Listen to the Podcast:

If you’ve had heartburn lately, you may want to consider drinking warm or hot water. Does this assist? Does drinking hot water help acid reflux symptoms? Or is everything a myth?

Some people find drinking hot water can help with acid reflux, while others may experience worsened symptoms. Drinking hot water may briefly feel better, but the relief won’t last long. Hot water is less effective for acid reflux than ginger tea, milk, or kefir.

This article contains important information about hot water and its benefits for wellness. Additionally, there are some amazing advantages to consuming hot water instead of cold water or coffee. Discover it on your own!

What is Acid Reflux?

When stomach acid and other contents flow back into the esophagus, it causes irritation and discomfort, known as acid reflux. The esophagus is a tube that links the mouth and the stomach. If the lower esophageal sphincter muscle doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus.

These cause a burning feeling in the chest, which is called Heartburn. It can also lead to coughing, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing.

Causes of Acid Reflux

Multiple factors can cause acid reflux. These are some of the most frequent reasons:

Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia is when the upper part of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm.

Weak lower esophageal sphincter: The LES is a muscle at the esophagus’s bottom. It works like a valve to stop stomach acid from returning to the esophagus. If the LES is weak, it may be unable to do its job properly. When the LES is weak, it cannot function effectively, which may lead to acid reflux.

Certain foods and drinks: Some foods and drinks like spicy, fatty, or acidic ones (such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee) can irritate the esophagus lining, increasing the chances of acid reflux.

Eating habits: If you eat big meals or lay down after eating, you might have a higher risk of acid reflux.

Obesity: When you have excess weight, it puts pressure on your stomach. This pressure can cause stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus, leading to acid reflux problems.

Smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the likelihood of acid reflux likelihood.

Medications: Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, and certain blood pressure medicines can up the chances of acid reflux.

Stress and Anxiety: When we are stressed or anxious, our stomach produces more acid, and the LES becomes weaker, which can lead to acid reflux.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The symptoms of acid reflux may differ among individuals, but some of the frequently observed ones are:

• Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, and sometimes there is a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Regurgitation: Regurgitation is when the stuff in your stomach, like food or liquid, comes back into your throat or mouth.
• Nausea: Nausea is a sensation of unease or discomfort in the stomach.
• Coughing: A persistent cough, particularly at night, could indicate acid reflux.
• Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing is when you feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest.
• Hoarseness: Hoarseness is a condition where the voice becomes raspy or scratchy. It can be caused by irritation to the vocal cords.
• Sore throat: A sore throat is when your throat feels painful or irritated, and sometimes you cough or have a hoarse voice.
• Chest pain: Chest pain is a type of pain that can feel sharp or burning in the chest. Sometimes people may think it’s a heart attack.
• Asthma: If you have asthma, acid reflux may worsen your symptoms. This can cause coughing and wheezing.

It’s important to note that not all individuals with acid reflux will encounter all of these symptoms, and a few individuals may not have any symptoms.

Is Drinking Hot Water Good for Acid Reflux?

Drinking warm water might help with acid reflux because it could flush out the hydrochloric acid that comes into the esophagus when you burp. But, this outcome is anticipated when drinking hot alkaline water. Drinking alkaline water, whether hot or cold, can be a helpful remedy for managing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Heartburn or acid reflux is becoming prevalent among individuals of all ages. Acid reflux is when you experience heartburn, regurgitation, and vomiting. This condition is sometimes referred to as acid indigestion. It typically happens when stomach acid flows into the food pipe or esophagus.

This is a very common gastrointestinal disease that affects a lot of people around the world. Studies have shown that it’s more prevalent in Western countries, with a 10-40% prevalence in North America and Western Europe.

This condition can be caused by various factors such as consuming spicy food, not getting enough sleep, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Some folks prefer using home remedies to treat this condition.

Does Drinking Hot Water Help Acid Reflux?

Drinking water stops acid from coming up from the stomach and into the esophagus or throat for those with silent reflux.

Drinking water, even briefly, can prevent acid reflux as the water passes down the throat and esophagus, providing some relief.

Another way hot water can help is by reducing the acidity of the stomach and digestive tract when consumed. Water has a pH level of around 7, considered neutral on the pH scale.

