Heartburn is a burning issue—literally. That familiar discomfort rising in your chest, especially after meals, affects millions of people daily. And while medications and diet changes are often discussed, a common question remains: What can I drink to relieve heartburn?

If you’ve found yourself frantically Googling this question while clutching your chest post-dinner, you’re not alone. Heartburn, typically caused by acid reflux, is one of the most frequent digestive complaints in the world. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and over 15 million deal with it daily.

This article explores clinically-supported beverages that can help ease heartburn symptoms, explains what drinks to avoid, and digs into an often-overlooked solution for long-term relief: improving gut health with prebiotic fiber. We’ll also introduce a promising sugarcane-derived prebiotic that supports digestive balance and may reduce the frequency of reflux episodes.

Let’s get started with the science of soothing the burn—sip by sip.

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What Causes Heartburn?

To understand what to drink (and what not to), it helps to understand the mechanism of heartburn. The sensation results from acid reflux—when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus due to a weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

When the LES doesn’t close properly, stomach contents can rise into the esophagus, irritating its lining. This creates that telltale burning sensation and sometimes a sour taste in the throat or mouth.

Contributors to reflux include:

• Fatty or spicy foods

• Caffeine and alcohol

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Stress

• Pregnancy

• Gut microbiome imbalances

For chronic cases (reflux more than twice per week), the condition is often diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (NIH).

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What Can I Drink to Relieve Heartburn?

Certain drinks can help neutralize acid, soothe the esophageal lining, or improve digestion, making them excellent short-term allies for acid reflux. However, others can worsen symptoms—even those you might consider healthy.

Let’s explore what to reach for (and what to skip).

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Heartburn-Soothing Drinks: Backed by Science

1. Water (Especially Alkaline Water)

Water is always a good start. It helps wash acid back down into the stomach and dilutes the concentration of gastric juices.

Studies suggest alkaline water (pH > 8.0) may further help by denaturing pepsin, the digestive enzyme responsible for damaging the esophageal lining (Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology).

2. Low-Fat or Plant-Based Milk

While full-fat dairy can worsen reflux for some, low-fat milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid. Even better, plant-based alternatives like almond milk and oat milk tend to be more alkaline and gentler on the stomach.

Avoid soy milk if it causes bloating or discomfort—it’s more acidic than other alternatives.

3. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has long been used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary studies show that aloe vera juice may reduce acid production and support healing of the esophageal lining (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Choose decolorized, purified aloe juice to avoid potential laxative effects.

4. Herbal Teas (Chamomile, Licorice Root, Ginger)

Certain herbal teas are known to calm digestive upset:

• Chamomile reduces inflammation and may ease LES spasms.

• Licorice root promotes mucus production to protect the stomach lining.

• Ginger tea, in small doses, may speed up gastric emptying and reduce bloating.

Caution: Licorice can raise blood pressure if consumed in high amounts. Look for DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) to avoid this issue.

5. Coconut Water

Naturally low in acidity and high in electrolytes, coconut water can help rehydrate and balance pH levels. It also contains potassium, which may help support digestive health and reduce acid production.

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Bonus: Prebiotic-Fiber-Enriched Drinks

Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, helping them flourish. While not an instant fix, including prebiotic-enriched beverages in your routine can contribute to long-term reduction in reflux episodes by:

• Enhancing digestion

• Reducing inflammation

• Supporting optimal microbial diversity

• Improving motility to prevent food and acid buildup

You can mix prebiotic fiber into smoothies, water, or herbal tea to create a heartburn-friendly functional beverage.

One of the best sources? IV Nutrition’s Virgin Manufactured Sugarcane Prebiotic Fiber.

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Featured Product: Sugarcane-Derived Prebiotic Fiber That Supports Gut and Reflux Health

As modern medicine begins to appreciate the gut microbiome’s role in GERD, prebiotic fiber is emerging as a low-risk, natural adjunct to reflux care.

