Tea may promote acid reflux because of caffeine, which can stimulate acid production to cause acid reflux and heartburn. Caffeine-free herbal teas may prevent acid reflux symptoms. Ginger tea, like other herbal teas, does not usually contain tea leaves. Herbal tea infusions are usually made from herbs, roots, spices and other parts of a plant, HealthCastle.com explains, and therefore do not contain caffeine. Do not rely on herbal teas to treat acid reflux. See your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you have frequent symptoms.
Ginger Remedy
Ginger has long been used as a remedy to aid indigestion, upset stomach and other health conditions, but research continues on its actual effectiveness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginger tea may provide you with a relaxation effect to help with digestion and avoid anxiety. Stress and anxiety often contribute to acid reflux. Drinking ginger and other herbal teas may also have a psychological or placebo effect that makes you feel relaxed just by sipping warm tea. If this brings you relief, drinking ginger tea may provide you with a method to avoid acid reflux symptoms.
Acid Reflux Triggers
Certain foods and beverages trigger acid reflux. You may have specific triggers. Items commonly cited as resulting in acid reflux include caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, alcohol, mint flavorings, citrus fruit, chocolate, fried foods and tomato-based products. Items that trigger acid reflux symptoms relax an esophageal muscle that normally prevents stomach acid backup. The muscle opens to allow food and liquids into the stomach and then contracts. A relaxed muscle does not close properly and allows acidic contents to rise back up into the esophagus. This can cause the pain or burning of heartburn in the upper chest and throat.
Healthy Replacement
Decaffeinated, non-mint herbal teas work effectively in an acid reflux diet, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Caffeine in tea can increase acid secretion and result in heartburn, so caffeine-free herbal teas, such as ginger tea, make healthy replacements to avoid acid reflux. Non-citrus fruit juice and water can also replace caffeinated or carbonated beverages to reduce or prevent symptoms.
Considerations
Check labels on herbal teas for caffeine-free products. Buy ginger tea from reputable companies to assure products are caffeine free. Some decaffeinated teas still contain some amounts of caffeine. You may have to test some teas out to make sure you avoid acid reflux if caffeine causes symptoms. Ginger tea can make a healthy addition to an acid reflux diet, which usually includes non-citrus fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat or poultry without skin, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
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