stomach acid and permanently inactivate pepsin, an enzyme involved in reflux damage. Its high acid-buffering capacity offers a simple way to manage symptoms.
Coconut Water: Unsweetened coconut water is rich in electrolytes like potassium, which help promote and maintain pH balance in the body. It can neutralize excess stomach acid and offers a soothing effect.
Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera juice can soothe an irritated esophagus and stomach lining. It's crucial to choose a product specifically labeled for internal consumption to avoid harmful additives.

Soothing herbal teas

Herbal teas are a warm, comforting way to calm the digestive system. However, it's vital to choose the right types and avoid peppermint, which can relax the LES and worsen symptoms.

Ginger Tea: As a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger can help relieve nausea and reduce pressure on the esophageal sphincter, improving gastric emptying. Steeping fresh ginger in hot (but not boiling) water can make for a potent remedy.
Chamomile Tea: This tea is well-regarded for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and stress-reducing effects, which can indirectly help with stress-induced acid reflux.
Licorice Tea: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice that can help increase the protective mucus coating of the esophageal lining, guarding it against stomach acid.

Milk and milk alternatives

For many, milk provides temporary relief from heartburn. However, the type of milk makes a difference, and alternatives are often better tolerated.

Low-fat Milk: Full-fat cow's milk can worsen symptoms because its high fat content can relax the LES. Low-fat or skim milk is a better choice as a temporary soothing agent.
Almond Milk: This is a popular and effective plant-based alternative. Its alkaline nature can help neutralize stomach acidity.
Oat Milk: As another low-fat, dairy-free option, oat milk contains soluble fiber that can help regulate digestion. Some find its neutral pH to be gentle on the stomach.

Reflux-friendly smoothies

Combining low-acid fruits and vegetables with alkaline milks can create a nutritious, digestion-friendly drink. Ingredients like banana, melon, spinach, and almond milk are excellent choices.

Comparison of drinks for acid reflux relief


Drink Category	Benefits for Acidity	Potential Drawbacks	Good For	Not Ideal For
Alkaline Water	Neutralizes stomach acid, inactivates pepsin.	Can be costly; not a long-term cure.	Daily hydration, immediate relief.	Replacing medical treatment.
Herbal Tea (Ginger/Chamomile)	Anti-inflammatory, soothing, aids digestion.	Must avoid mint varieties.	Post-meal comfort, relaxation.	Individuals with specific allergies.
Low-Fat/Skim Milk	Provides temporary relief, some calcium.	Potential 'rebound' effect, temporary.	Immediate soothing effect.	Long-term management.
Plant-Based Milks (Almond/Oat)	Alkaline properties, low in fat, dairy-free.	Varies by individual tolerance.	Dairy-sensitive people, daily use.	Soy-sensitive individuals.
Coconut Water	Rich in electrolytes, promotes pH balance.	Excessive intake can increase potassium.	Rehydration, pH balancing.	People with kidney disease.
Acidic Juices	None for acid reflux.	Worsens symptoms, irritates esophagus.	General health (if no reflux).	People with active or frequent reflux.
Carbonated Drinks	None for acid reflux.	Increases stomach pressure and bloating.	General consumption (if no reflux).	People with GERD.

Conclusion: Choosing your drink wisely

Selecting the right beverages is a simple yet powerful tool for managing acidity and heartburn. Focus on hydrating with plain or alkaline water, and explore soothing options like ginger and chamomile tea. When choosing milk, opt for low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond milk. Conversely, proactively avoid known triggers such as carbonated drinks, citrus juices, and excessive coffee. Listening to your body and consulting a healthcare provider for persistent symptoms remains the best course of action. Incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine can significantly improve your digestive comfort and overall well-being. For more detailed nutritional advice, consider speaking with a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it depends on the type. Low-fat or skim milk can temporarily coat the esophagus and provide relief. However, whole milk's high fat content can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms for some people.

Despite being an acidic fruit, some find that a small amount of lemon juice diluted in warm water with honey can have an alkalizing effect after digestion. However, many people find citrus to be a major trigger, so caution is advised.

Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, can cause bloating and increase pressure in the stomach. This increased pressure can force stomach acid up into the esophagus, triggering or worsening reflux.

Almond milk is naturally alkaline, which can help neutralize stomach acidity. It's also low in fat, which means it is less likely to relax the lower esophageal sphincter compared to high-fat milks.

Drinking ginger tea after a meal can be particularly beneficial. It can help improve digestion and reduce the production of stomach acid, thereby alleviating discomfort.

Yes, some people with acid reflux report relief from drinking aloe vera juice. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, but it's important to use a product meant for internal consumption.

No, not all herbal teas are safe. While ginger, chamomile, and licorice teas are generally recommended, peppermint tea is known to relax the esophageal sphincter and can make acid reflux worse.