IV Nutrition’s Virgin Manufactured Sugarcane Prebiotic Fiber is:

• Sourced from minimally processed sugarcane

• Free from fillers, sweeteners, or additives

• Clinically designed to support growth of beneficial bacteria (especially Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus)

• Gentle and well-tolerated, even for sensitive stomachs

This type of fiber works indirectly to reduce reflux by improving gut transit, reducing bloating, and modulating acid production through healthier gut-brain signaling.

And here’s the good news: You can try your first tub 100% free when you subscribe via this special link.

Simply stir it into a calming beverage like chamomile tea or almond milk and sip your way to better digestion.

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What Drinks Should I Avoid If I Have Heartburn?

Not every healthy-sounding beverage is friendly to your esophagus. Many commonly consumed drinks can relax the LES or stimulate acid production.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Coffee (Even Decaf)

Caffeine is a LES relaxant, meaning it makes it easier for acid to escape the stomach. But even decaf coffee can be problematic due to its acidity and natural compounds that stimulate gastric acid secretion (Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics).

2. Carbonated Beverages

Sodas and sparkling waters can increase gastric pressure, pushing acid upward. Most sodas are also acidic and sweetened, compounding the problem.

3. Citrus Juices

Orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade—these are highly acidic and can irritate an already inflamed esophagus.

4. Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine and beer, can relax the LES and delay gastric emptying. It also increases stomach acid production and reduces esophageal clearance.

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Clinical Tips for Drinking Smart with Reflux

Here’s how to make your beverage choices reflux-safe:

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The Gut Microbiome–GERD Connection

The gut-brain axis has been a hot topic in functional medicine. But now we’re learning it also plays a role in acid reflux.

The gut microbiota influence digestion, stomach acid production, inflammation, and LES tone. When this complex ecosystem is imbalanced (a state known as dysbiosis), it may:

• Increase gas and bloating → more pressure on the LES

• Reduce short-chain fatty acids that regulate motility

• Increase gut permeability (aka “leaky gut”)

• Disrupt gastric pH homeostasis

Several studies, including one published in Microorganisms (source), have linked gut microbial shifts with increased risk and severity of GERD.

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Why Prebiotics Matter More Than Probiotics for Reflux Relief

While probiotics get the spotlight, prebiotics may be more effective for long-term gut balance. They support the natural growth of beneficial species and create an environment where they can thrive—without introducing foreign bacteria.

Prebiotics like IV Nutrition’s sugarcane fiber help feed keystone strains like:

• Bifidobacterium infantis – Anti-inflammatory and gut-calming

• Lactobacillus reuteri – Enhances mucosal barrier and reduces H. pylori

• Faecalibacterium prausnitzii – Promotes intestinal integrity

By improving gut balance, you support faster gastric emptying, reduced gas, and reduced esophageal pressure—key factors in minimizing heartburn.

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Long-Term Reflux Relief: A Functional Medicine Approach

If you’re regularly asking, “What can I drink to relieve heartburn?”, you may need a broader plan that includes both immediate and foundational strategies.

Short-Term Relief:

• Alkaline water

• Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger)

• Low-fat or plant-based milk

• Aloe vera juice

• Coconut water

Long-Term Management:

• Eliminate trigger foods and drinks

• Eat smaller, frequent meals

• Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bed

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Optimize gut health with prebiotics

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Final Thoughts: Drink Smart, Heal Your Gut

When heartburn strikes, what you drink can make all the difference.

While alkaline water and herbal teas may provide short-term relief, restoring gut balance through prebiotic fiber is a powerful way to reduce reflux episodes at their root. A healthy gut regulates acid, calms inflammation, and improves LES tone—everything needed to keep that burn at bay.

With IV Nutrition’s Virgin Manufactured Sugarcane Prebiotic Fiber, you’re not just treating symptoms. You’re rewiring the system. And for a limited time, you can try your first tub for 100% off when you subscribe here:
👉 https://iv-nutrition.org/collections/gut-health-collection/products/gut-health?selling_plan=875495555&variant=42903716724867

Because better digestion doesn't just happen—it’s built, one smart sip at a time.

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