Heartburn can be an extremely unpleasant and stressful problem. The burning feeling in the chest, along with sour reflux, can seriously spoil your enjoyment of meals and your general well-being. In moments like that, many people reach for over-the-counter medication to ease the discomfort. But did you know there is also a natural and refreshing solution? In this blog article we introduce you to various drinks that can naturally help tackle heartburn and prevent it in the long term.
If you are also looking for a natural home remedy for heartburn to ease it, then be sure to keep reading. Discover the wonderful world of refreshing drinks that not only taste delicious but also give your stomach and oesophagus a well-earned rest. Get ready to leave the burning discomfort behind you and find natural relief that boosts your well-being.
What is heartburn and how does it happen?
Almost everyone knows that unpleasant burning or sharp feeling in the upper chest, behind the breastbone. Some also describe it as a feeling of heat or acid: heartburn. But what exactly is heartburn, and how does it happen?
What is heartburn?
Heartburn, medically also called "gastro-oesophageal reflux" (GERD), is a common digestive disorder in which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Normally the lower part of the oesophagus is closed by a ring-shaped muscle, the lower oesophageal sphincter, which stops stomach acid from getting into the oesophagus. If this muscle does not work properly or is weakened, though, stomach acid can get into the oesophagus and cause heartburn.
The cause of heartburn
The main cause of heartburn is so-called gastro-oesophageal reflux, in which the stomach contents, including stomach acid, flow back into the oesophagus. This can have various triggers, such as excessive production of stomach acid, a weakened oesophageal sphincter, a hiatal hernia (a type of diaphragmatic hernia), being overweight, certain foods or drinks, smoking and certain medications.
Symptoms of heartburn
It is important to note that occasional heartburn can be normal, especially after eating fatty or heavily spiced food. If heartburn happens often, becomes chronic or causes severe discomfort, it can point to an underlying condition and should be checked by a doctor. There are various signs of heartburn.
There is a burning or sharp sensation, mostly in the upper chest behind the breastbone. Some also describe it as a feeling of heat or acid. Heartburn often comes with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. This happens when stomach acid rises as far as the throat. For some people, heartburn can lead to pain or discomfort when swallowing. Some people suffer from increased burping during or after eating, or the feeling of having swallowed air. In some cases, heartburn can also come with nausea or an unpleasant feeling in the stomach.
Dealing with heartburn
Dealing with heartburn often involves lifestyle changes such as an adapted diet, losing weight, avoiding triggers and staying upright after eating. If needed, medication such as antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors can also be used to ease the symptoms. But before you reach for medication, you should try natural remedies for the discomfort and follow our tips.
How effective are drinks against heartburn?
Drinks can show a certain effectiveness in easing heartburn, especially if they have specific properties that help soften the symptoms. It is important to note, however, that how well drinks work against heartburn can vary from person to person and also depends on the individual cause and severity of the heartburn.
Certain drinks can help neutralise excess stomach acid and regulate the pH level in the stomach. Other drinks can also help reduce irritation in the oesophagus. They can also form a protective layer of mucus in the oesophagus.
It is important to point out, though, that drinks alone do not offer a lasting solution for heartburn, especially if it is chronic or caused by underlying conditions. A holistic approach that includes an adapted diet, a healthy lifestyle and, where necessary, medical treatment is often needed to get long-term relief from heartburn.
Calming your stomach with heartburn: these drinks help with acid reflux
It is important to note that not all drinks work the same way for everyone. Some people may respond better to certain drinks than others. It can help to try different options and find out which drinks work best for you personally.
In addition to what you drink, it is also advisable to make other lifestyle changes, such as an adapted diet, losing weight (if necessary), avoiding triggers and staying upright after eating, to tackle heartburn effectively.
But now to the important question: what should you drink for heartburn?
Water
Still water can help dilute excess stomach acid and bring temporary relief. It is important to take small sips and drink slowly.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a calming effect on the stomach. It can help settle digestion and ease heartburn. If you suffer from heartburn, we can recommend our organic tea Happy Stomach. Besides chamomile, it contains other stomach-friendly ingredients such as fennel, aniseed, ginger, sage and lime blossom.
Ginger tea
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can calm the stomach. Ginger tea can therefore help with heartburn.
