Is Tea Good or Bad for Acid Reflux?

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you know that the acid reflux of a GERD flare-up can be a pain. Coffee is a common GERD trigger — but what about tea? Research suggests you can go ahead and have your cup of tea, but opt for non-flavored teas and avoid it if it leads to reflux.

Theoretically, tea could be triggering for people living with GERD due to its acidity and caffeine content. The acidity of tea varies across different types — black tea is more acidic than green tea, for example, says Alexander T. Hewlett, DO, a gastroenterology specialist at University of Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.

And while your experience will depend on your unique GERD triggers, Dr. Hewlett says there is no strong evidence tea causes acid reflux.

He points to a research review of 23 academic studies in the January 2019 edition of ‌Medicine‌ that found tea drinking had no significant association with the risk of GERD. "A review of multiple studies does not show that tea causes acid reflux," he says.

Some people find certain drinks increase their GERD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Acidic drinks, like orange juice or tomato juice, tend to be GERD triggers, as do drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

"Extremely erosive drinks can damage the esophagus of someone who has GERD. This is called erosive esophagitis, and it is evidence of very significant reflux. Colas, citrus juices and alcohol are usually the worst drinks for GERD," Dr. Hewlett says.

But your triggers will be unique to you. "When it comes to what triggers your GERD, there is no hard data to guide you. You need to be the judge," he says.

Some people get relief from heartburn with natural remedies, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Although there's not a lot of scientific evidence to support these remedies, you might try chamomile tea, ginger or licorice.

Soothing teas made from chamomile, licorice or ginger might help, but you need to be your own judge, Dr. Hewlett says. What works for some people may not work for others. An over-the-counter antacid is often helpful if you're having heartburn symptoms, he says.