Does drinking warm water help with acid reflux
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The Impact of Warm Water on Acid Reflux
Introduction to Acid Reflux and Pepsin Activation
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. A key factor in the pathophysiology of reflux disease is pepsin, an enzyme that requires an acidic environment for activation and can cause tissue damage in both the larynx and esophagus1.
Alkaline Water and Pepsin Inactivation
Research has shown that drinking water with a high pH, specifically pH 8.8 alkaline water, can inactivate pepsin. This type of water irreversibly denatures pepsin, rendering it inactive and thus potentially reducing the damage caused by acid reflux. Additionally, pH 8.8 alkaline water has a superior acid-buffering capacity compared to conventional drinking water, which may provide therapeutic benefits for individuals suffering from reflux disease1.
Warm Water and Acid Reflux
A study investigating the effects of coffee and warm water on acid reflux found that warm water did not significantly impact postprandial acid reflux time or the number of reflux episodes in both GERD patients and healthy subjects. The study involved participants drinking either coffee or warm water at specific times throughout the day, and the results indicated that warm water did not exacerbate acid reflux symptoms2.
Conclusion
While warm water does not appear to have a significant effect on acid reflux, alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 shows promise in inactivating pepsin and buffering stomach acid, potentially offering relief for those with reflux disease. Therefore, individuals with acid reflux might benefit more from consuming alkaline water rather than simply warm water.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Potential Benefits of pH 8.8 Alkaline Drinking Water as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Reflux Disease
pH 8.8 alkaline water instantly denatures pepsin, rendering it permanently inactive, and has good acid-buffering capacity, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for patients with reflux disease.
In Vitro StudyEffect of coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease and healthy controls.
Coffee has no significant effect on gastro-oesophageal acid reflux in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and no effect at all in healthy subjects.
RCTEffectivity of alkaline water on the clinical improvement in laryngopharyngeal reflux
Alkaline water has an effect on clinical improvement in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients, but there is no significant difference in improvement between control and treatment groups.
RCTHeartburn relief with bicarbonate-rich mineral water: results of the randomised, placebo-controlled phase-III trial STOMACH STILL
STOMACH STILL is a bicarbonate-rich mineral water that effectively relieves heartburn and improves health-related quality of life compared to placebo.
RCTAssociation Between Beverage Intake and Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: Beverages and GER symptoms.
Drinking water instead of coffee, tea, or soda reduces the risk of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, while coffee, tea, or soda intake increases the risk.
Observational StudyThe effect of a sports drink on gastroesophageal reflux during a run-bike-run test.
Physical exercise increases gastroesophageal reflux, with carbohydrates increasing the duration of reflux and water reducing it.
Non-RCTRelationships between the acidity and osmolality of popular beverages and reported postprandial heartburn.
High acidity in citrus drinks and juices and low pH in soft drinks are associated with more reported heartburn, providing dietary advice for patients with heartburn and reflux esophagitis.
Observational Study
Highly CitedEffect of Drinking Warm Water on Esophageal Preparation Before Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Patients With Achalasia
Drinking warm water significantly reduces esophageal food retention and improves esophageal preparation quality in patients with achalasia before peroral endoscopic myotomy.
RCT
Rigorous JournalDrinking Warm Water Promotes Performance by Regulating Ruminal Microbial Composition and Serum Metabolites in Yak Calves
Drinking warm water improves growth performance in yak calves by regulating ruminal microbial composition and serum metabolites.
RCT
Animal StudyThe Effect of Warm Water Intake on Bowel Movements in the Early Postoperative Stage of Patients Having Undergone Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Warm water intake in the fourth postoperative hour significantly decreased the first flatus expulsion period and had a favorable impact on intestinal movements in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
RCT