Modern diets have led to a rise in the number of people suffering from acid reflux. The primary symptom of this condition is heartburn, an unpleasant, burning sensation in the middle of the chest caused by gastric acid refluxing up the esophagus.
Many people find relief by adopting a diet low in acidic foods, and several over-the-counter and prescription medications are available. Others turn to home remedies, such as drinking hot water.
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Does Drinking Hot Water Help Acid Reflux?
Drinking hot water may soothe the digestive system, aiding digestion and alleviating acid reflux symptoms. Drinking water also dilutes stomach acid, making heartburn less likely.
However, although hot water may provide temporary relief, it is not a cure for acid reflux and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
How Does Hot Water Help with Acid Reflux?
Drinking water dilutes your stomach acid, making acid reflux less likely.
It also helps maintain a proper electrolyte balance, which is essential for managing acid reflux.
Pure water is neutral, with a pH of 7.0, so drinking it reduces the acidity of acidic foods in your stomach. Alkaline water can even reach a pH of 8-9, which makes it beneficial for keeping stomach acid levels at bay.
Water also mixes with any fiber you consume, curbing your appetite and soaking up excess gastric acid.
Moreover, drinking hot water can speed up digestion, quickly moving any acidic foods from your stomach and preventing severe heartburn.
A cup of hot water helps flush out toxins that can damage your esophagus, worsening your acid reflux. However, ensure the water isn't too hot, as that may worsen your acid reflux.
Many people add honey to their nightly cup of warm water. Honey contains antioxidants that flush free radicals from the body, preventing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Can Fruit-infused Water Help with Acid Reflux?
If you find plain water boring, try adding some fruit. People with acid reflux should opt for low-acid fruit, such as melons, watermelons, strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
An average man should drink 15.5 cups of fluid daily, 11.5 for a woman.
You could also make tea, as some teas have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
Is Cold or Hot Water Better for Acid Reflux?
Research about whether cold or hot water is better is inconclusive, but neither will worsen your symptoms.
Tea requires hot water to make, whereas infusing cold water with fruit retains more nutrients.
However, hot water may dilute gastric acid better than cold, so you could try lukewarm water and gradually increase the temperature.
Is Hot Tea Good for Acid Reflux?
Like hot water, teas are a good home remedy for acid reflux, but choose those without caffeine, which may aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
Herbal teas like chamomile, licorice, and marshmallow don't stimulate stomach acid production.
Chamomile is the best tea for acid reflux, as it is anti-inflammatory and soothes your stomach. Some studies show that drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea is as effective as an over-the-counter antacid.
Adding a spoonful of baking soda to hot water increases its alkalinity, making it even more effective against acid reflux.
Hot water can be a great remedy for acid reflux, and it also hydrates you and keeps you energized.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level