Is Coconut Water Good for Acid Reflux?

If you have acid reflux you might be wondering if coconut water is a good choice and if it can help or worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Coconut water is often a good choice if you have acid reflux and is generally considered safe for most people with acid reflux. Though some people may find that coconut water can aggravate their acid reflux symptoms though this isn’t common.

Below we will break down all the details about coconut water and if you should drink it if you have acid reflux.

Is Coconut Water Good for Acid Reflux or GERD?

Before we talk about if coconut water is good for acid reflux we should first talk about coconut water itself.

Coconut water is a clear liquid that is taken from young green coconuts. It’s known for its great taste and health benefits. It has a nice balance of electrolytes including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are known to help support the body’s fluid balance along with supporting nerve and muscle function. Coconut water is also considered low in sugar especially when compared with store bought soft drinks like Coca Cola or Sprite.

When it comes to acid reflux coconut water can help your body’s pH become more alkaline which may for some help control and ease acid reflux. In addition to this coconut water helps produce mucous in your stomach, which helps offer protection from any excess acid production that may occur.

Coconut water also has natural enzymes that can help and aid digestion and things like indigestion, bloating, and constipation to name a few. These natural enzymes can help break down food in the stomach which helps improve digestion. It’s also worth mentioning that coconut water has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help calm and soothe the lining of the stomach which can help with things like gastritis and other digestive issues.

Keep in mind that while coconut water might seem like the perfect natural drink for someone with acid reflux it won’t work for everyone and for some it may even irritate or worsen acid reflux symptoms.

The point here is that everyone’s acid reflux is different and what might help someone may make another person worse. For example, coconut water for some people may worsen acid reflux symptoms or things like diarrhea or nausea to name a couple. Therefore, when drinking coconut water just be aware of how you feel and if your acid reflux or digestion feels any worse after drinking. If you do notice worsened acid reflux symptoms then it may be best to stop drinking more coconut water and consult with a healthcare professional before continuing.

In terms of acidity, you can expect coconut water to range from a 4.7-5.7 pH. While this is acidic on the pH scale it isn’t too acidic to be of concern for most people with acid reflux. If you have more severe acid reflux like GERD or LPR then you may want to proceed with caution especially when drinking coconut water because of its acidity. Certain coconut water may be more acidic for various reasons which we will cover in more detail below.

Choosing Coconut Water

If you decide to drink coconut water you should opt for fresh and organic coconut water. This means coconut water with no preservatives or added sugars. Basically the more natural the coconut water the better the choice it will be for your digestion and acid reflux too. Preservatives and other additives can not only make coconut water more acidic but can cause more irritation to the stomach and the digestive system.

Just like most drinks it’s important to drink coconut water in moderation. If you drink too much coconut water it can lead to an upset stomach or even an electrolyte imbalance.

Important Related Questions

Is Drinking Coconut Water Good for GERD?

Often if you have GERD drinking coconut water can help calm and soothe GERD symptoms though for some people it could make things worse. If you have GERD and want to try coconut water it’s recommended to go for coconut water with no preservatives or added sugar and drink a small amount the first time you have it.

Is Coconut Water Good for Gastric Problems?

Yes coconut water can often help gastric problems and a host of digestive issues.

When is the Best Time to Drink Coconut Water for Acid Reflux?

If you want to get relief from acid reflux a good time to drink coconut water is about 30 minutes after eating your meal.

Does Coconut Water Make You Acidic?

Coconut water does not make you acidic. Coconut water has an alkalizing effect on the body and digestive system instead.