Does Drinking Water Help Acid Reflux? At-Home Remedies for Reflux
Posted By Author on October 30, 2024
After enjoying a cheat day filled with a four-cheese pizza, chips, and a classic Coke, you may wake up in the middle of the night with a burning in your chest that makes you feel like your very soul is encased in flames.
Say hello to the unfortunate result of acid reflux, also known as GERD. The condition GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition where stomach acid flows back up and into the esophagus.
Finding relief during an episode of acid reflux can be challenging. Can milk ease the fire in your chest? Is a calming herbal tea the way to find instant relief? Keep reading to find out what our GI doctors recommend and when it might be time to schedule a visit!
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the tube connecting your mouth and your stomach, also called the esophagus. Experiencing acid reflux once in a while is not unusual. However, if it happens repeatedly over time, GERD may be the culprit.
Symptoms of GERD
The symptoms of GERD are centralized to the stomach, chest, and up into the throat. Common symptoms include:
A burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn
Upper belly and chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Sensation of a lump in the throat
Food backwash or sour liquid in the throat
Acid reflux can typically present itself at night since acid can begin to move up into the throat while in a lying down position. If you experience nighttime acid reflux, you may also suffer from a consistent cough, inflammation of the vocal cords, or new or worsening asthma.
Coffee and GERD: The Bad and the Best Drinks for Acid Reflux Relief
If you have acid reflux or GERD, certain drinks can end up causing more harm than good to your symptoms.
Drinks to Avoid
Certain beverages are better to leave on the shelf or in the fridge during a bout of acid reflux. Drinks that can pose a higher risk of triggering acid reflux or worsening your symptoms include:
Alcohol: Causes damage to the stomach lining and esophagus
Citrus juices: Highly acidic
Carbonated beverages: Also, highly acidic
Caffeinated beverages: Can increase gastric acid secretions
Drinks to Help Acid Reflux Prevention
Yes, water can ease your issues with acid reflux. Even though you may be saying goodbye to soda and orange juice, many other beverages alongside water can help reduce your symptoms and keep the effects of acid reflux at bay.
Fruit juices: Such as carrot juice, aloe vera juice, watermelon juice, etc.
Water: Aids in digestion and motility of food from your stomach to your small intestine
Should You Visit a Gastroenterologist for GERD?
Whether your current diet caused you to have a bad case of heartburn, or a late-night snacking session left you with a sour taste in your mouth, acid reflux will typically go away on its own with some lifestyle changes.
But what happens if acid reflux keeps coming back?
On top of a consistent case of acid reflux, you should visit a GI doctor near you if you experience any of the following alongside acid reflux symptoms:
Unexplained weight loss
Chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Bloody or black stools
If left untreated, GERD can develop into more harmful conditions, including esophagitis and strictures, which are inflammation of the cells within the intestines.
Taking the Burn out of Heartburn with Charleston GI
When it comes to managing the uncomfortable and downright frustrating symptoms of acid reflux, making sure you are drinking the right fluids to help rather than hinder your recovery is the first step.
If you find yourself drinking all the right beverages and eating a well-balanced diet, but that burning sensation in your chest keeps coming back, our Charleston gastroenterology doctors near you are here to help!
From diagnosis to treatment, we are here to help you find relief while taking your history and symptoms into account.
We have four convenient Charleston, SC area locations to choose from, in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads.
