
Heartburn is a common but uncomfortable condition, often a symptom of acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. Diet plays a crucial role in managing heartburn, and certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux. While the link between diet drinks and heartburn is not entirely clear, carbonated beverages have been associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, weight gain, which can be influenced by high-calorie drinks, is linked to increased reflux symptoms. Therefore, it is possible that diet drinks may contribute to heartburn, especially when consumed at night or in excess.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet drinks that cause heartburn | Carbonated soft drinks |
| Citrus juices | |
| Alcohol | |
| High-calorie drinks | |
| Chocolate drinks | |
| Spicy drinks | |
| Diet drinks that help with heartburn | Ginger tea |
| Fruit and vegetable juices | |
| Plant-based milk |
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What You'll Learn

Carbonated drinks
Carbonated beverages have unique properties that may potentially exacerbate GERD. These properties include high acidity, which can irritate the food pipe and cause discomfort. Additionally, consuming food or drinks too quickly has been shown to increase reflux episodes, even in healthy people. Therefore, it is recommended to drink slowly to reduce reflux symptoms.
While diet drinks may not contain sugar, they can still be acidic and carbonated, which can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux. It is important to note that the research on the role of carbonated drinks in acid reflux is not conclusive. However, given the potential link to heartburn and the other health concerns associated with carbonated drinks, it may be advisable to limit or avoid their consumption, especially if you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.
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Alcohol
Heartburn is a common but uncomfortable condition in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing inflammation and discomfort. It is a symptom of acid reflux, which is often caused by certain foods and drinks. Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed drugs and is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. It is well known that heavy drinking is linked to many adverse health events, but can alcohol consumption cause heartburn?
There is a potential link between alcohol consumption and GERD, with some studies finding that people who drank more alcohol or drank alcohol more regularly had a greater likelihood of GERD. However, the relationship is not fully understood, and evidence has been conflicting. For example, a study in Italy found that non-heavy drinkers had a higher prevalence of GERD than heavy drinkers (56% vs. 49%). Furthermore, while some alcoholic beverages may increase acidity in the stomach, others like red wine have been shown to increase resistance to acidity in the oesophageal lining.
Preventing Heartburn
If you suffer from heartburn, drinking in moderation or avoiding alcohol completely may help prevent symptoms. It is also recommended to avoid drinking alcohol a few hours before bed, as lying down with alcohol in the stomach may relax the LES and lead to heartburn. Certain alcoholic drinks may be better choices to prevent acid reflux, such as gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas, which are lower in acidity. It is also best to avoid drinks made with high-acid ingredients like citrus juice, peppermint, chocolate, or coffee.
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Citrus juices
In addition to citrus juices, there are other dietary factors that can trigger heartburn. High-fat foods such as French fries and pizza stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, irritating the oesophagus. Greasy foods can also cause the LES to relax, making it easier for acid to escape from the stomach. Alcoholic drinks, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can also relax the LES muscle, leading to heartburn.
While diet plays an important role in heartburn, other factors such as exercise and medication can also trigger heartburn. Intense exercises that involve bending over can put pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach acids back up into the oesophagus. Certain medications and supplements can also irritate the oesophagus and trigger heartburn.
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High-calorie drinks
While high-calorie drinks are not directly mentioned in relation to heartburn, high-fat foods and beverages are known to worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is likely that high-calorie drinks, which are often high in fat, can trigger heartburn.
Heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that affects up to 27.8% of US adults. It is characterised by a painful, burning sensation in the lower chest area, which can radiate towards the mouth. This occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
High-fat foods and beverages can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, irritating the oesophagus and triggering heartburn. Greasy foods can also cause the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, making it easier for acid to escape from the stomach and causing heartburn. Examples of high-fat foods that may cause heartburn include french fries, pizza, bacon, sausage, and fatty cuts of meat.
Additionally, alcohol consumption is a known contributor to heartburn and GERD. Alcoholic drinks, particularly those made with cream and liqueur, can be high in calories and fat content, which may worsen GERD symptoms. Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, soda, and tea, can also trigger heartburn by relaxing the LES and allowing acid to escape.
It is important to note that maintaining a healthy body weight may help reduce GERD symptoms like heartburn. Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of GERD, so managing calorie intake and making dietary changes can be beneficial for individuals experiencing heartburn.
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Fatty drinks
Fatty foods and drinks are a common cause of acid reflux, which can lead to heartburn. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the throat and chest. High-fat foods and drinks stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, irritating the oesophagus. Greasy foods can also cause the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, making heartburn more likely.
Fatty meats, such as bacon, sausage, deli meats, steak, and filet mignon, are high in fat and can contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. Additionally, consuming several cups of coffee or tea each morning or drinking high-fat specialty coffees can worsen acid reflux. Caffeine in these beverages can weaken the LES, allowing stomach acid to escape into the oesophagus.
To prevent acid reflux and heartburn, it is recommended to limit or avoid fatty foods and drinks. Choose lean protein sources such as skinless poultry, fish, shellfish, and lean beef. Opt for low-fat or non-fat dairy products, as the fat in whole milk or full-fat dairy can aggravate acid reflux. Be mindful of your caffeine intake and consider reducing your consumption of coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas.
In addition to dietary modifications, other lifestyle changes can help manage acid reflux and heartburn. These include eating smaller, frequent meals, allowing sufficient time between dinner and bedtime, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding intense exercise that involves bending over or inversions. Keeping a food diary can also help identify specific triggers and pinpoint what leads to heartburn.
While fatty drinks and foods can contribute to heartburn, it is important to note that triggers may vary from person to person. Consulting a healthcare provider can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. It is a common digestive condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Chronic acid reflux may be a sign of a condition called GERD.
Acid reflux can be caused by certain foods or drinks, such as spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, as well as carbonated drinks like soda. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing GERD include weight gain, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions.
If you are experiencing acid reflux, it is recommended to limit trigger foods and avoid lying down shortly after a meal. You can also try elevating your head during sleep and making dietary changes, such as avoiding caffeine, citrus juices, and high-fat dairy products.











































