Acid reflux is the backward motion of our stomach acid to our esophagus and throat, which often results in heartburn and regurgitation of food. It may also come with a sour taste in the mouth, coughing, or hoarseness of the voice. Prevent and relieve symptoms of acid reflux by drinking the right kind of tea after meal and before you sleep.
Table of Contents
What Causes Acid Reflux?
When our lower esophageal sphincter does not completely close, stomach acid and food are given a free pass to travel back to our esophagus. This backward movement is what we refer to as acid reflux, something that we often mistakenly think is the condition itself. However, the correct medical term for the illness is called gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. It occurs when the opening at the bottom of our esophagus tends to open and relax frequently, leading to chronic acid reflux. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter seals the passage after eating so the food and the stomach acid remain in the abdomen area.
Thankfully, dietary suggestions for eating plain food to manage acid reflux have relaxed over time. All you need to do is take note of your triggers, consult your trusted physician, and sip these non-caffeinated teas.
Who Are at Risk of Acid Reflux Disease
The exact etiology for GERD is unknown, but there are risk factors that heighten a person’s chance of having acid reflux. Food, unfortunately, is one of these. Some people have unfavorable reflux due to dairy or spicy food, citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods. While some after coffee or alcohol as these are naturally acidic.
Eating fast and in large amounts are seen to trigger it too, including eating before bedtime. Lying supine may allow food and acid to go back to the esophagus, so physician’s advice to elevate your head and chest when lying down.
Pregnant women are at risk of experiencing acid reflux due to the added weight and pressure in their stomach area. Such is the case for people who are obese or taking certain medications. Someone who suffers from hiatal hernia is also at high risk of experiencing acid reflux regularly.
Finally, the nicotine from smoking is also seen to open up the lower esophageal sphincter, so smokers may want to wean on cigarettes to prevent acid reflux.
How Can Tea Help With Acid Reflux?
One major reason why drinking tea is beneficial in preventing or relieving acid reflux is because tea commonly supports digestion, while some teas are great for speeding up the metabolism. This means that despite having a heavy meal, a cup of tea to wash it down will help quicken the digestion process.
Another reason is tea is a natural muscle relaxant, the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus, when it weakens causes the acid to leak up. Muscle relaxant reduced stress-caused acid reflux, at the same time relaxing the sphincter muscle. Drinking over-the-counter muscle relaxant and pain reliever while having symptoms of acid reflux is a big mistake, as the acid from the medication will worsen the situation.
Drinking tea will also provide the caffeine rush one may be craving for, avoiding coffee will greatly help reduce GERD as coffee is highly acidic.
Ginger Tea
The culinary staple ginger is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, whether it is added to meals or consumed in tea form. Slicing fresh ginger and steeping them in hot water is said to help with the inflammation of the esophagus caused by constant acid reflux. Plus, it is also believed to promote good digestion and metabolism. For years, the Chinese have used ginger as a natural, alternative medicine to alleviate nausea, indigestion, and irritation. Aside from these, compounds in ginger prevent uncomfortable abdominal movements that may cause stomach acid and food to travel back. Take note that it is ideal to consume the tea in its purest form since ginger ale contains sugar and other ingredients that may worsen your acid reflux.
Chamomile Tea
Known as a soothing, sleep-inducing drink, chamomile tea can help fight the sleep disturbance that regurgitation of acid and food may cause. The pretty, white flowers of chamomile from the Asteraceae family are also seen to lower both anxiety and stress levels, part of the several risk factors for chronic acid reflux. Swelling and indigestion may be targeted by the sweet tea too, thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. With all of these benefits, it’s no surprise that chamomile tea is one of the most consumed tea types in the world. More research is still needed to establish the scientific connection of chamomile to acid reflux, but the sweet aroma of a steaming cup might just entice you to drink one.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice is not just a sweetener, it may also be the aid to your acid reflux. The root grown mainly in Asia has been consumed as a remedy for abdominal pains and indigestion, and the practice is still continued today. The Harvard Medical School, in an article, also noted licorice’s ability to cover the esophagus with mucus, which can tone down the unwanted effects of acid reflux. However, if you have hypertension, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that licorice root may increase blood pressure.
