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Is Consuming Water Helpful for Heartburn?

by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated January 30, 2024
Ever had a burning sensation in your chest and wondered if a simple glass of water could be the salvation you need? We're all looking for relief from heartburn, which is caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the wrong part of the stomach. Does water have the potential to extinguish fires?
In this article, we are going to explore the mystery behind the most popular treatment. Does the beverage you eat regularly, which you take for granted, constitute the hidden weapon against the pain of Heartburn, or is it just a drop in the vast sea of solutions? Join us as we explore the water, a source of hydration, and the potential role that water might have in putting out the flames of heartburn.

Heartburn: What Is It?

Acid reflux , heartburn, a common digestive condition affecting millions of individuals all over the world, originates from the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Heartburn is when your chest feels like it's on fire. Heartburn can sometimes be caused by hot foods or late-night treats, but it's important to remember that frequent episodes of Heartburn can have serious effects.
acid reflux
A stomach that is upset can be helped by a few easy remedies, which can help ease the pain. Because these medicines are set off by foods that are too hot or eaten late at night, they calm you down. People who get heartburn on a daily basis, on the other hand, need to see a doctor to treat the underlying causes of the condition and avoid the possible side effects that come with having chronic acid reflux.

GERD Explained

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the stomach problems. This sickness happens when the acid your stomach makes goes backwards into your esophagus, which is your food pipe. The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is Heartburn.
Gastritis a problem that happens when stomach acid goes back into your food pipe. As food moves from the bottom of the esophagus to the stomach, a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens up to let it pass. It shuts down to keep food in the stomach..
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the name for this particular muscle. Too much or too frequent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter can cause acid to build up in the stomach. This causes heartburn and could also be harmful.
a woman drinking water

Does Consuming Water Improve Heartburn?

There are a few different ways that drinking water might help ease the pain of heartburn. In the beginning, drinking water can help weaken stomach acid, which makes it less irritating to the esophagus. Because of this, the burning sensation that comes with heartburn is lessened.
Also, drinking water helps move acid from the intestines back to where it belongs, which is in the stomach. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can irritate and inflame the area, which can make you feel heartburn. Water makes it easier for acid to move into the stomach, where the body's natural digestive processes may reduce it.
a man covering his belly
Consistently drinking water is important for keeping your gut system healthy in general. Having too much acid in your stomach may make you thirsty, which in turn makes you more likely to get heartburn. Consistently drinking water helps keep your digestive system healthy, which in turn lowers your risk of getting heartburn and other stomach problems.
The answer to the question of whether or not water can help manage heartburn is "yes." It's important to know, though, that not all drinks help with Heartburn symptoms in the same way.

Advantages of Drinking Filtered Water

An essential stage in the process is realizing that not all types of water can help with heartburn. The water from the tap has chemicals in it that can make heartburn worse. The best thing to do is to choose water that has been cleaned.
Filtered water does a lot of important things, like getting rid of pollutants and minerals that can make heartburn problems worse. An investment in a water filter might be good for your health in the long run.

Is Milk Beneficial for Heartburn?

The reassuring picture of milk's calming effects on our bodies has long maintained the idea that milk can be used to treat heartburn. However, the truth is that milk is not a cure-all for heartburn in every circumstance. Despite its high calcium and vitamin D content, it does not usually alleviate heartburn.
a woman drinking milk
Surprisingly, high-fat milk, such as whole milk, frequently promotes heartburn, exacerbating symptoms that have already appeared. Although milk is not a panacea, it is vital to be completely informed of its effects on heartburn in order to successfully manage symptoms.

Acid Reflux and Heartburn

One of the most prominent causes of acid reflux, which is defined as the reverse movement of stomach acid into the esophagus, is a valve that connects the stomach to a faulty food pipe. The degeneration of this valve allows stomach acid to migrate upward, which can cause a range of symptoms and an increased risk of issues.
Because stomach acid is corrosive, it irritates the esophageal lining, which frequently causes inflammation. This inflammation may cause discomfort, ranging from a burning sensation to more severe pain known as heartburn. Heartburn is a common word for this type of discomfort. Acid reflux that lasts long or occurs frequently may be a factor in developing more serious health disorders, such as Barrett's esophagus or esophagitis.
lying on a couch

Heartburn Treatment at Home

Try to Avoid Laying Down Immediately after Eating

When a person lies down with their stomach full of food, it can cause acid reflux and aggravate heartburn symptoms. To give your stomach plenty of time to empty, avoid eating between two to three hours before going to bed.

Resist the Impulse to Consume too Much or to Eat too Rapidly

Having a large amount of food in your stomach might put additional strain on the valve that keeps stomach acid out of your esophagus, particularly when you do so right before bed. This raises the likelihood of you having acid reflux and heartburn.

Identify Your Weight and Take Action to Reduce It

If you are overweight, you are more likely to get acid reflux and heartburn because your stomach is under additional strain. The first two stages in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and losing excess weight are to consume a well-balanced diet and engage in physical exercise for 150 minutes per week.

Put on Loose-fitting Clothes

If you often get heartburn, you should wear clothes that don't fit too tightly. If you wear clothes that are too tight or a belt that is too tight, it could put pressure on your stomach and make your problems worse.
citrus fruits

Suggestions to Prevent Heartburn

  • Since they can give you heartburn, garlic, onions, and leeks are best to stay away from.
  • Even though chocolate is tasty, you should stay away from it because it might make your heartburn worse.
  • It is better to stay away from citrus fruits, tomatoes, and tomatobased goods because they make gas and heartburn worse.
  • It is essential to be careful when eating hot or greasy foods so that you dont make your heartburn worse.
  • Mindful food choices and choosing good options are two of the most important things you can do to control and lower your heartburn.
  • By doing these things, you can make your digestive system feel better and stop the signs of heartburn.

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