Do mints make acid reflux worse?

Common trigger

Peppermint and spearmint are thought to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Tips

  • If you chew gum, choose a non-mint flavour. Chewing gum increases saliva, which can help clear acid.

Try instead

Non-mint chewing gum

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log mints and mint gum 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.

Similar foods

Chocolate Honey

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

  1. 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.
  2. NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.