Drinking Tea for Acid Reflux

Posted: Sep 27 in Diet & Reflux by Staff

For those suffering from occasional acid reflux in Macon or Atlanta, pay close attention to the liquids you consume. Caffeinated beverages and sodas can potentially worsen symptoms of acid reflux. Limiting your consumption of such beverages may help, but giving up flavorful drinks for the sake of preventing acid reflux can be tough.
If you experience occasional bouts of acid reflux, talk with your doctor about drinking decaffeinated tea to improve your symptoms. If your acid reflux is more severe and occurs more than three times a week, you may want to consult your GERD surgeon for further diagnosis. Your acid reflux may be the result of a more serious underlying condition and require more effective treatment such as Nissen fundoplication.

How Tea Helps With Acid Reflux

Herbal teas may help improve occasional bouts of acid reflux by aiding in the digestion process. Eating excess foods—especially with high fat content—and eating foods too fast or during stressful situations can cause indigestion. Indigestion contributes to the increased production of stomach acid, which puts you at a greater risk for heartburn and reflux. Herbal teas can help regulate stomach acid secretion, and some herbal teas are known to alleviate pain caused from an upset stomach.

Time for Tea for Acid Reflux

Not all teas are useful for reducing acid reflux. For example, caffeinated teas can potentially make your symptoms worse. Caffeine has a relaxation effect on the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, which can give digestive juices the opportunity to reflux back into the esophagus. Also, caffeine is known to increase the production of  stomach acids. Coupled with a relaxed LES, caffeine creates the perfect storm for acid reflux incidence. When choosing blends of herbal teas, make sure to choose only those that are decaffeinated.
According to The Mayo Clinic, chamomile is sometimes used as herbal treatment for acid reflux. Herbal blends containing chamomile may help relieve upset stomach, gas and diarrhea. Also, the calming effects of sipping herbal tea may help combat anxiety and stress—two large contributors to acid reflux. Here are some additional ingredients that may help ease occasional acid-reflux:

• Ginger root
• Lavender
• Fennel

If you’re suffering from occasional acid reflux in Macon or Atlanta, you could try drinking decaffeinated herbal tea a few times a day. Replacing sodas and caffeinated beverages weight herbal tea may help improve or reduce the occasional bout of heartburn, or reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms in those who struggle with chronic reflux or GERD. Make sure you talk with your GERD surgeon before making any changes to your diet.