Peppermint Tea
The minty aroma of peppermint tea is indeed invigorating, allowing you to relax from the bouts of acid reflux. But before you make an infusion of the peppermint leaves, note that there are contradicting suggestions about drinking this tea. Although peppermint tea is said to help with indigestion, nausea, and sore throat brought by GERD, medical experts have cautioned against consuming it, particularly if your food trigger is mint. Remember that determining what worsens your acid reflux is key to managing it. For people who have chosen this tea as their preferred beverage to help with the condition, the digestive wonders of peppermint are attributed to the relief of acid reflux symptoms.
Slippery Elm Tea
Native Americans have long turned to the gel-like infusion from the bark of slippery elm for the alleviation of wounds and fever. The mucilage or the sticky substance formed from brewing is believed to line the esophageal tissues and protect them from swelling, much like how licorice root tea works. It can also relieve stomach pains, ulcers, and indigestion. If the fresh bark of this tree is unavailable, you may switch to the commercial, powdered or tea bag version of this tea, and still enjoy its benefits.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric—the food dye, enhancer, and preservative—just keeps adding more advantages to its roster of benefits. Turmeric is teeming with curcumin that has anti-inflammatory characteristics, reducing the risk of esophagus inflammation from repeated acid wash. If left untreated, this swelling may lead to esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, more severe health conditions that urgently need medical attention.
Should you wish to drink turmeric tea, it comes in powdered or ready-to-drink variants in grocery stores today. However, note that tea-drinking of golden turmeric alone may not be enough for the body to absorb the healthful curcumin.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Yes, you read that right. The plant that inspired the fluffy and sweet confection is also sticky and resembles a gel substance. This viscous material can layer the throat and esophagus so they may better resist the unwanted flow of stomach acids. Prepare the infusion by soaking the dried marshmallow root in piping hot water and serve immediately. However, you may want to steer clear of this tea if you have preexisting diabetes.
Papaya/Pawpaw Tea
Do you want a sweet and fruity beverage when you are reeling with the effects of acid reflux? Then have a cup of papaya tea. The fiber-enriched tropical fruit has the papain enzyme that assists in better digestion by splitting up large substances to easily absorbable ones. It is also believed to help with heartburn, and the papaya leaf’s tea is observed to bear the same beneficial effects. Cut some papaya leaves and add them to boiling water to relieve the burning chest sensation.
Fennel Tea
Soaking fennel seeds in water may relieve digestion problems caused by acid reflux. The tea from the Foeniculum vulgare plant also boasts of anti-inflammatory qualities that could soothe inflammation of the esophagus. Commonly used as a spice addition, fennel seeds may also be chewed on their own to consume its health benefits. If nibbling while experiencing discomfort and heartburn does not sound like a good choice, steep dried fennel seeds in hot water instead.
Rooibos Tea
Reddish but sweet, rooibos tea from South Africa is popular for its alleviation of digestive problems, such as heartburn and indigestion. Its quercetin compound not only relieves airway congestion but it is also viewed to help with Celiac disease and acid reflux. Whether you are steeping tea bags or the loose leaves of rooibos, be sure to consult your doctor about tea intake if you are pregnant or if you are taking prescribed medications.
Having gastroesophageal reflux disorder is no easy feat, but when your pantry is full of these tea types and you’re armed with the proper medical advice, acid reflux may not even stand a chance in depriving you of a good mealtime.
You might also like٩(●˙▿˙●)۶…⋆ฺ:
→10 Best Tea To Get Rid of Bad Breath
→The Best Tea To Drink To Cure Your Cold
→12 Best Teas for Nausea
→Best 9 Tea Good for Your Heart
