If you have troubles with your digestive system, you may have heard about using ginger tea for acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and often painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and causes symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, sore throat, bloating, and nausea.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus (food pipe). When this valve malfunctions, it causes Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux.
Herbal teas, like ginger tea, do offer a natural remedy for acid reflux symptoms and may help to reduce inflammation in the stomach.
In this article, we’re going to look at the properties of ginger and the healing power of ginger tea to help with acid reflux.
What Are The Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Symptoms of acid reflux can vary in intensity and type, but often include a burning sensation in the chest area, accompanied by coughing, burping, or acid regurgitation.
More severe effects of acid reflux can include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, persistent hiccups, chest pain, weight loss, and hoarseness in the throat.
Sometimes acid reflux may be caused by lifestyle habits, such as eating too quickly or lying down after eating. However, acid reflux can also be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a powerful natural treatment that has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation, improve digestive health and increase overall well-being.
Studies have shown ginger to be high in gingerol, the active component of ginger that provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. When taken regularly, ginger can reduce gastrointestinal irritation such as nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.
In addition, ginger intake can boost digestion by stimulating saliva production and increasing gastric fluid production. It can also help to support healthy cholesterol levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which aids in managing blood sugar levels.
There are many different ways to take ginger, including in tea, ginger ale, and even ginger supplements. We’re going to take a closer look at how ginger tea can help with acid reflux.
Ginger Tea for Acid Reflux
Recent studies have shed light on the science behind this age-old home remedy. The scientific evidence points to several compounds in ginger that are believed to be responsible for its acid reflux reducing effects. These include gingerol, zingerone, and shogaol, which work together to reduce acid levels in the stomach and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Studies also suggest that ginger tea may help increase saliva production, which can coat the esophagus and neutralize acid in the stomach. While more research is needed, there is promising evidence to suggest that drinking a cup of ginger tea may be beneficial in fighting acid reflux discomfort.
Are There Side Effects To Drinking Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea is usually touted for its medicinal properties, but some individuals may experience side effects from consuming larger amounts. Although it can help ease acid reflux, too much of it can actually worsen the condition and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn symptoms, and nausea.
How to Use Ginger Tea for Acid Reflux
Ginger tea can be consumed several times a day to help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. It is best to drink ginger tea between meals, as drinking it during or after a meal may actually increase stomach acidity levels and aggravate GERD symptoms.
When preparing ginger tea, use no more than one teaspoon of fresh ginger root per cup of hot water. If ginger is too strong for your taste, it can be blended with other herbs like chamomile or peppermint to reduce the intensity. Honey or lemon can be added for extra flavor. The best time to drink ginger tea is at least 20 minutes before or one hour after consuming a meal.
Other Herbal Teas That Can Help Relieve Acid Reflux
For tea drinkers who don’t like ginger, there are several other herbal teas that also help with nausea. Chamomile tea, fennel tea, black tea, peppermint tea, green tea, slippery elm tea, and marshmallow root tea are all known to help relieve acid reflux.
Chamomile and peppermint are well known to provide soothing relief to an upset stomach. Slippery elm has compounds that line the throat and stomach lining providing some pain and inflammation relief due to its high mucilage content. Marshmallow root is said to soothe and protect irritated membranes in the throat and stomach, making it highly effective for treating acid reflux or heartburn.
These herbal teas are just a few of the many natural supplements available that may help reduce regular pain and discomfort from heartburn or other digestive issues.
Other Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
In addition to ginger tea, there are other natural remedies that can help reduce acid reflux. Eating small meals frequently throughout the day, avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux such as fried or spicy foods, and quitting cigarettes are all lifestyle changes that may help ease acid reflux symptoms.
Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar may offer a safe, effective, natural way to treat acid reflux. Simply mix one tablespoon of lemon juice or ACV with eight ounces of warm water. Drinking this before or after meals can ease symptoms and help support your digestive health.
Additionally, drinking ½ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 4oz water and consuming probiotics such as yogurt or kombucha are also natural treatments for acid reflux.
Lastly, incorporating nutrient-rich and high-fiber foods into your diet helps support digestion while reducing acid reflux flare-ups.
While these natural treatments may not take away all the discomfort associated with acid reflux, they are relatively easy to incorporate into your daily routine and may be just what some people need for their particular situation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you are experiencing severe GERD symptoms that do not improve with ginger tea or other natural remedies, it is important to seek medical advice. Chronic heartburn and acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions such as esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus which require treatment from a doctor.
Additionally, if you experience chest pain or difficulty swallowing, you should seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, medications may be necessary to control the symptoms of acid reflux.
Taking ginger tea in combination with other home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux and improve digestion but in severe cases, it is always best to consult a medical professional.
Ginger Tea for Acid Reflux is a Great Natural Choice
Ginger has been used for centuries as an effective treatment for acid reflux. Studies have found ginger tea is a great way to reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms of heartburn.
When used in combination with other natural remedies and lifestyle changes, sip ginger tea to help reduce acid reflux, improve digestion, and get heartburn relief. Ginger tea is even good for diarrhea. However, if you are experiencing severe GERD symptoms that do not improve with ginger tea or natural remedies, it is important to seek medical advice.