Water entering the stomach can help lower acidity, usually around a pH level of 1.5-3.5. This can temporarily lower any acid reflux symptoms you may be experiencing.

That’s why water with a pH above 7 is more alkaline and might have a better effect than water with a lower pH, which is more acidic.

In addition to the points above, a few more advantages might be associated with acid reflux and hot water consumption.

One thing that may help relieve constipation. Using water is a good method to alleviate and avoid constipation. Some folks with acid reflux may notice a connection between their symptoms and bowel movements. Improving bowel health could potentially improve acid reflux symptoms.

Another crucial point to note regarding drinking water is that it could potentially lower stress levels, as evidenced by this study. It’s important to note that stress and anxiety are common causes that can make and worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Does Drinking Hot Water on an Empty Stomach Cause Acidity?

Drinking hot water on an empty stomach is usually safe, and it might even have some health benefits, like helping with digestion and weight loss. But sometimes, drinking hot water can worsen your acid reflux symptoms if you’re already prone to acid reflux.

If you drink hot water, it may cause your stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the lining of your esophagus and lead to heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, if the temperature of the water is excessively high, it may aggravate the esophageal lining and deteriorate the indications of acid reflux. But what about cold water? There is a surprising connection between cold water and chest pain. 

If you tend to experience acid reflux, consuming water at room temperature or a bit colder is advisable. Additionally, it’s recommended to refrain from drinking excessive amounts of water in a short period since this can heighten the likelihood of acid reflux. It’s smart to talk to a healthcare professional if you’re worried about acid reflux or any other health issue.

Common Topics Regarding Hot Water and Acid Reflux

We usually prefer to treat acid reflux by ourselves. Many folks in our fam and ‘hood got some taboo tips for dealing with acid reflux. Are all of these statements accurate? Is it harmful to health? Let us discover.

Is Warm Water With Salt Good for Acid Reflux?

Using warm water with salt is not a common solution for acid reflux. Acid reflux is a medical condition where stomach acid moves back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Using salt water may help neutralize stomach acid or soothe the esophagus lining. But there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up this assertion.

Is Warm Water With Lemon Good for Acid Reflux?

Even though lemons are acidic, they become alkaline when you mix them with a little water. So, it helps to neutralize stomach acid and therefore reduces reflux.

Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 8 ounces of hot water to cure GERD using warm water and lemon.

However, it is advisable not to consume excessive amounts of lemon water and lemons. If you don’t follow the instructions, you may experience the following consequences:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• GERD
• Tooth decay

Is Warm Water With Honey a Good Acid Reflux Cure?

Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, natural phytonutrient, and antioxidant properties. Honey can be a useful remedy for acid reflux and GERD due to its beneficial qualities.

The antioxidants found in honey can aid in combating the free radicals that lead to acid reflux. It provides longer relief by coating the mucus membrane of the esophagus.

Adding honey to warm water is a good way to reduce and manage heartburn symptoms.

Is Hot Tea Good for Acid Reflux?

Teas can be a helpful home remedy for acid reflux, similar to hot water. However, it’s important to select teas that don’t have caffeine since they can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Chamomile, licorice, and marshmallow herbal teas do not cause an increase in stomach acid production.

Chamomile is the best tea for acid reflux because it is anti-inflammatory and soothes the stomach. Drinking hot chamomile tea has been shown in some studies to be equally effective as using an over-the-counter antacid.

How Can Water Make Acid Reflux Worse?

Refractory acid reflux is a more complex type of GERD that some individuals experience. It’s a kind of acid reflux that doesn’t respond to any treatment, let alone just drinking water. Some individuals might experience acid reflux when consuming excessive water or other food and beverages.

But you don’t need refractory acid reflux to experience symptoms after drinking water. Gastrointestinal experts say that eating anything that makes the stomach work can potentially cause a feeling similar to acid reflux.

So, like, for some peeps, drinking hot water can cause acid reflux. If you drink water (or any other liquid) on a full stomach and lie down afterward, you might accidentally cause acid reflux. If you eat too much, the stomach acid can go up the esophagus. When you lie down, it can go up the windpipe even more.

Potential Health Benefits and Risks of Drinking Hot Water

Drinking hot water has its advantages but may also pose health hazards in certain situations. The table below shows the advantages and disadvantages of drinking hot water.