Fennel tea
Fennel tea can help promote digestion and calm the stomach. It can ease heartburn and reduce bloating.
Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera juice can have an anti-inflammatory effect and form a protective layer of mucus in the oesophagus, which can ease heartburn. It is important to choose a pure aloe vera juice with no additives.
Almond milk
Almond milk can serve as a substitute for cow's milk, which can make heartburn worse for some people. Almond milk is alkaline and can help neutralise excess stomach acid. We are rethinking the much-loved banana "milk"! Cow's milk becomes almond purée, and for cinnamon and vanilla we know no limits. A splash of agave syrup and lemon juice for the perfect taste of Mister White must not be missing.
Banana shake
Bananas have a natural acid-neutralising effect and can calm the stomach. A banana shake with almond milk or oat milk can therefore be a good option.
Celery and cucumber juice
These juices are highly alkaline and can help regulate the pH level in the stomach. They can help neutralise excess stomach acid and ease heartburn. At frank. you can choose between two pure vegetable juices that contain cucumber and celery. You will find both juices in our juice cleanse at the Pro intensity.
Lean Machine
Refreshing lightness meets green plant power, exotic meets home-grown. The juice Lean Machine contains courgette, cucumber, coconut, spinach and kale.
The Purist
Our favourite duo of spinach and cucumber is joined in The Purist by a good helping of celery, giving you a green freshness kick with less than 2 g of fruit sugar per 100 ml!
Which drinks make heartburn worse?
Some drinks, such as coffee, alcohol or soft drinks, can make heartburn more likely or make existing heartburn worse. It is important to avoid these drinks when you have heartburn, or at least cut down on them, to keep the symptoms under control. Here are some drinks that are often linked to heartburn:
Alcohol
Alcohol can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, which makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. A drink containing alcohol can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can make heartburn worse.
Caffeine
Coffee, energy drinks and caffeinated soft drinks can cause heartburn, as caffeine can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and increase the acid content in the stomach. Natural pick-me-ups can be gentler on the stomach.
Carbonation
Fizzy drinks such as cola, lemonade and sparkling mineral water can make the stomach bloat and increase the pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, which can encourage heartburn.
Milk
Although cow's milk can occasionally bring temporary relief, for some people it can actually make heartburn worse. Traditional dairy products contain calcium, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid.
It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to certain drinks. Some people may be a little more sensitive to certain substances than others. What matters is that you find out for yourself what does you good and what doesn't. Even if that is sometimes difficult and takes longer: it is worth it!
Are soups allowed with heartburn?
Yes, soups are also a good addition to your varied meals, especially when they are made from gently prepared, stomach-friendly ingredients! These include soft-cooked and puréed vegetables and meats, topped up with different broths and cream or coconut milk. Braising makes the flavours more intense and the meal easier to tolerate if you suffer from heartburn. You should especially avoid a lot of fat, preservatives and additives, and hot spices.
These points are met almost automatically when you cook the soup yourself. The convenient and easy way is to reach for our organic-certified, purely plant-based frank. Soups! Here you don't have to stand in the kitchen or leaf through cookbooks.
Do you know "The Radiance"? That name hides our soup with carrots, coconut milk and ginger. Don't worry! The ginger content is nowhere near as high as in our hot ginger shots. But you surely know: besides the heat, ginger can do quite a bit more!
Do you know "Apricot Dreams"? Our soup with red lentils, apricot and coconut milk is almost addictive. Become a repeat offender too, and make sure you have a good gut feeling in your lunch break or for a relaxed evening after work.
"Broccoli & The Gang" and "Home-Office" are our two green soups. Can that taste good? And how! While in the first soup we have combined broccoli with crunchy cashew and sweet date, the second contains peas and hemp seeds. Both are also nutrient-rich, filling and warming. What more could you want?
"Currently On Curry" is the name of our oriental curry soup with chickpeas and sweet potato. It stands out with its particularly full-bodied and creamy flavour, without being too spicy.
"Pomodoro Pronto" is our all-time favourite soup, with gloriously ripe tomatoes, olive oil and sea salt. Can you tolerate tomatoes without getting heartburn? Then this soup is our recommendation. As tomatoes can sometimes also encourage heartburn, the rule here is: try it and see!
