Some say lemon tea is good for acid reflux, yet others say it doesn’t work for them. So, is lemon tea good for acid reflux? This article explains the benefits of drinking lemon tea and how you can increase your chances of it working for you.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a common condition in the Western world. More than twenty percent of the United States population suffers from acid reflux at least twice a week.
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid comes back out of your stomach and up into your esophagus or food pipe. You may get a burning sensation in your chest when it happens. This pain is heartburn.
Acid reflux happens because you have too much pressure on your stomach or your lower esophageal sphincter is loose.
Your lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle located at the end of your food pipe (or esophagus), which leads to your stomach. In normal circumstances, your lower esophageal sphincter muscle would shut tight after food made its way into your stomach.
There may be too much pressure on your stomach, or your lower esophageal sphincter may be loose for any of the following reasons:
- eating large meals
- caffiene
- spicy foods
- acidic foods, citrus fruits and fruit juices
- high-fat foods
- alcohol
- smoking
- wearing tight clothing or a belt around your stomach
- obesity
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Common acid reflux symptoms include:
- burning sensation in your chest
- sore throat
- sour taste in your mouth
- upset stomach
- digestive issues
- weight loss
What is lemon tea?
Lemon tea is quick to make, low in calories and sugar, and hydrates your body.
Some lemon tea recipes include black tea and honey, whereas others are strictly lemon and hot or warm water. This article will refer to lemon tea as warm water and lemon only. When black tea with lemon is mentioned, it will be specifically referred to as that.
Research suggests the optimal temperature for hot water is 130°-160°F (54°-71°C). Any higher may result in burns or scalds (1).
Black tea contains caffeine and tannins, which can increase stomach acid. Also, caffeine can loosen your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Both of these things increase your chances of acid reflux occurring. However, some acid reflux sufferers can drink black tea without digestive problems.
Honey, in small amounts, does not usually cause acid reflux symptoms. Honey, particularly manuka honey, is a great way to add a little sweetness and has antibacterial properties that soothe a sore throat and improve digestion.
Is lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Neutralizes Stomach Acid
Lemon juice is acidic, so you would think it wouldn’t be good for acid reflux. However, that’s not true. The acidic part of lemon juice is ascorbic acid or Vitamin C.
When exposed to heat, Vitamin C starts to degrade (2). When making a cup of lemon tea, the temperature of the water and how long it takes you to drink it will impact how much vitamin C is destroyed (3).
Growth and Repair of Body Tissues
Lemons are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C contains antioxidants that grow and repair body tissues in all parts of the body.
Therefore, Vitamin C can help repair parts of your digestive system damaged by stomach acid. Namely, your stomach lining and the lining of your esophagus or food pipe where you may experience a burning sensation due to stomach acid irritating inflamed areas.
Aids Digestion
Warm water aids digestion by keeping food moving through your digestive system and helps constipation and gas.
Aids Weight Loss
Drinking 500mL or about 16 ounces of water thirty minutes before meals can increase metabolism by 30% and aid in weight loss (5). Having water before meals helps you feel full and therefore less inclined to overeat. Drinking lemon tea can contribute to this water intake.
Lemon phenolic compounds found in lemon rind assist with weight loss, prevent weight gain and improve insulin resistance in animal studies (6). So if you want to benefit from this, you will need to grate some lemon zest and add it to your cup of lemon tea.
Weight gain and obesity are major causes of acid reflux due to increased pressure on your stomach. Overeating also increases stomach pressure and contributes to loosening your lower esophageal sphincter muscle, resulting in acid reflux.
Improving insulin resistance helps prevent weight gain and obesity, commonly associated with acid reflux.
Relaxes Muscles
Hot and warm water expands blood vessels in your stomach, improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and reducing pain. This is why some people drink a cup of tea to relax.
Stress has a direct impact on your digestive system. If you are stressed, the muscles in your digestive tract tense up and spasm, and this can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas (7).
Lemon Tea vs Lemon Water
Lemon tea, in this article, is referred to as hot water and lemon, although some people think of lemon tea as black tea with lemon. On the other hand, lemon water is usually room temperature or cold water with lemon.
One of the differences between lemon tea and lemon water is the amount of Vitamin C in the drink. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat and will degrade in hot water. How quickly this happens will depend on the temperature of the water and how long the lemon juice is in hot water.
Vitamin C helps grow and repair body tissues in your inflamed stomach lining and esophageal lining due to stomach acid and acid reflux.
