Does drinking hot water help acid reflux? [Myths busted]

Are you wondering that Does drinking hot water help acid reflux? Then simply the answer is yes.

Keep drinking warm water if you are experiencing stomach issues such as constipation, acidity, cough, or a cold.

Does drinking hot water help acid reflux?

By drinking enough water every day, your stomach acids become diluted, which creates less acid reflux. In addition, it maintains a proper electrolyte balance in your body, which is essential for GERD symptoms and acid reflux.  Water is usually neutral in pH so it helps alkalize acidic foods that cause heartburn. In your stomach, water mixes well with fiber as well. Not only does this help curb your appetite, but it also helps soak up excess stomach acid. By doing so, the acid won’t leak up into your esophagus, causing that unpleasant burning sensation and other symptoms. So consuming foods high in fiber along with some water can be very helpful for reducing acid reflux symptoms.

How hot should be the water to help in acid reflux?

Hot water speeds up digestion and reactivates your metabolism. In other words, the foods that cause your stomach acid to reflux will be eliminated from your body faster, preventing more severe and uncomfortable symptoms from occurring. However, make sure the water is not too warm, as this can aggravate acid reflux. In addition, a cup of warm water helps flush out the toxins that accumulate throughout the day in your body. Your esophagus can become more damaged from these toxins, causing acid reflux to worsen over time. Therefore, drinking warm water at the end of the day might benefit you in more ways than one.

Read more: Home Remedies for Heartburn During Pregnancy: The CHELSEA Approach

What is Acid Reflux

A condition known as acid reflux occurs when the lower sphincter muscle relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Heartburn and other symptoms may result. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can develop with frequent or constant reflux.

Which drinks can cause acid reflux?

Following are some drinks that can cause acid reflux:

Alcoholic beverages:

Having an alcoholic beverage relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases the production of gastric acid in the stomach. Acid reflux can be caused by either of these conditions or aggravated by them.

Carbonated Drinks:

Several carbonated beverages contain sugars that may cause your stomach to produce extra acid in order to facilitate digestion. In addition, the drink’s bubbles may cause your stomach to inflate, putting a lot of pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. In response, it opens, allowing stomach acid to escape and flow into the windpipe.

Caffeine-containing drinks:

Those who suffer from chronic acid reflux should avoid caffeine in the morning since it is known to worsen the condition. Your stomach becomes more acidic when you consume caffeine, which worsens acid reflux.

Citrus Drinks or Juices:

Consuming citrus juices if you suffer from acid reflux can aggravate your condition due to the high concentration of citric acid they contain.

What drinks can help you avoid acid reflux?

Herbal Teas:

Many stomach problems, such as gas and nausea, can be relieved with herbal teas. For acid reflux, try caffeine-free herbal teas, but stay away from peppermint and spearmint teas. Peppermint can trigger acid reflux.  

Coconut Water:

There are many health benefits to drinking coconut water.  Coconuts contain carbohydrate and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Besides rehydrating, it also leaves a cooling effect. Coconut water has enough potassium to balance the stomach pH (7mEq in 100ml).

Low-Fat Cold Milk:

Heartburn can be relieved instantly with low-fat cold milk. In contrast, full-fat milk contains more fat and can exacerbate acid reflux.

Smoothies:

With fruits, vegetables and oats in them, smoothies are loaded with fibre. A high fiber diet increases satiety. Eating less also helps prevent acid reflux. Homemade oats banana smoothie in chilled milk is easy to make and helps to relieve acid reflux.

Plain Water:

Simple solutions are sometimes the best. Water has a pH of 7.0, which can help raise the pH of an acidic meal. Hence drinking plain water can help with acid reflux.

Some Fruit Juices:

Citrus drinks and other acidic drinks like pineapple juice and apple juice may cause acid reflux. Most people do not experience GERD symptoms when they drink less acidic juices. Among the best options are:

• Carrot juice
• juice of aloe vera
• Cabbage Juice
• Beverages made with less acidic foods, such as beets, watermelons, spinach, cucumbers, or pears

Avoiding tomato juice may also reduce GERD symptoms since tomato-based foods can trigger reflux.

FAQs

Can drinking hot water cause acid reflux?

Drinking hot water can relieve GERD and acid reflux symptoms, help digestion, and soothe your stomach. Additionally, water dilutes stomach contents and prevents stomach acid from rising to your esophagus, preventing acid reflux. Furthermore, drinking water ensures proper hydration, which is necessary for good health. 

Do hot drinks make acid reflux worse?

The following foods and drinks have been suspected of causing symptoms to worsen in some people: 

• Peppermint
• Tomatoes
• Chocolate
• spicy foods
• hot drinks
• coffee and alcoholic beverages

What is the best water to drink for acid reflux?

Drinking water regularly can improve digestion and reduce GERD symptoms. Hence plain water is best to drink.

What can I drink to relieve acid reflux?

Following drinks are best to drink to relieve acid reflux:

• Plain water
• Coconut Water
• Cold milk
• Smoothies
• Lemon in lukewarm water along with honey
• Probiotics