Beer And Gerd: What You Need To Know

Alcoholic drinks are a common trigger for heartburn, which is a painful, burning sensation in the chest and upper throat. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, or food pipe, causing discomfort or pain. Beer is a particular risk for heartburn because it is alcoholic, acidic, and carbonated. Some beers also contain ingredients such as chocolate, coffee, chilli peppers, or mint, which have been linked to heartburn. According to a 2006 study, beer and wine triggered reflux in men and women compared to drinking water. However, a 2022 review found that drinking three or fewer alcoholic beverages a week may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Beer and acid reflux

Beer is a well-known culprit when it comes to triggering acid reflux, or heartburn, a common condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, or food pipe, causing irritation and discomfort. While anyone can experience heartburn now and then, frequent episodes may indicate a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Beer's contribution to acid reflux can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is an alcoholic beverage, and alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of developing GERD. Alcohol relaxes the muscles around the stomach, making it easier for stomach contents to leak out and back up into the oesophagus. Beer is also often carbonated, which can further aggravate acid reflux. Additionally, it tends to be acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.0 to 6.0, which can directly irritate the delicate tissues of the oesophagus.

Moreover, some beers contain added ingredients such as chocolate, coffee, chilli peppers, or mint, which have all been linked to heartburn. These ingredients can further increase the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux symptoms. Even light beers, which have a slightly lower alcohol content, do not offer much relief in terms of reducing alcohol-related reflux.

The impact of beer on acid reflux can vary from person to person. While some people may experience heartburn after a single drink, others may be able to tolerate a small amount without issues. However, drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage in excess can lead to overeating, which can also trigger reflux. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals prone to acid reflux or living with GERD limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether.

If you choose to drink beer, it is advisable to drink in moderation and be mindful of your body's responses. Keeping a food journal can help you identify any patterns between drinking beer and experiencing acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, avoiding drinking alcohol close to bedtime can help reduce the risk of night-time reflux, as lying down with alcohol in your stomach can increase the likelihood of acid flowing back up into the oesophagus.

Alcohol's effect on the stomach

Alcohol can have a range of effects on the stomach and the whole digestive system. Alcohol can irritate the gut, including the stomach, and cause acid to rise from the stomach into the throat, leading to acid reflux or heartburn.

Alcohol can increase the amount of acid in the stomach, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause inflammation (gastritis). This can happen during a session of heavy drinking or over a longer period of chronic drinking. Symptoms of gastritis include feeling uncomfortably full after eating, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, gastritis can lead to painful stomach ulcers.

Research has also found that alcohol can affect the muscles separating the oesophagus from the stomach, increasing the likelihood of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Alcohol can also make the stomach produce more acid, which can gradually wear away the stomach lining and cause inflammation and pain. Over time, this can lead to the development of painful ulcers in the stomach lining.

In addition, alcohol can contribute to the development of several types of cancer associated with the digestive system, including mouth, throat, oesophageal, bowel, and liver cancer.

To reduce the risk of alcohol-related stomach problems, it is recommended to follow low-risk drinking guidelines, such as not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week and having several drink-free days.

Best and worst drinks for GERD patients

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic medical condition caused by the inability of the lower part of the oesophagus to function properly. This results in a burning sensation in the chest (often called heartburn) and irritation of the oesophagus.

If you have GERD, certain foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. Avoiding the drinks and foods that cause the symptoms is the best way to evade the effects of acid reflux. However, some drinks may help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

The worst drinks for GERD patients

• Alcohol
• Citrus juices
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeinated beverages
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Sports drinks
• Fruit juices

The best drinks for GERD patients

• Water
• Ginger tea
• Low-fat milk
• Plant-based milk
• Low-acid vegetable and fruit juice
• Herbal teas
• Smoothies
• Coconut water

Tips for managing GERD and acid reflux

• Avoid skipping breakfast or lunch, which can lead to overeating and overdrinking late in the day.
• Avoid late-night snacks or beverages that may cause heartburn at bedtime.
• Maintain an upright position during and after eating or drinking.
• Sip beverages slowly.
• Moderate your alcohol consumption.
• Reduce or eliminate spicy and fried foods.
• Elevate the head of your bed so that gravity can help prevent acid from creeping into your oesophagus while you sleep.

