How to Cure Acid Reflux with Green Tea

When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to contract, it allows digestive acids to move backward from the stomach up to the esophagus, causing burning sensations in the chest and throat. This is what’s commonly known as heartburn, or in more severe cases, acid reflux. Unhealthy food habits, lifestyle changes, stress and damaged sphincter are the common causes for acid reflux.

According to studies, 60 million Americans experience this once a month or more. There are just as many commercial remedies for acid reflux, but their effects are short-lived and they often come with unwanted side effects. If you’re looking for a natural alternative for acid reflux that’s quick, simple, and affordable, try green tea. We’re about to tell you why it works and exactly how to use it. Let’s get started!

Why Green Tea is the Best Remedy for Heartburn?

• Green tea contains anti – oxidant polyphenols that promote proper digestion and restricts the acid or the food content flow back to esophagus.
• It is anti-inflammatory, so it relieves burning sensations caused by acid reflux.
• It triggers proper contraction of the LES, preventing backward movement of digestive acids.
• Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that reverses the effects of caffeine and calms the nervous system.
• It contains active compounds called catechins (EGCG) which is anti – oxidant and helps to repair damage done to healthy cells.
• Green tea contains theobromine, tannins, theophylline, all of which prevent heartburn.

How to Use Green Tea to Treat and Prevent Heartburn

Green tea can be used alone and in combination with other natural ingredients that prevent and treat heartburn and acid reflux. Try all the methods below until you find the one that works best for you.

1. Green Tea

Green tea bags can be found at most grocery stores and ordered online. Green tea also comes in powdered form. Follow the preparation instructions on the package, and make sure to drink green tea at leat 3 times a day.

2. Citrus Green Tea

Lemon juice fights bacteria while the vitamin C in orange juice strengthens the immune system.

• Boil 4 cups of water and pour it in a pitcher with 2 green tea bags.
• Let steep 20-30 minutes.
• Stir in fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice to taste.
• Sweeten with raw honey.
• This recipe is good hot or cold.
• Drink 3 times a day.

3. Green Tea with Almond Milk

Almond milk soothes irritated stomach and esophageal linings.

• Brew green tea using a bag or powder.
• Pour into a large cup and fill the rest with cold almond milk.
• Mix well and sip slowly to reduce the acid reflux.
• Drink 3 times a day.
• Note: You can use coconut milk instead of almons milk.

4. Green Tea with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera as a home remedy for acid reflux is recommended as it soothes and helps repair damaged tissues.

• Brew a cup of green tea.
• Cut open and squeeze an aloe vera leaf to extract fresh juice.
• Stir ½ teaspoon of aloe vera juice into green tea.
• Drink 3 times a day.

5. Green Tea with Raw Honey

Raw honey makes a great sweetener, and it soothes irritated stomach and esophageal linings while protecting the body from bacteria that can exacerbate heartburn making honey a great home remedy for acid reflux.

• Brew green tea using a bag or powder.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
• Drink 3 times a day.
• Note: You can mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for added benefits.

Does Green Tea Cause Acid Reflux?

Present research attempting to ascertain the effectiveness of green tea as a heartburn remedy offers mixed results. Green tea has many properties that promote proper digestion, but some believe that green tea actually causes acid reflux. In reality, it is the caffiene in green tea that triggers symptoms. Studies show that those who drink caffeinated tea are 1.5 times more likely to get acid reflux. So, for the remedies listed above, always use organic, decaffeinated green tea.

Tips and Precautions:

For best results, follow the advice below when using green tea to treat and prevent heartburn and acid reflux.

• Replace juices, sodas, and other drinks with herbal teas and de caffeinated green tea.
• Consult doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms more than once or twice a week because it is a serious health condition is called gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
• Before using green tea to treat acid reflux, ask your doctor if it will interact with blood thinners, medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, stomach ulcers, and depression, or any other medicines you may be taking.
• Drink at leat 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
• Eat a healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates.
• Get regular exercise.
• Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.

Have you tried using green tea to treat and prevent heartburn? Which methods worked best for you? Share your experience with us!