Tips to Drink Hot Water to Relieve Acid Reflux

If you’re experiencing this condition, it’s worth trying hot water as a remedy. To get the best results, here are a few pointers on how to drink hot water:

1. Use warm water instead of boiling water. Drinking boiling water is not a good idea because it can burn your esophagus and worsen acid reflux. It’s better to drink water that is comfortably warm.
2. Do not add any other substance to the water. If you add lemon juice or other acidic ingredients like vinegar, it can increase acidity and make acid reflux worse.
3. Make sure to sip your drink slowly and consistently. If you sip hot water throughout the day, it can be more helpful in reducing acid reflux symptoms than drinking it all at once.
4. Make sure you don’t drink in bed. Don’t drink hot water before sleeping because lying down with a full stomach can make it easier for the acid to travel up your esophagus.
5. It is important to practice mindful eating. If you eat slowly and avoid overeating, it can help to decrease acid reflux symptoms and lower stress levels.

Drinks to Help in Acid Reflux

When attempting to soothe your fiery heart with water, it’s important to steer clear of acidic or preserved liquids that could activate stomach acids. To alleviate acid reflux and GERD, consuming 7 drinks could help relieve symptoms of acid reflux.

Plain Water

Drinking water regularly can help prevent acid reflux by diluting stomach acid. If you drink a glass of water after a meal, it can help to flush down any acid that might be in your esophagus.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the stomach lining and reduce acid reflux symptoms. To prepare ginger tea, steep some fresh ginger slices in hot water for a few minutes and then drink it.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea may help with acid reflux symptoms by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. You can try having a cup of chamomile tea in the evening or after a meal to see if it helps you feel better.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice can soothe gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux. If you drink aloe vera juice, it might help to decrease inflammation and irritation in your esophagus.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea may help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. To prepare licorice root tea, steep one teaspoon of dried licorice root in a cup of hot water for a few minutes and then drink it.

Almond Milk

Drinking low-fat or almond milk may help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms if you have acid reflux. But some people might notice that dairy products worsen their symptoms, so watching how your body reacts is important.

Coconut Water

Did you know coconut water is a dope source of electrolytes and has a slightly basic pH? This can help cancel out stomach acid and give you some relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Remember that the efficiency of these beverages can differ from individual to individual, and it’s crucial to observe how your body responds. Talking to a healthcare professional is a good idea if you have persistent acid reflux symptoms or are worried about your diet.

Drinks that Cause Acid Reflux and GERD

Some drinks can lead to acid reflux regardless of the time of day or night. It’s best to avoid these drinks as much as you can. Here are some drinks that may cause or worsen acid reflux symptoms:

Carbonated Beverages

Fizzy drinks like sodas and carbonated water can cause bloating and increased pressure in the stomach, which may result in acid reflux.

Coffee

Coffee can cause acid reflux symptoms because it stimulates stomach acid production and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This applies to both regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Alcohols

Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and spirits can relax the LES and produce more stomach acid, which can cause acid reflux.

Citrus Juice

Citrus juices can be acidic and irritate the esophagus, worsening acid reflux symptoms. These juices are made from citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, and lemon.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice can make acid reflux worse for some people because it is acidic. This is also true for other tomato-based products.

High Fat Dairy Products

Whole milk and other high-fat dairy products can slow stomach emptying, which may increase the risk of acid reflux. Moreover, dairy products high in fat can relax the LES, resulting in the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks can have caffeine and other stimulants that may cause an increase in stomach acid production and relax the LES. This can result in acid reflux symptoms.

Final Words

So basically, if you get heartburn, there are many things you can do to make it feel better. You can try natural stuff or buy medicine at the store. If you drink water, it can help you feel better right away. But this may not be a good solution to fix the problem for a long time.

You should modify your lifestyle to experience long-term relief from your health condition. Make sure to maintain a healthy diet, alter your daily routine, and consult with your physician.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week, it’s best to get professional help immediately. It could be a sign of a larger health issue. You should go to a doctor immediately to resolve the issue.

Related Reading:

Symptoms, causes, and treatment of Popcorn gastritis

The ultimate guide to manage hunger pain in chest

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information is not comprehensive and should not be used to make health or well-being decisions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about a medical condition, treatment options, or health regimen. This website or the content should never replace professional medical advice.