Cool, plain water is the safest and most immediately available drink during an acid reflux attack. It helps dilute stomach acid and wash it back down from the esophagus. But beyond plain water, several other beverages can offer faster or more targeted relief, and a few common drinks will make things worse.
Plain Water and Alkaline Water
Room-temperature or cool water is the simplest first move. A few slow sips can help clear acid from the esophagus and dilute what’s sitting in the stomach. Don’t gulp large amounts at once, since overfilling the stomach increases pressure and can push more acid upward.
Alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 offers an additional benefit: it helps neutralize pepsin, the digestive enzyme that damages the esophageal lining when it travels up with stomach acid. Regular tap water has a pH around 7, so it won’t have this effect. Bottled alkaline water is widely available, and some home filtration systems can raise pH to this range. If you keep alkaline water on hand, it’s a better option than tap water during an active flare.
Baking Soda in Water
Dissolving half a teaspoon of baking soda in a full glass of water creates a quick, effective antacid. Sodium bicarbonate directly neutralizes stomach acid, and most people feel relief within minutes. You can repeat this every two hours if needed, but don’t rely on it for more than two weeks. Frequent or long-term use can disrupt your body’s acid-base balance, and the high sodium content is a concern if you’re watching your salt intake. Think of this as a one-time rescue remedy, not a daily habit.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce irritation in the esophagus. If your reflux has left your throat and chest feeling raw, chamomile tea addresses both the burn and the inflammation behind it. Brew it at a moderate temperature and let it cool enough to sip comfortably, since very hot liquids can aggravate an already irritated esophagus. Caffeine-free and naturally gentle, chamomile is one of the safest options to drink before bed when nighttime reflux tends to be worst.
Ginger Tea
Ginger speeds up the rate at which your stomach empties, which means food and acid spend less time sitting around and pushing upward. It also reduces nausea, a common companion to bad reflux episodes. You can steep a few thin slices of fresh ginger in hot water for five to ten minutes or use a caffeine-free ginger tea bag. Research on upper gastrointestinal symptoms suggests roughly 1,500 mg of ginger per day (about a half-inch piece of fresh root) is an effective dose for digestive relief. Keep the concentration mild during an active attack, since very strong ginger can irritate an already sensitive stomach.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice has a soothing, coating effect on irritated tissue. In a controlled trial, participants who took 10 mL (about two teaspoons) of aloe vera syrup daily saw reductions in heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and flatulence within two weeks, with further improvement by week four. Look for aloe vera juice labeled for internal use and free of added laxative compounds (the outer leaf contains a strong laxative). A small amount, one to two ounces, is enough during a reflux flare.
Low-Fat or Skim Milk
Milk’s reputation as a reflux remedy is half right. A cold glass of skim or 1% milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid and coat the esophagus, providing short-term relief. But the fat in whole milk and 2% milk actually stimulates more acid production and relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, making reflux worse after the initial soothing effect wears off. If you reach for milk during an attack, stick to skim or 1%. Plant-based milks like oat or almond milk (unsweetened, unflavored) are also reasonable alternatives, since they tend to be low in fat and close to neutral pH.
What Not to Drink During an Attack
Some beverages that seem harmless, or even healthy, will reliably make a reflux episode worse.
- Carbonated water and sodas. Carbonation drops the pressure of the valve at the top of your stomach by nearly half (from about 24 mmHg to 14 mmHg in one study), and this weakened seal stays loose for roughly 14 minutes. That’s a wide-open window for acid to escape upward. Even plain sparkling water has this effect.
- Coffee and caffeinated tea. Caffeine relaxes the same valve and stimulates acid production. During an active attack, any caffeinated drink will extend your discomfort.
- Citrus juice and tomato juice. These are highly acidic on their own and directly irritate inflamed esophageal tissue.
- Alcohol. It relaxes the esophageal valve, increases acid secretion, and slows stomach emptying. Even a small amount during a flare is counterproductive.
- Chocolate milk or hot cocoa. Chocolate contains compounds that relax the lower esophageal sphincter, and the fat in these drinks compounds the problem.
A Note on Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for reflux, but the evidence doesn’t support it. The theory is that adding acid to the stomach might tighten the valve that keeps acid from rising. In practice, there are no clinical studies confirming this works, and swallowing vinegar during an active attack risks further irritating tissue that’s already inflamed. Harvard Health has specifically noted the lack of data supporting its use for heartburn. During an acute episode, skip it.
How to Drink for the Best Results
Sip slowly rather than drinking large volumes at once. A full stomach increases the upward pressure that drives reflux, so flooding it with liquid defeats the purpose. Small, frequent sips of water or tea over 15 to 20 minutes are more effective than chugging a glass. If your attack was triggered by a meal, staying upright for at least two to three hours helps gravity keep acid where it belongs. Lying down with a full stomach is one of the most reliable ways to turn mild reflux into a miserable night.
Keeping a few of these options available, alkaline water in the fridge, chamomile tea bags in the cabinet, baking soda in the pantry, means you’ll have something to reach for the next time reflux hits without warning.