Is Green Tea Good or Bad for GERD and Acid Reflux?

Drinking green tea may be best avoided by those with reflux esophagitis.

Green tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the secretion of stomach acid and cause reflux.

The acidity of green tea may also increase stomach discomfort.

To relieve the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, it is recommended to avoid beverages that contain caffeine or are highly acidic and instead choose drinks that are gentler on the digestive system.

Green tea offers excellent health benefits, but you should consider your own health condition and choose an appropriate drink for the occasion.

What is GERD or Acid Reflux?

If you experience “sour or bitter food rushing up into your throat” or “a queasy feeling in your chest,” these symptoms may indicate reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When erosions or ulcers are observed during an endoscopy, reflux esophagitis is diagnosed.

GERD is the collective term for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle relaxes, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

The mucosa of the esophagus has no mechanism to protect it from stimulation by stomach acid. When stomach acid comes into contact with the esophagus, sores and ulcers can develop, causing a variety of symptoms.

What are Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

Reflux esophagitis is a condition caused by the reflux of stomach acid or stomach contents into the esophagus.

The primary symptoms include heartburn and acid regurgitation (the reflux of sour liquid).

Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the center of the chest.

Other symptoms may include pain in the area around the solar plexus after eating, a feeling of a blocked esophagus, and discomfort in the throat.

These symptoms are especially likely to worsen after eating or when lying down.

Heartburn is also common at night, which can lead to poor sleep quality. Additionally, chronic coughing, a hoarse voice, and throat discomfort can also be symptoms of reflux esophagitis.

These symptoms are caused by stimulation of the esophageal mucosa due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

The mucosa of the esophagus has a weak defense against stomach acid and is prone to inflammation and sores when stimulated.

What Causes of Acid Reflux?

Reflux esophagitis is caused by several factors.

The first major cause is a decrease in the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach.

This muscle normally acts as a barrier to prevent the reflux of stomach acid, but when its function is weakened, stomach acid can easily flow back into the esophagus.

Secondly, a decrease in the peristalsis function of the esophagus also contributes to the condition.

Peristalsis is the movement that propels food and stomach acid through the esophagus into the stomach, and when this function is impaired, reflux is more likely to occur.

Side effects of certain medications can also cause reflux esophagitis.

This is because some medications promote the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Another cause is increased abdominal pressure.

Increased abdominal pressure due to obesity, tight clothing, constipation, and other factors can lead to the reflux of stomach acid.

In addition, excessive secretion of stomach acid is a significant factor in causing reflux esophagitis.

Stress, diet, and excessive alcohol consumption can all increase stomach acid secretion.

The combined effects of these factors can lead to the development of reflux esophagitis.

To prevent the disease, it is important to review one’s diet and lifestyle.

Relationship Between Green Tea and Acid Reflux

Green tea is considered healthy and popular by many, but it should be consumed with caution by people with reflux esophagitis.

The caffeine in green tea stimulates the stomach and promotes the secretion of stomach acid.

Excessive secretion of stomach acid increases the risk of reflux.

Caffeine also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.

The lower esophageal sphincter plays a crucial role in preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

Therefore, drinking green tea may worsen the symptoms of reflux esophagitis.

Symptoms of reflux esophagitis include heartburn, sour liquid reflux, and throat discomfort, and caffeine intake should be avoided to prevent these symptoms.

If you want to enjoy green tea, one option is to choose decaf green tea, which contains no caffeine.

Note on Acidity of Bottled Green Tea

Because green tea contains antioxidants such as catechins, it loses its flavor over time.

This is not an issue with green tea made in a teapot since it is consumed immediately, but with PET bottled green tea, there is a certain amount of time between when the tea leaves the factory and reaches the consumer, during which oxidation can occur.

Therefore, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is added to bottled green tea as an antioxidant.

According to a report by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, L-ascorbic acid has been evaluated in toxicity tests and found to have no carcinogenic, reproductive toxicity, or genotoxicity, but excessive intake can cause diarrhea.

Conclusion on the Effects of Green Tea on Acid Reflux

Green tea offers various health benefits, but it should be consumed with caution by those with reflux esophagitis.

The caffeine in green tea stimulates the stomach and promotes the secretion of stomach acid.

Excessive secretion of stomach acid increases the risk of reflux.

Caffeine also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which plays an important role in preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

For this reason, drinking green tea may worsen symptoms in those with reflux esophagitis.

To prevent symptoms such as heartburn, acidic liquid reflux, and throat discomfort, it is advisable to avoid caffeine intake.

If you still want to enjoy green tea, one option is to choose decaf green tea, which contains no caffeine.

If you are concerned about the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, it is also important to consult your family physician.

The advice of a specialist can help you make appropriate dietary and beverage choices.