Gastroenterologist shares 4 best beverages if you suffer from acid reflux: ‘Focus on your gut health’
Published on: Sept. 3, 2025, 5:30 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi suggests four beverages—water, fennel seeds water, basil water, and coconut water—as remedies for acid reflux, a recommendation affirmed by Dr. Manish Dodmani, consultant medical gastroenterologist. These drinks, when consumed in moderation, can help by diluting stomach acid (water), relaxing the gastrointestinal tract (fennel water), offering anti-inflammatory benefits (basil water), and neutralizing acidity while hydrating (coconut water, which is alkaline and rich in electrolytes). However, Dr. Dodmani stresses that these are supportive measures and do not address the root cause of persistent or severe reflux, which warrants a consultation with a gastroenterologist and potential endoscopy. When using these remedies, one should practice portion control, sip slowly, avoid added sugars or artificial flavors, and monitor individual body reactions, as what works for one person might not work for another. While generally safe, caution is advised for individuals with kidney issues (due to high potassium in coconut water), allergies to herbs, pregnant women, children, and those on diuretics or blood pressure medications, emphasizing that personalization is key for gut health and these drinks should not replace medical advice, especially for diagnosed conditions like GERD.
