Is kombucha bad for acid reflux?

Q: Is kombucha bad for acid reflux?

It depends. Kombucha is fermented tea: it is acidic, fizzy and contains some caffeine and sometimes a little alcohol. The bubbles can increase pressure in the stomach. Claims that it helps reflux are not backed by studies.

Depends on the person

Kombucha is fermented tea: it is acidic, fizzy and contains some caffeine and sometimes a little alcohol. The bubbles can increase pressure in the stomach. Claims that it helps reflux are not backed by studies.

Tips

Try a small glass with food rather than on an empty stomach.

Try instead

Still water or a caffeine-free herbal tea

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log kombucha in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.