Are you a patient of GERD or often suffer acid reflux and are searching for less acidic but healthy drinks?
Don’t stress! Many people, including us, face these issues quite often and we’ve got you covered!
This article will discuss some of the most common and easy-to-prepare least acidic drinks.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
What Happens When You Drink Acidic Drinks?
Before jumping to the least acidic drinks, you must know what happens when you drink them. Let’s figure it out together!
1. Acidic Drinks Are Bad for Dental Health
If you are fond of acidic drinks like wines and other alcohol, you must know their side effects on your teeth. Yes, you read it right.
Too many acidic drinks damage your teeth. The acid reacts with the enamel.
It’s the outermost protective layer of your teeth. With time, the acid starts eroding it.
The result? Cavities, sensitivity, and gum infections.
2. Acidic Drinks Also Cause Acidic Reflux
Do you know what acid reflux is? If not, that’s okay!
After having your favorite wine, orange, or lime juice, you feel like the liquid travels back from your stomach to the esophagus. Yes, it’s acid reflux.
It causes heartburn, chest pain, nausea, and regurgitation. The results?
Discomfort and stress. Want a solution to these health problems?
Opt for drinks with the least amount of acid.
7 Drinks Having the Least Amount of Acid That You Need to Know
Okay! Finally, your wait is over.
Here are the 7 best drinks that help you fight acidic reflux.
1. Low-fat Cow Milk
Did you ever ponder why your mother gives you chilled milk when you complain of heartburn? If not, here’s an explanation for you!
Milk is the best solution to acid reflux. It contains proteins that neutralize the acid and prevent heartburn from regurgitation.
Before consuming milk, ensure it’s low in fat. High-fat milk is not a good option because fats worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Next time you think of consuming milk, go for low-fat cow milk.
2. Plant-based Milk
Not everyone can digest milk. Many people are lactose intolerant.
Plant-based milk is the perfect solution for such people. You can go for
- Coconut milk
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Flax milk
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
All these types of milk have low-fat content. If you don’t like cow’s milk, they are the best choice for you and your kids.
3. Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are the best option if you have acid reflux issues. We only know them for improving digestion, but they do much more magic.
According to research, the herbal formula containing licorice has the potential to soothe the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Licorice boosts the production of mucus in the esophagus.
In this way, it protects the esophagus lining from the acid. The result?
You feel less heartburn. Besides, there are a lot more herbal tea options for you. These include
- Marshmallow root tea
- Slippery elm tea
- Fennel seed tea
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Papaya tea
Not only are these teas good for acid reflux and relieving nausea, inflammation, bloating, and other related stomach issues.
How to Prepare Herbal Tea?
Here’s a simple herbal tea recipe for you.
- Take a saucepan and add a cup of water to it.
- Please wait until it boils.
- Add a teaspoon of dried herb leaves and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- If you are using roots, steeping will take a little longer.
- And that’s it!
Your herbal tea is ready.
Note: Peppermint teas won’t work. Instead, they trigger reflux.
4. Smoothies
Who doesn’t like smoothies? A summer delight to keep your body cool!
Smoothies are a perfect mix of flavors, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The good news for you is that it’s acid-reflux friendly too.
Smoothies with less acidic fruits and green vegetables are considered the best treatment for acid refluxes. The reason?
They neutralize the acids giving your esophagus relief from heartburn.
5. Coconut Water
Do you know what wonders a glass of coconut water can do? If not, let’s tell you.
Unsweetened natural coconut water maintains the pH of our bodies. A well-maintained pH means fewer incidents of acid reflux.
So yeah! Another reflux-friendly great drink for you.
Next time you visit the beach, remember to drink coconut water.
6. Neural Water
Do you know what neural water is, or it sounds too sciency? Okay! No problem. Let’s tell you.
Water with pH 7 is called neutral water. Drinking it only has a mild effect on your stomach’s pH.
Hence, it’s a good cure for acid reflux. But you need to remember one thing!
Too much disturbs the mineral balance. Therefore, drink according to your body’s requirements but ensure neutral pH.
7. Fruit Juice
Pure fruit juices are also good for people with acid reflux or GERD. But wait!
Not every fruit is good for you. Opt for less acidic juices such as peach, watermelon, pear, etc.
Drinks That Are Too Acidic for You
You know you have GERD or acid reflux issues, so here’s a list of acidic drinks to avoid.
- Grapefruit juice
- Tangerine juice
- Tomato juice
- Orange juice
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Coffee
- Tea
Which Drink is Best for Acid Reflux?
The general answer is low-acid drinks. Yes, if you are fond of alcoholic beverages, switch to ones that have low acidity.
You can also go for smoothies, low-acid fruit juices, low-fat cow milk, and other drinks mentioned above.
Which Alcohol Doesn’t Cause Acidity?
Gin, tequilas, rum, and non-grain vodkas are low-acidic alcohols. You can have them alone or with a mix of other low-acidic fruit juices.
How Do You Make a Drink Less Acidic?
Many people often ask this question and the answer is quite simple. If your drink is too acidic, dilute it with neutral or slightly alkaline water.
It’s quite effective in reducing acidity. Adding some sugar would also help.
Is Whiskey Acidic?
The pH of whiskey ranges from 3.68 – 4.78. The pH values below 7 are considered acidic.
The more the number goes down, the more acidic the drink becomes. Hence, whiskey is considered an acidic drink.
The Bottom Line
Drinks are a necessary part of our lives now. We come across a lot of drinks.
Some are neutral, while others are acidic or basic.
If you have acid reflux or GERD, acidic drinks can be terrible. It would be best if you go for less acidic drinks.
All the above-mentioned drinks have low acidity, so whenever you feel heartburn, have them immediately!