Alcohol and heartburn

Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the chest and upper throat. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, or food pipe, causing discomfort or pain.

Alcohol is a common trigger for heartburn. Research has found a link between alcohol consumption and heartburn, with those who drink more alcohol or drink it more regularly having a greater likelihood of experiencing heartburn.

How Alcohol Causes Heartburn

There are several ways in which alcohol can lead to heartburn:

• Irritating the throat or stomach: Alcohol can directly irritate the tissues in the oesophagus due to the chemicals it contains.
• Relaxing the muscle leading to the stomach: Alcohol relaxes the muscles around the stomach, making it more likely for stomach contents to leak out.
• Affecting stomach acid: Alcohol can increase acid production in the stomach and make the tissues more sensitive to acid, which can lead to heartburn.
• Affecting food choices: Alcohol can impair judgement, leading people to eat more than usual, eat late at night, or consume foods that disagree with them, all of which can cause heartburn.
• Drinking sugary or carbonated drinks: Sugary, citrus, or carbonated alcoholic beverages can trigger heartburn.
• Smoking: Alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of smoking, which is a major risk factor for heartburn.

Preventing Heartburn

• Drink in moderation: Drinking in moderation, or having one or two drinks, may help some people avoid heartburn.
• Identify trigger drinks: Identify and avoid drinks that trigger heartburn, such as sugary alcoholic drinks or beer.
• Avoid certain food triggers: Avoid eating foods that trigger heartburn, even while drinking.
• Avoid drinking before bed: Avoid drinking alcohol a few hours before bed, as lying down with alcohol in the stomach can increase the risk of heartburn.
• See a doctor: If heartburn is caused by an underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), seeing a doctor for treatment may be necessary.

Tips to reduce acid reflux

Drinking beer can trigger acid reflux, or heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This can cause a painful, burning sensation in the chest and upper throat. Beer is a carbonated beverage, and carbonation is known to make acid reflux worse. Beer is also often consumed with late-night dinners or as a bedtime snack, which can cause acid reflux as food remains in the stomach for longer.

• Eat small meals slowly: Eating large meals can cause reflux into the oesophagus. Try eating small meals more frequently instead of three large meals a day.
• Avoid certain foods: Fatty, spicy, or fried foods can relax the opening to the stomach and delay stomach emptying. These include fatty meats like bacon and sausage, and processed snacks like potato chips.
• Avoid carbonated beverages: Carbonated drinks make you burp, which sends acid into the oesophagus. Drink flat water instead.
• Stay upright after eating: When you're standing or sitting, gravity helps keep acid in the stomach. Finish eating at least three hours before bed, and avoid late-night suppers or midnight snacks.
• Avoid vigorous exercise after eating: Strenuous workouts, especially those that involve bending over, can send acid into your oesophagus.
• Sleep with your head elevated: Use bed risers or a foam wedge support to keep your head six to eight inches higher than your feet.
• Lose weight if advised by a doctor: Increased weight can spread the muscular structure supporting the lower oesophageal sphincter, decreasing the pressure that holds the sphincter closed.
• Quit smoking: Nicotine may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter.
• Check your medications: Some medications can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter or irritate the oesophagus.
• Drink ginger tea: Ginger is a digestive aid that eases irritation in the digestive tract.
• Drink non-citrus juices: Citrus juices are highly acidic and can irritate the mucus membrane of the food pipe. Try low-acid fruit and vegetable juices like carrot, melon, or aloe vera.
• Drink plant-based milk: Plant-based milk like almond milk is alkaline, which can help neutralise stomach acid.
• Drink water: Water helps with digestion and ensures the proper passing of food through the gastrointestinal system. Regularly sipping water throughout the day can also help clear acid in the oesophagus.

Frequently asked questions