Besides lemons and other citrus fruits, there are different ways to ensure you get enough Vitamin C each day. Broccoli, green leafy vegetables, papaya, guava, and potatoes are good sources of Vitamin C and are usually safe for acid reflux sufferers to eat.
The other main difference is the relaxing effect of hot or warm water on your stomach, directly impacting your digestive system. Stress is a significant contributing factor to acid reflux and can tense up your stomach muscles or make them spasm. And this can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas.
If black tea is in your cup of lemon tea, the tannins and caffeine can increase stomach acid. Also, caffeine can loosen your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Both of these things increase your chances of acid reflux occurring. However, some acid reflux sufferers can drink black tea without digestive problems.
Differences and similarities between lemon tea and lemon water
The table below summarizes the differences and similarities between lemon tea and lemon water.
Primarily the benefits of lemon tea can also be attributed to lemon water.
Best way to drink lemon tea for acid reflux
Adding one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a cup of hot or warm water is a great way to make lemon tea. When starting, the best approach is to try a small amount of lemon juice and increase it up to one tablespoon over time. If you don’t experience symptoms, you can add more next time.
Research suggests the optimal temperature for hot water is 130°-160°F (54°-71°C). Any higher may result in burns or scalds (1).
The hotter the water, the faster Vitamin C will diminish.
Likewise, the longer you take to drink your lemon tea, the more Vitamin C will be destroyed. Gulping your lemon tea down can make symptoms of acid reflux worse. Small sips are best.
Depending on your preference, you may want to add lemon to other flavorings or herbal teas that are good for acid reflux.
Honey and ginger go well with lemon tea as both help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Best time to drink lemon tea for acid reflux
Oolong and ginger tea are herbal teas that soothe symptoms of heartburn and taste delicious with added lemon. And you can also add lemon to black tea or green tea if your body tolerates them.
Since there is no research to suggest the best time to drink lemon tea, you can experiment and see when it works best for you.
Anecdotally, 30 minutes before meals may be the best time to drink lemon tea. The tea can help neutralize and dilute stomach acids when you eat and can help you feel full and less inclined to eat a large meal, which is often a cause of acid reflux.
Another suggestion is to drink a cup of lemon tea on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to aid digestion.
Risks of drinking lemon tea for acid reflux
Lemons and other citrus fruits are common triggers for acid reflux symptoms. The juice needs diluting to improve your chance of success with lemon tea. Undiluted lemon juice can irritate your digestive system and cause nausea.
Don’t be tempted to drink too much lemon water. If you think you’ll be benefitting your body by drinking lots of lemon tea, think again. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and your body cannot store it for use on another day. What your body doesn’t need will leave via your urine.
Although excessive intake of Vitamin C is not toxic, it could cause diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, frequent urination, and headaches (9).
If you’re going to drink lemon tea regularly, you should consider using a straw because the acid in lemon juice can erode tooth enamel.
Lemon tea may aggravate canker sores, triggering new ones to form.
Citrus fruits and juices may affect some cholesterol and blood pressure medications.
FAQs about “Is lemon tea good for acid reflux?”
Is ginger and lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Lemon and ginger tea is good for acid reflux. Ginger root is one of the best home remedies for acid reflux due to its soothing properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Although lemon is acidic, small amounts have an alkalizing effect in your stomach and can help neutralize stomach acid, making you less susceptible to acid reflux symptoms.
Is honey and lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Honey and lemon tea is good for acid reflux. Adding a teaspoon of honey to your lemon tea is a great way to add sweetness, but don’t add too much because it increases stomach acid in large doses.
If you add manuka honey, it has antibacterial properties that soothe a sore throat and improve digestion. It is also a powerful antioxidant that decreases stomach acid and helps heal your stomach lining and stomach ulcers (10).
A tablespoon of lemon juice in your tea will have an alkalizing effect on stomach acid, making it less likely that you’ll suffer acid reflux symptoms.
Is black tea and lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Black tea contains caffeine and tannins, which can increase stomach acid. Also, caffeine can loosen your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Both of these things increase your chances of acid reflux occurring. The addition of a small amount of lemon can have an alkalizing effect on your stomach acid. Some acid reflux sufferers can drink black tea without any digestive problems.
Is green tea and lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Green tea contains caffeine and tannins but not as much as black tea. Caffeine and tannins increase stomach acid, while caffeine also relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to your cup of green tea has an alkalizing effect on your stomach acid, and acid reflux symptoms should be less likely to occur.
Your body is more likely to tolerate a cup of green tea than black tea if you suffer from symptoms of acid reflux.
