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Can Pepsi Cause Heartburn?

Can Pepsi Cause Heartburn?

Certain foods can trigger heartburn and acid reflux; however, in some cases, they can be caused by foods and beverages that are very popular, such as sodas.

In this article, I will present the results of a survey to show what percentage of people get heartburn from sodas such as Pepsi.

Overall, Pepsi does cause heartburn.

On average, 16% of people will get heartburn from Pepsi.

Also, some people find it’s limited to only certain sodas, such as colas or sodas with caffeine.

Whereas other sodas have no effect.

Below, I will present the survey results, why most people who get acid reflux or heartburn are easily triggered by sodas such as Pepsi, the best treatments for heartburn, and how to relieve heartburn caused by Pepsi and other sodas.

How Many People Get Heartburn From Pepsi?

How Many People Get Heartburn From Pepsi?

Heartburn does not affect everyone, and people who already get acid reflux or heartburn are much more likely to be triggered by sodas such as Pepsi.

Here is what percent of all people will get heartburn from Pepsi.

On average, Pepsi and sodas will trigger 16% of all people.

If you rarely get heartburn or acid reflux, Pepsi is unlikely to cause it.

People with pre-existing heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD have an 81.25% chance of Pepsi causing heartburn.

People were asked: do you get heartburn from sodas? In total, 32 people responded. The results are shown in the table below:

  Votes Percentage
Yes, Pepsi and other sodas cause heartburn, acid reflux, and digestive discomfort 26 81.25%
Not all sodas, or no effects from drinking soda 6 18.75%

It’s worth pointing out that there was some bias because people who responded had pre-existing acid reflux or heartburn issues.

So, a similar poll would need to be done for a more diverse group.

A study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Issues showed that about 16% of people would get acid reflux from Pepsi (source).

Pepsi is acidic – has a pH of 2.5

Interestingly, Pepsi is acidic.

Heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, which can be triggered by various foods or eating patterns.

To treat heartburn, consuming liquids or foods with a low pH is recommended.

This is why antacids are one of the most common and effective treatments for heartburn.

They have a basic pH, which makes the stomach acid less acidic.

Ideal treatments for heartburn [recommended by medical professionals]

Antacids are the most widely available treatment for heartburn and work very fast – within 5 minutes. Here’s a video that explains how antacids work:

Other methods provide longer-term relief but indicate another symptom; therefore, it’s best to consult your doctor about these.

Such as h2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Antacids can be purchased almost everywhere and come in containers that contain 20 or so antacid tablets.

Treatments for heartburn caused by Pepsi

Some people never had an issue with sodas in the past.

But now they can’t tolerate sodas without discomfort. In some cases, the reaction can be extreme.

However, this is limited to only 16% of the population.

There are various ways to completely stop Pepsi’s negative symptoms that affect the digestive system, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and pain in the abdomen.

The best treatments are to:

  • Try different soda
  • Only drink a few sips, or consume far less
  • Cut out sodas altogether

Many reports that they only get adverse reactions when they consume a specific soda.

But other sodas are perfectly fine.

For example, some people state that colas give them a bad reaction, but sodas like Ginger Ale, Sprite, and others have no negative effects.

Therefore, it’s worth trying a few different sodas.

Others can tolerate sodas but only a tiny amount.

Around half a cup or less, only if they sip it slowly over time.

It’s worth experimenting with how much soda you can tolerate.

Another option is not to drink sodas anymore.

What Sodas Don’t Cause Heartburn [Acid Reflux and Are Bad for GERD]?

What Sodas Don’t Cause Heartburn [Acid Reflux and Are Bad for GERD]?

When you experience heartburn, acid reflux, or have GERD, you can easily identify foods that cause a terrible reaction.

But there are many different sodas out there, so here is what sodas, if any, don’t cause heartburn and similar digestive issues.

Overall, any soda can cause heartburn, and there are no sodas that do not cause stomach discomfort or acid reflux.

On average, 16% of people will not be able to tolerate consuming sodas.

But, some people are only affected by specific types of soda, such as those that contain caffeine.

The number of people that will have a bad reaction to sodas overall is only 16%, or 1 in every 10 people.

Therefore, chances are carbonated drinks are not the cause of heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD.

But only if you don’t typically get heartburn or acid reflux or are on the GERD diet.

If you do, the chances of having a bad reaction from soda go up to nearly 85%.

Sodas that generally don’t cause heartburn

No soft drink works for everyone, and it’s very random which soda you can consume without digestive issues.

Some people can consume ginger sodas or plain soda water without any issues.

Others state that Dr. Pepper, Coke, and Pepsi alleviate digestive issues.

Especially for expectant mothers.

Therefore, if you get a terrible reaction from sodas, it’s worth trying a bunch of different sodas.

There may be a particular flavor that doesn’t cause a bad reaction.