Acid reflux —or heartburn —is one of those things that can make simply eating or even laying down very uncomfortable. Medications can help, but a lot of people seek natural ways to manage symptoms. One such solution that’s making headlines is hot water.
But does it actually work?
In this post, we’ll explore the question: Does hot water help acid reflux? We’ll also consider hot, cold and lukewarm water for GERD, as well as what to drink in the morning and at night, and finally whether honey and hot water can help.
What exactly is Acidity and how does it occur?
Acid reflux happens when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscle that shuts off your stomach—relaxes or become too weak. When that happens, acid comes back up into your esophagus, causing irritation, burning, and discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
Heartburn
Sour taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitation of food or acid
Sore throat or hoarse voice
If that occurs often, you may have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)— a more serious form of acid reflux.
Main Question: Can Hot Water Cure Acid Reflux?
The short answer is yes, it can help — but here’s when and how to consume the best cup.
Hot water can aid in digestion, help dissolve waste material and allow food to move more easily through the intestines; it may also soften stools and reduce strain on the kidneys and digestive tract.
Why It Works:
Aids in digestion by helping food to move throughout the digestive system.
Naturally Dilutes the acid concentration of stomach.
Keeps you hydrated, hydrochloric acid in your stomach needs water.
Eases acid-reflux induced esophageal irritation.
According to Healthline, warm water can improve blood flow in your gut and help enzyme function, both of which can be useful for those coping with GERD.
GERD Warm or Cold Water — Which is Better?
If one is comparing warm water or cold water for GERD, then the warmer wins this contest.
Benefits of Warm Water:
What it does: Speeds up digestion and maintains a balance of stomach acids.
Loosens the esophagus rather than shocking it with cold.
Relieve reflux and reduce acid with an innovative wedge system.
Why Cold Water Might Be Bad:
Cold water “chills the stomach,” and can cause it to contract, Petrovich says, which may lead to cramping with food in the stomach.Cold water can make your stomach go into temporary shock.
So even if a glass of cold water sounds like it would be soothing, counterintuitively, warm water is better at reaching the reflux.
What to Drink for Acid Reflux before Bed
Nighttime reflux is particularly problematic because when lying down, acid can easily flow back up the esophagus.
Here’s what it’s safe to drink before bed:
Warm water – Balances acid levels and soothes the digestion.
Chamomile Tea – A natural relaxant that can decrease acid irritation (source).
Low-fat or almond milk – It is low in fat and sugar, which is a bliss.And it helps cool down stomach acid.
Aloe vera juice – Well known to relax the digestive lining.
Hack: Don’t guzzle down a lot before bed (sip in small amounts), and elevate your head when you sleep (recommendations of NIDDK).
Warm water and salt for your acid reflux Is Warm Salt Water Good for Acid Reflux?
While it is true that warm salt water does have some antibacterial benefits and can help ease a sore throat, it is not a good choice for acid reflux.
Salt raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream, leading to water retention and making acid reflux worse, according to Harvard Health.
If you’re looking to ease your throat, opt for warm water mixed with honey instead — it’s what I personally reach for even when I’m not nursing a sore throat; the concoction works wonders without tearing me up.
What Can I Drink To Relieve Bad Acid Indigestion Reux?
Not really. Though cold water can temporarily halt the sensation of burning, it’s not a permanent fix.
Cold water can slow down digestion and make it harder for your stomach to work effectively, according to Medical News Today, possibly resulting in worse reflux later.
Instead, go with lukewarm or warm water.
Is Drinking Water at Night Good for Acid Reflux?
Yes — I’ve read that drinking a few small sips of water at night can help in neutralizing acid and washing it back down into your stomach.
The key is moderation. A lot of water at once can make stomach pressure worse, which is why people with reflux may experience an increase in symptoms after drinking a big glass of water.
If you tend to be stricken with symptoms before bed, drinking room-temperature water is your best bet, according to a Healthline study.
Is Honey and Hot Water Good for Acid Reflux?
Honey and warm water might help, but the relief is only temporary.
Honey is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and may be able to heal the esophagus when it’s been irritated.
When used with warm water, it forms a soothing covering to keep you comfortable.
A number of doctors have also advocated honey to protect mucous membranes and aid in healing the lining of the digestive tract, according to a paper published in the British Medical Journal.
How to use it:
Dissolve a teaspoon of pure honey in a cup of lukewarm (not hot) water. Sip slowly, especially before bed or after a heavy meal.
What to Drink in the Morning for Acid Reflux
Morning is a good time to enable your digestive system’s success. Here’s what you can drink:
Hot water – Helps kick games your digestion and gets you rehydrated after overnight stomach acid build up.
Ginger tea – Eases inflammation and can help empty stomach contents (The health system of the NIH).
Aloe vera juice – Calms and protects the esophagus.
Low-fat milk or almond milk – Calms acid down.
Pro tip: You might also want to steer clear of citrusy drinks (hello lemon water) first thing in the morning, as they’re acidic and can cause heartburn.
Can Drinking Water Help Acid Reflux During Pregnancy?
Yes! So that’s a yes for one of the easiest and simplest remedies for acid reflux during pregnancy to drink more water, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Reflux is common in pregnancy due to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes and the pressure applied by the growing uterus on the stomach.
Water helps loosen and dilute stomach acid, which is important to smooth digestion. Just be sure to sip small amounts often rather than larger quantities all at once.
Pair this with:
Eating smaller meals
Preventing you from lying down immediately after meals
Sleeping with your head almost four inches elevated
Other Home Remedies to Mix With Hot Water For Acid Reflux
To get the most out of drinking warm water with lemon, try to incorporate these other lifestyle changes as well:
Maintain a healthy weight
Stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake
Steer clear of trigger foods such as spicy, fried or greasy purchases
This will prevent the acid flow.
Baggy clothes can help to alleviate intra-abdominal pressure
These little things, in addition to staying extra-hydrated will help A LOT in reducing reflux episodes.
Final Thoughts on Drinking Hot Water for Acid Reflux And that is it folks, so next time try out drinking hot water to cure those unbearable symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
So, what does sipping on hot water do for acid reflux?
Yes — it’s a gentle, natural solution that aids in digestion, can alleviate acid irritation in the stomach and supports overall digestive care.
It won’t save you from a possible GERD episode, but it’s also pretty safe and effective to be worth incorporating into your routine. Mix it with dietary balance, hydration and good habits, and you’ll likely feel your reflux symptoms become more manageable over time.