LEARN MORE: Is Green Tea Good For Acid Reflux? (Know For Sure)
Herbal teas that are good for acid reflux
A cup of tea is a great way to relax and get some heartburn relief. Some of the best teas for treating the symptoms of acid reflux are herbal teas. Here are some of the best herbal teas for acid reflux.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea, made from ginger root, has a calming effect on your digestive system due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that can relieve irritation caused by stomach acid. This herbal tea can increase digestive tract contractions, speed up digestion, and help reduce stomach acid, gas, and bloating.
LEARN MORE: Why is Ginger Tea Among The Best Herbal Teas For Acid Reflux?
Chamomile tea
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea help promote healthy digestion. It contains substances that soothe the lining of your esophagus. A cup of chamomile tea is a mild sedative that can relax muscles, soothe an upset stomach and have calming effects on stress levels, which are essential for relieving symptoms of acid reflux. Chamomile tea can treat sore throats and stomach ulcers. Also, chamomile tea can reduce stomach acid as effectively as antacids.
LEARN MORE: Is Chamomile Tea Good For Acid Reflux? Is There Any Better?
Marshmallow Root Tea
The medicinal properties of marshmallow roots come from mucilage, a sap-like substance produced by the plant that contains powerful antioxidants.
Marshmallow root tea has anti-inflammatory properties and coats the digestive tract and stomach lining, preventing stomach acid from giving you a burning sensation in your chest.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It increases mucus production, coats your stomach lining and esophageal lining, and protects it from stomach acid.
Licorice root extracts can treat helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach problems for acid reflux sufferers. Licorice tea can also protect against a sore throat.
Slippery Elm Tea
Slippery Elm tea protects your stomach lining and creates a barrier against stomach acid.
Tulsi or Holy Basil Tea
Holy basil tea reduces stomach acid and increases mucus secretion. It also improves the longevity of mucus cells which creates a barrier to protect your digestive system from stomach acid.
Holy basil also has antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This herbal tea also helps reduce stress which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
LEARN MORE: 3 Simple Herbal Teas For Heartburn That Will Bring Relief
Other drinks that are good for acid reflux disease
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties, which can help your acid reflux symptoms. It helps by reducing stomach acid and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, which reduces your pain.
Aloe vera juice is a rich source of nutrients beneficial for your health.
Some Fruit Juices
Non-citrus juices are usually good for heartburn relief because they don’t contain too much acid. Fruit juices made from apples, melons, or papaya are not acidic and can provide health benefits and hydration.
Vegetable Juices
Vegetable juices are highly nutritious. Try carrot juice, cabbage, beet, or spinach. A combination of non-acidic fruits and vegetable juices can make a tasty combination.
Drinks that are bad for acid reflux symptoms
Carbonated Beverages
The gas in carbonated beverages or soft drinks increases pressure in your stomach, leading to acid reflux, bloating, and gas. You might think ginger ale might be OK, but most commercially-made ginger ale contains little or no ginger and will not provide heartburn relief.
Carbonated beverages often contain sugar, which increases stomach acid. Artificial sweeteners are even worse.
Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine increases stomach acidity and loosens your lower esophageal sphincter muscle, making you more susceptible to acid reflux. Coffee, some sodas, black tea, and green tea contain caffeine, although green tea and black tea have less, so your body may tolerate these.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is bad for acid reflux because it loosens your lower esophageal sphincter, making it more likely that stomach acid will reflux back up into your esophagus.
If you don’t suffer from acid reflux, peppermint tea is a good choice for treating a sore throat. The antioxidants and menthol in peppermint tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe digestive tract irritation.
Other home remedies to reduce acid reflux symptoms naturally
- Avoid your acid reflux trigger foods
- Eat small healthy meals
- Allow at least 2-3 hours after eating and drinking before lying down
- If you get heartburn at night, sleep position is important
- Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular gentle exercise and reducing stress by doing yoga or meditation for heartburn
- Avoid alcohol, or at least choose the best alcohol for acid reflux
- Quit smoking
Summary: Is lemon tea good for acid reflux?
Lemon tea can be good for acid reflux if your body tolerates it. Lemon tea can aid digestion, neutralize stomach acid and relax your stomach muscles. The addition of grated lemon zest can help you lose weight and keep weight off. Lemon juice contains Vitamin C, which helps grow and repair body tissues. However, due to its sensitivity to heat, some Vitamin C will be destroyed in lemon tea.
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