Hydration and GERD: The Surprising Impact of Drinking Water on Acid Reflux
When it comes to managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most people focus on diet, medication, and posture. But recent studies suggest hydration—specifically how and what you drink—can also influence acid reflux symptoms.
At the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we explore the latest scientific findings to help patients manage GERD through evidence-based strategies, including optimal hydration.
How Drinking Water Affects Acid Reflux
1. Water Can Neutralize Stomach Acid Temporarily
A landmark study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that drinking water significantly increased gastric pH within one minute, achieving effects similar to antacid medication for a short period (Karamanolis et al., 2008). This suggests that plain water can dilute stomach acid and briefly relieve discomfort.
2. Alkaline Water May Inactivate Pepsin
In vitro research in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology showed that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8irreversibly inactivated pepsin, a digestive enzyme implicated in reflux-related throat irritation (Koufman & Johnston, 2012). The same study found alkaline water had superior acid-buffering capacity, which may explain its reported benefits in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.
3. Bicarbonate-Rich Mineral Waters Reduce Heartburn
A double-blind clinical trial in BMJ Open Gastroenterology compared bicarbonate-rich mineral water to regular mineral water. The bicarbonate water group experienced reduced heartburn frequency and intensity after four weeks (Hohenester et al., 2023). Researchers attributed this to bicarbonate’s ability to buffer stomach acid and improve esophageal clearance.
4. Hydration and Digestive Function
Adequate hydration also supports normal gastrointestinal motility and mucus secretion, both of which protect against acid exposure. Dehydration may delay gastric emptying and exacerbate reflux (Camilleri et al., 2017).
Practical Hydration Tips for GERD
Drink small, frequent sips of water throughout the day rather than large volumes at once.
Avoid drinking excessive fluid during meals, which may increase gastric distension.
Choose neutral or mildly alkaline water (pH 7–8.5) when possible.
Replace acidic and carbonated beverages with plain or alkaline water to reduce reflux triggers.
Stay consistently hydrated—even mild dehydration can worsen digestive function.
Tampa Bay Reflux Center: A Comprehensive Approach to GERD
At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, our physicians use a multidisciplinary approach to identify and treat reflux causes. Hydration strategies are often paired with dietary counseling, medication optimization, and, when indicated, advanced interventions like LINX® reflux management or minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery.
We help patients understand that simple measures—like mindful hydration—can complement medical treatment and improve long-term comfort and outcomes.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit tampabayrefluxcenter.com or call (813) 615-7030.
Hydration plays a more important role in reflux management than most realize. Studies in reputable medical journals show that water can neutralize stomach acid, alkaline water may inactivate pepsin, and bicarbonate-rich water can reduce heartburn symptoms.
While not a standalone cure, proper hydration supports healthy digestion and can be an effective adjunct to professional GERD treatment—especially under the guidance of experts at Tampa Bay Reflux Center.
Works Cited
Camilleri, M., Linden, D. R., & Farrugia, G. (2017). Gastrointestinal motility disorders and hydration. American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 312(2), G155–G162. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00323.2016
Hohenester, U., Veit, F., Albus, C., & Götz, M. (2023). Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn: A randomized controlled trial. BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 10(1), e001048. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgast-2022-001048
Karamanolis, G. P., Sifrim, D., & Tack, J. (2008). A glass of water immediately increases gastric pH in healthy subjects. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 53(12), 3158–3162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0289-7
Koufman, J. A., & Johnston, N. (2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 121(7), 431–434. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348941212100702