Does Drinking Water Help Acid Reflux?

Water can help balance the pH of acidic meals, which may help decrease the occurrence of acid reflux. Carbonated mineral water is particularly effective in helping acid reflux symptoms.

Acid reflux is what happens when acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When acid reflux occurs more than twice per week, is long-lasting, or causes uncomfortable symptoms or damage, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes or by taking non-prescription medicines. 

• In some cases, drinking water, specifically carbonated mineral water, may help acid reflux. 
• Water can help balance the pH of acidic meals, which may help decrease the occurrence of acid reflux. Carbonated mineral waters that have a high content of hydrogen carbonate may be particularly effective in relieving symptoms of acid reflux. 
• Alkaline water, including coconut water, can help inactivate human pepsin, which helps with acid-buffering capacity in people with acid reflux.
• Some non-caffeinated herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and licorice may also help relieve symptoms of reflux, though other types of teas may aggravate symptoms.

Additional home remedies to relieve acid reflux include:

• Don’t overeat
• Don’t eat 2 to 3 hours before bed
• Lying down with a full stomach can make reflux worse
• Avoid foods that worsen symptoms 
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Peppermint
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
• Raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches using blocks of wood or rubber under 2 legs of the bed or a foam wedge under the mattress
• Wear loose clothing around the stomach area
• Don’t smoke

If lifestyle changes do not relieve symptoms of acid reflux, medications may include: 

• Antacids
• Histamine blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Prokinetics
• Antibiotics

In severe cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, surgery may be recommended. Types of surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include: 

• Fundoplication
• Endoscopic techniques

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn: burning pain or discomfort in the chest, stomach, abdomen, or throat
• Regurgitation: acid and undigested food back up into the throat or mouth 
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain
• Feeling as if food is stuck in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained dry cough
• Respiratory problems
• Belching 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting (may be bloody)
• Bloating
• Bloody or black stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bad breath
• Wheezing
• Hiccups
• Tooth erosion