Beer And Acid Reflux: Is It Safe To Drink?

Drinking alcohol is a known trigger for acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows up to the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, burping, and a sore throat. However, not all alcoholic drinks are created equal when it comes to triggering acid reflux. So, can you drink beer if you have acid reflux? Let's explore.

Alcohol is a known trigger for acid reflux

Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into a person's oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the throat and chest. While some people with acid reflux choose to avoid alcohol completely, others want to know how they can continue drinking while managing their symptoms.

According to a 2019 review, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing GERD. Researchers found that higher intake and frequency were more strongly linked with GERD. However, a 2022 review found that drinking three or fewer alcoholic beverages a week may be associated with GERD.

A 2006 study found that beer and wine triggered reflux in men and women compared to drinking water. However, a 2008 study found that drinking wine could reduce the risk of reflux oesophagitis or irritation of the oesophageal lining. A 2010 review contradicted this, noting that red and white wine increases the acid produced in the stomach, which could increase the risk of worsening reflux.

If you suffer from acid reflux, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, if you do choose to drink, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of worsening your symptoms. Firstly, try to drink in moderation. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of acid reflux flare-ups. Secondly, make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration can make acid reflux symptoms worse. Thirdly, avoid drinking acidic or carbonated drinks. These can irritate the stomach and increase symptoms of acid reflux. Finally, eat small meals and avoid eating late at night. Large meals can increase the risk of acid reflux, and eating late at night can aggravate symptoms.

Light beers may help curb acid reflux

Drinking alcohol is a common trigger for acid reflux, but some alcoholic beverages may be better than others for those who want to unwind with a drink. Light beers tend to have fewer calories and carbs than other alcoholic drinks, so they may be a better option for those looking to avoid exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.

Light-bodied beverages with a lower alcohol content, such as light beers and wines like Moscato with an ABV of around 5%, may help curb acid reflux. In contrast, stronger spirits like whiskey and Scotch could make symptoms worse. However, distilled spirits such as vodka and whiskey are better choices than beer or wine to avoid problems with acid reflux as they are low in calories and carbs and don't contain any sugar.

According to a 2006 study, beer and wine triggered reflux in both men and women compared to drinking water. However, a 2008 study found that drinking wine could reduce the risk of reflux esophagitis or irritation of the esophageal lining. A 2010 review contradicted these findings, noting that red and white wine increases acid production in the stomach, which could worsen reflux.

If you suffer from acid reflux, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, if you do choose to drink, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of worsening your symptoms. Firstly, drink in moderation as heavy drinking can increase the risk of acid reflux flare-ups. Secondly, stay hydrated as dehydration can make acid reflux symptoms worse. Thirdly, avoid drinking acidic or carbonated drinks as these can irritate the stomach and increase symptoms of acid reflux. Finally, eat small meals and avoid eating late at night as large meals and eating close to bedtime can aggravate symptoms.

Wine is a good choice for acid reflux sufferers

Drinking alcohol can trigger acid reflux, a condition where stomach acids flow back up into the oesophagus, causing pain and discomfort. While it is best for acid reflux sufferers to avoid drinking alcohol altogether, if you do choose to drink, there are some options that can minimise the risk of worsening your symptoms.

Spirits with a high ethanol content, like gin, whiskey, and cognac, may be better for people with acid reflux. High-proof spirits are less likely to stimulate stomach acid secretion than drinks with lower ethanol content. Spirits with a lower pH level, such as tequila and non-grain vodka, are also good options for acid reflux sufferers.

If you suffer from acid reflux and want to drink alcohol, it is important to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and avoid drinking acidic or carbonated drinks, which can irritate the stomach and increase symptoms of acid reflux.

Spirits like gin and tequila have low acidity

Drinking alcohol can make acid reflux worse. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular valve whose function is to act as a one-way gate, allowing food into the stomach and preventing stomach acid from rising back up into the esophagus. When the LES malfunctions, it can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Alcohol also stimulates the stomach to produce more acid, and slows down the process of pushing food down into the small intestine, providing more opportunity for acid to rise and cause discomfort.

Some alcoholic drinks are worse for acid reflux than others. Carbonated alcoholic beverages, such as beer and certain mixed drinks, can increase the risk of heartburn due to their carbonation. The bubbles in these drinks can cause increased stomach gas, which exerts pressure on the stomach and pushes acid into the esophagus. Beer, like other alcoholic drinks, is inherently acidic, and different beers have varying levels of acidity depending on their brewing process and ingredients. Any acid can contribute to reflux when paired with a weakened LES.

High-proof spirits like whiskey and Scotch might also irritate the esophagus due to their higher alcohol content. However, spirits like gin and tequila have low acidity, so they are less likely to trigger acid reflux. According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options. If you want to avoid acid reflux, it's best to avoid drinking altogether. However, if you do want to drink, gin or tequila are better options than other spirits or carbonated alcoholic drinks.

Drinking water can help manage acid reflux

Staying well-hydrated is essential for healthy digestion. Drinking water aids in breaking down food, making it easier for the stomach to process. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of acid reflux. Water also helps maintain the stomach's acid balance and promotes overall digestive well-being. It is recommended to drink at least 11-15 cups of water daily and to space out water intake to avoid overhydration in short bursts. Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before and after meals can help prepare the stomach for digestion and wash down any residual acid.

In addition to water, other drinks that may help manage acid reflux include ginger tea, low-fat milk, herbal teas, and non-acidic fruit or vegetable juices. Avoiding trigger drinks such as alcohol, citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and caffeinated drinks can also help reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms.

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