People with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and those who experience acid reflux frequently can get relief by avoiding certain beverages like colas, coffee, and citrus or acidic juices that aggravate the symptoms. That said, a few drinks can help soothe the symptoms and manage acid reflux better. Here are some of the best drinks to manage acid reflux:

• Herbal teas : Herbal teas are the best and the most popular drinks to manage acid reflux. They help improve digestion and soothe symptoms like nausea and gas. Chamomile, licorice, marshmallow, and slippery elm have been proven effective in soothing GERD symptoms, but one should stay away from peppermint and spearmint teas as they can trigger the symptoms. Also, it’s advisable to opt for caffeine-free herbal teas. Steep a teaspoon of the herbal tea in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes if using leaves or flowers and 10-20 minutes if using roots. For best results, one should drink 2-4 cups of herbal tea every day. Also, it’s advisable to speak to one’s doctor before starting any herbal remedies, as some herbs can interfere with the effects of certain prescription medications.
• Low-fat or skim milk : Milk, especially cow’s milk, can be difficult to digest and can trigger or aggravate acid reflux. If one has to consume products made with cow’s milk, it’s best to opt for low-fat or skim options.
• Plant-based milk : To reduce the severity of GERD symptoms or if one is lactose intolerant, one of the best drinks to manage acid reflux is plant-based milk. One can choose from soy milk, flax milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk. Almond milk is especially alkaline and can help relieve GERD symptoms. Soy milk has less fat as compared to other dairy products, making it easier to digest for people with acid reflux. That said, one should check the label of all non-dairy products for carrageenan, an additive that can worsen digestive issues.
• Juices : As mentioned earlier, citrus and acidic juices like those of tomato, pineapple, orange, lemon, and apple can trigger or worsen acid reflux. So, non-acidic juices like carrot, aloe vera, watermelon, cucumber, and pear are among the best drinks to manage acid reflux.
• Water : Among the best natural drinks to manage any condition, water is highly underrated in its ability to manage acid reflux. It can help dilute the effects of an acidic meal, but too much water can lead to an imbalance of the body’s mineral levels, increasing the chances of acid reflux.
• Coconut water : With plenty of electrolytes like potassium, unsweetened coconut water helps balance the body’s pH level and prevents acid reflux.

One can turn to these drinks to manage acid reflux the next time the symptoms manifest, and they can also help prevent flare-ups to an extent.