Mint: Whether it’s peppermint or spearmint , mint teas have developed a reputation for worsening reflux episodes. Mint teas are associated with relaxing the stomach and improving cramping. As such, it could also cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, leading to acid reflux .
Another query we ran across in our research was “Can mint cause reflux?”.
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but mint—such as peppermint or spearmint—can cause acid reflux in some people. This includes herbal teas, as well as products that contain mint flavoring, such as breath mints and chewing gum . While peppermint is often used to soothe indigestion, Live. Strong says it can trigger heartburn in people.
One of the next things we wanted the answer to was; is mint good for acid reflux?
This is what our research found. mint triggers acid reflux for many . Chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to soothe GERD symptoms. Licorice helps increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, which helps calm the effects of stomach acid .
You might be wondering “Can mint gums help acid reflux?”
Here is what my research found. but King says the jury is still out on whether mint gums have an effect on acid reflux. “Again, no scientific studies show that mint makes symptoms worse — only individual patient experiences reported,” she says. Mint is known as a natural smooth muscle relaxant, she says, which could include the esophagus.
The answer is that like many herbs, mint can adversely affect some people. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint in an attempt to soothe digestive issues . According to a 2019 review, mint commonly acts as a trigger for GERD symptoms. Taking peppermint oil in large doses can be toxic.
Summary Foods that are high in fat may cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Fat also promotes the release of CCK, which may relax the sphincter and let food sit in the stomach for longer — both risk factors for heartburn. Mint Mints like peppermint and spearmint are often thought to soothe digestive conditions .
Can Peppermint cause acid reflux?
In fact, this mechanical fault is one of the key contributors in most people with chronic acid reflux. If you are on antacids that reduce production of stomach acids, peppermint gets dissolved in the stomach too quickly, causing heartburn .
One way to think about this is although peppermint is known for its soothing qualities, peppermint may inappropriately relax and open the lower esophageal sphincter. This can allow gastric acid to flow up into the esophagus .
Is peppermint oil bad for GERD?
Since peppermint ‘relaxes’ the gut, it can harm at higher doses – especially those who suffer from GERD . High doses of peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, which is a muscular flap between the esophagus and stomach.
What drinks are bad for acid reflux?
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux . Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
Certain herbal teas can actually worsen reflux symptoms because of their high acid content . Even though it’s lower than coffee and fruit juices, the acid level found in some teas could still irritate the stomach lining and worsen stomach reflux episodes.
Summary Citrus juices like orange or grapefruit juice may cause acid reflux and heartburn . However, it’s not entirely clear how this happens. Chocolate Chocolate is another common trigger for heartburn. Like high-fat foods, chocolate can relax the lower esophageal sphincter ( 14, 15 ).
Is spearmint good for heartburn?
Mints like peppermint and spearmint are often thought to soothe digestive conditions . However, there is some evidence that these mints may cause heartburn. One study found that high doses of spearmint were linked with acid reflux symptoms. Surprisingly, spearmint did not relax the lower esophageal sphincter.