Here’s the twist: being dehydrated can also trigger acid reflux. When you’re low on fluids, your body produces less saliva, which is your natural acid neutralizer. Saliva contains bicarbonate, which buffers stomach acid.
Causes of Acid Reflux & Dietary Modification
So you’re caught in a weird catch-22: drink too much and you get reflux; drink too little and you get reflux. Welcome to adulting in 2026, where even water is a life lesson in moderation.
The sweet spot is about 8–10 cups of fluid per day, but spread out like a gentle rain, not a monsoon. Listen to your body—if your stomach feels sloshy after drinking, you’ve passed the Goldilocks zone.
Fun Fact: Napoleon’s Reflux Mistake
Rumor has it that Napoleon Bonaparte drank entire bottles of chilled champagne in one go to quench his thirst after battles. Historians think this habit may have contributed to the stomach ulcers that plagued him at Waterloo.
So while you might not be conquering Europe, your after-work kombucha chug could be giving you a similar downfall. History repeats itself, but with fewer horses and more burping.
