Acid reflux that occurs frequently indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. You need to avoid foods that trigger symptoms and practice a diet that reduces or prevents acid reflux if you suffer from GERD. Antacids provide quick relief, and over-the-counter or prescribed medication can reduce stomach acid production. Some people look for natural remedies to treat symptoms. Ginger may aid digestion, but first check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you have frequent acid reflux. Ginger may also have side effects and interact with supplements and medication.
Acid Reflux Causes
Certain foods and beverages trigger acid reflux by weakening an esophageal muscle, which normally contracts after contents enter the stomach. A relaxed muscle does not close properly and allows stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The reaction can cause heartburn, the burning sensation in your upper chest and throat. You may experience a sour taste in the back of your mouth or throat. People have particular triggers, but common contributors to acid reflux include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, citrus fruit and alcohol.
Digestive Aid
Ginger has been used as a digestive aid for upset stomach by health care professionals, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. It may have anti-inflammatory properties, but research continues on its medical effectiveness. Its use to help with digestion could prevent acid reflux. Heavy meals can slow digestion, making the stomach secrete more acid, which may lead to indigestion and acid reflux. Although some people and many websites promote ginger as a remedy for acid reflux, the treatment has not been confirmed by authoritative sources.
Potential Herbal Remedy
The important components of ginger come from the ginger root, which contains compounds that may help in the treatment of digestion and nausea. Ginger has been used as a cooking spice and also as an herbal tea to remedy various illnesses. Because herbal teas are usually made from herbs and roots, such as ginger, they do not qualify as actual tea and have no caffeine. Caffeine can trigger acid reflux for some people, and ginger tea makes a healthy substitute for caffeinated teas. Some manufacturers may add ginger flavoring to teas, so check product labels for no caffeine.
Relaxing Effects
Ginger tea may help in an acid reflux diet because it has no caffeine. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends caffeine-free non-mint herbal teas in its GERD diet. Mint flavorings may also contribute to acid reflux. You can enjoy ginger tea as well as other caffeine-free beverages to avoid acid reflux symptoms, especially if caffeinated drinks and carbonated beverages cause symptoms. The relaxing effects from drinking ginger tea also help relieve stress and anxiety, which contribute to acid reflux. Whether or not ginger tea has active ingredients to stop GERD symptoms, it may provide soothing results to reduce or relieve acid reflux.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; November 2008
- HealthCastle.com; Is Herbal Tea Better or "Healthier"?; Gloria Tsang, RD; March 2006
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
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