Green tea is a popular beverage for many people. Besides its association to weight loss, green tea is rich in antioxidants that support heart health and brain function. Even so, not everyone is advised to drink it frequently, especially for people with acid reflux.

The Relationship Between Green Tea and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. This happens because the lower oesophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that normally keeps stomach contents from rising, becomes weaker or relaxes too much.

Typical symptoms of acid reflux include:

• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)

• Discomfort in the chest or throat

• A sour taste or food and fluid coming back up into the mouth

Occasional reflux is usually harmless. However, if it happens repeatedly, it can develop into GERD and cause irritation of the oesophagus.

Green tea is made from a plant called Camellia sinensis, the same plant used for oolong and black tea. It contains methylxanthines, a group of stimulants that includes caffeine. Because the caffeine content of green tea is lower than coffee, many people choose green tea as a lighter source of caffeine.

Even so, the caffeine in green tea can still affect the lower oesophageal sphincter. When this muscle relaxes more than it should, stomach contents can rise more easily, increasing the risks of acid reflux.

People respond differently to caffeine. Some can drink tea without any problems, while others feel uncomfortable in their stomach after only a small amount.

Research on caffeine and acid reflux has not produced consistent results. A 2020 study found that frequent consumption of caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks may increase the risk of acid reflux.

On the other hand, another study carried out between July and September 2019 reported that drinking coffee did not significantly affect reflux or GERD. Because of these mixed findings, experts believe further studies are needed to fully understand the link between acid reflux and green tea.

Apart from caffeine, the acidity of the beverages also matters. Bottled green tea often contains added sweeteners, preservatives, and citric acid. These ingredients can make the beverages more acidic and, in some people, may lead to acid reflux symptoms.

Foods and Beverages That May Worsen Acid Reflux

Certain foods can promote acid reflux by weakening the lower oesophageal sphincter or slowing the process of food digestion in the stomach, making it easier for stomach contents to move back up into the oesophagus. Some foods and beverages that you should limited to help prevent acid reflux include:

• High-fat foods, such as fried foods, processed foods, full-fat milk, and cream

• Spicy foods

• Acidic fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, tomatoes, garlic, and onions

• Alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages

For some people, green tea does not cause noticeable reflux symptoms. However, if you feel heartburn or other discomfort after drinking green tea, it is better to reduce the amount or avoid drinking it too often.

If you still have questions or ongoing complaints about acid reflux and green tea, you can talk to a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Play Store.

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