Reasons to Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
Coffee, tea, energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages are commonly consumed beverages that can cause acid reflux symptoms in some people. Those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should especially avoid these beverages, as caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter that keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. Therefore, if you experience GERD, consuming caffeinated drinks can cause further irritation and increase the likelihood of experiencing those uncomfortable heartburn symptoms.
Ways to Know if You Should Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
The best way to know for sure if caffeinated drinks are the culprit of your GERD symptoms is to keep a food and beverage journal. As you log what you consume, you will be more aware of your eating habits and able to identify patterns of when your symptoms occur in relation to what you drink. Simply observing your beverage consumption can help you reduce GERD symptoms.
Health practitioners may also advise people to reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption as a way to alleviate GERD symptoms. Keep in mind that it is best to consult with a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet, as they may have other suggestions based on your particular health circumstances.
What to Drink Instead of Coffee for GERD?
Fortunately, GERD sufferers do not have to forgo their favorite hot beverages. Decaf coffee is an excellent option for people with GERD since it contains lower concentrations of acid than regular coffee and still has the same satisfying taste. Similarly, decaf teas come in a variety of flavors and provide warmth without the acidity. Even those without GERD can enjoy decaf drinks, as they are often healthier than regular caffeinated beverages.
Hot chocolate is also a natural remedy for GERD, as it is a comforting beverage for many. Like decaf coffee, hot chocolate is a soothing drink that does not contain any acid, making it a great alternative for GERD sufferers. It also tends to have fewer calories than many caffeinated beverages.
Other carbonated drinks that contain no caffeine are great alternatives, as they have less potential to aggravate GERD symptoms. One example is sparkling water, as it adds some pleasant bubbles and still provides hydration.
Alternative Herbal Teas
For a more natural approach to alleviate GERD symptoms, herbal teas can be beneficial. Organic teas have been found to have therapeutic properties, which can help lessen GERD symptoms. According to research, the herbs most beneficial for digestion are peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, dandelion and ginger. As peculiar as it might sound, natural ginger tea is a great way to prevent acid reflux, as it is both calming and soothing.
Licorice root tea also can be helpful, as it helps with digestion by decreasing inflammation and acting as an antacid. It is important to note that licorice root can cause water retention and other adverse reactions in some people, so be sure to discuss its use with your healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Aloe Vera Juice is Also a Possible Remedy
Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help reduce GERD symptoms. It is important to look for aloe vera juice that has no added sugar- as sugar and other sweeteners can worsen GERD symptoms. The juice helps break down the food and eliminate impurities from the stomach, which can help reduce stomach acidity.
It is best to dilute the aloe vera juice with some water and drink it before meals as a preventative measure or to alleviate GERD symptoms after you eat. It is also important to start with a small amount, as it can be potent, and consider looking for organic varieties to ensure purity.
How to Create Your Own Natural Remedies
There are many recipes you can use to make natural remedies for GERD. Taking advantage of the healing properties of herbs and other natural ingredients can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. For example, curry leaves, licorice and ginger can be boiled in pure, cold pressed coconut oil to make a paste. Applied directly to the stomach, they can help aid digestion and reduce acid reflux. Moreover, adding cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper to steeped herbal tea can create a digestive-friendly drink that can help soothe GERD symptoms.
Having a better understanding of which foods and beverages can trigger GERD symptoms is essential for making health-conscious decisions that enable GERD sufferers to continue to enjoy favorite drinks without experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.
Natural Citrus Fruits for Acid Reflux
Eating citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can help alleviate GERD. Due to their highly acidic nature, citrus fruits can help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and keep acid reflux under control. Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can be eaten on their own or can be used to create refreshing juices. The acidity in the fruits will act as a natural remedy to reduce acid reflux.
Consuming foods that are rich in fiber like apples and pears can also help alleviate GERD. High fiber foods help speed up digestion and reduce the chances of regurgitation that is associated with GERD.
The Benefits of Adding Probiotics to Your Diet
Adding probiotics to your diet is another way to combat GERD symptoms. Probiotics contain beneficial live bacteria that are beneficial for digestion and can help reduce acid reflux. This can be done by taking probiotic supplements or enjoying probiotic yogurt, kefir, or kombucha.
Including fermented foods in your diet can also help with GERD. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles are great sources of beneficial bacteria that can help the digestive system work optimally.
You Can Create Delicious Non-Caffeinated Drinks
Ginger, turmeric and basil are great ingredients to add a bit of flavor to your GERD-friendly drinks. These ingredients have a variety of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate GERD. For example, a mixture of ginger root, basil leaves, honey and grapefruit juice can create a delicious and nutritious juice that can help reduce GERD symptoms.
Herbal teas are an excellent GERD-friendly alternative to coffee and tea. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos and hibiscus have many benefits. In addition to reducing GERD symptoms, they can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Another popular alternative is bone broth. Bone broth is naturally rich in collagen, which can help maintain the integrity of your esophagus. Additionally, bone broth can help heal the gut and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It is therefore an excellent choice for those suffering from GERD.
