Short Answer: Hibiscus tea is not good for acid reflux. Because it has organic acids and they can increase stomach acidity, potentially worsening acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus and stomach.
In acid reflux, your body experiences a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
This can lead to various health problems, such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, strictures of the esophagus, and esophageal cancer.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your esophageal sphincter, which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume fiber and alkaline rich foods like oatmeal, green vegetables, and non-citrus fruits and avoid acidic, fatty, and spicy foods like tomatoes, onions, and chocolate.
Now, hibiscus tea is a fragrant herbal tea made from the dried calyces of the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant.
People usually drink it hot or iced for its fruity, refreshing flavor.
Hibiscus tea is not recommended for acid reflux because it contains organic acids such as citric acid, maleic acid, and tartaric acid.
These acids can potentially aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
One cup of hibiscus tea can give you a small amount of vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but the exact percentages of daily needs are not specified.
Vitamin C can positively affect acid reflux by boosting the immune system and helping to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
However, the organic acids in hibiscus tea can negatively affect acid reflux by potentially increasing stomach acidity.
Furthermore, hibiscus tea is an acidic beverage, and acidic beverages are generally not good for acid reflux because they can lower the pH in the stomach, leading to an increased risk of acid reflux.
That’s why I suggest you limit your hibiscus tea intake to avoid potential complications.
Stick to water and non-acidic herbal teas like chamomile or ginger tea to minimize the risk of acid reflux.
Also, you shouldn’t drink hibiscus tea if you are suffering from acid reflux to prevent stomach upset and heartburn.
Because the acidity in the tea may cause these side effects.
You can buy fresh hibiscus in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose organic and high-quality hibiscus to ensure the best flavor and health benefits.
You can store dried hibiscus in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for several months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing/dealing with acid reflux effectively.
I always recommend my acid reflux patients to follow an acid reflux-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.