Lena Savoie
Alcohol can be a trigger for acid reflux, but not everyone experiences it the same way. Some people with acid reflux choose to avoid alcohol altogether, but if you want to have a drink, it's important to know your personal triggers. Beer, carbonated drinks, and wine are known to trigger acid reflux, but red wine may be better than white wine. Cocktails with citrus juice or carbonated mixers should be avoided, as should drinks with peppermint, chocolate, or coffee. Lower-pH liquors like gin, tequila, and non-grain vodka may be better options, but they can also relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up. Drinking water or herbal tea may help manage acid reflux, and staying hydrated ensures the appropriate passing of food through the gastrointestinal system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic drinks to avoid with acid reflux | Cocktails with a citrus base (screwdrivers, margaritas, daiquiris), peppermint drinks (peppermint martini, white Russian), chocolate drinks (mudslide), coffee drinks (Irish coffee, black Russian) |
| Alcoholic drinks that are better for acid reflux | Gin, tequila, non-grain vodkas (e.g. potato vodka), red wine |
| General advice for drinking with acid reflux | Drink in moderation, stay upright for 2-3 hours after drinking, avoid drinking 2-3 hours before bed, drink water alongside alcoholic drinks, know your personal triggers |
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What You'll Learn
- Carbonated alcoholic drinks, like beer, can increase the risk of acid reflux
- High-proof spirits can irritate the oesophagus due to their higher alcohol content
- Gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options
- Red wine might be a better option than white wine
- Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing GERD
Carbonated alcoholic drinks, like beer, can increase the risk of acid reflux
Alcohol can interact with the stomach and oesophagus in various ways, leading to acid reflux and the irritation of GERD symptoms in certain individuals. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic medical condition caused by the improper functioning of the lower oesophagus, resulting in stomach acid and contents flowing back up and irritating the oesophagus. While the relationship between alcohol consumption and acid reflux varies among individuals, certain alcoholic drinks, such as carbonated beverages, can increase the risk of acid reflux.
Carbonated alcoholic drinks, like beer, have been associated with an increased risk of acid reflux. The carbonation in these beverages can cause bloating, which, in turn, increases pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). This heightened pressure contributes to the onset of acid reflux symptoms. Beer, being carbonated, can thus trigger acid reflux. Furthermore, according to a 2006 study, beer was found to trigger reflux in both men and women compared to drinking water.
Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus. This mechanism further explains why drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. It is worth noting that the effects of alcohol on acid reflux may vary based on gender. For instance, research has shown that drinking three or fewer alcoholic beverages a week may be associated with GERD in women.
While carbonated alcoholic drinks can aggravate acid reflux, other types of alcohol may be better tolerated. According to a 1993 study, spirits with high ethanol content, such as gin, whiskey, and cognac, may be more suitable for individuals with acid reflux. Gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are considered lower acidity options. These spirits have a lower pH level, making them easier on the stomach.
It is important to remember that individual experiences with acid reflux can vary. While some people may find that certain alcoholic drinks trigger their symptoms, others may not experience the same effects. Knowing your personal triggers and maintaining moderate alcohol intake are essential to managing acid reflux effectively. Additionally, staying upright for two to three hours after drinking can help prevent night-time acid reflux and regurgitation.
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High-proof spirits can irritate the oesophagus due to their higher alcohol content
Alcohol can trigger acid reflux symptoms in people with GERD in several ways. Firstly, alcohol can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. When this muscle relaxes, it becomes easier for stomach acid to travel upwards, causing acid reflux.
Secondly, alcohol can irritate the oesophagus and impair oesophageal contractions. High-proof spirits, such as whiskey, gin, and vodka, can irritate the oesophagus more due to their higher alcohol content. These spirits can more readily relax the oesophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
Therefore, it is generally recommended that people prone to acid reflux or living with GERD limit or avoid drinking high-proof spirits altogether. Instead, opting for drinks with a lower alcohol content or abstaining from alcohol may help to reduce acid reflux symptoms.
It is worth noting that the impact of alcohol on acid reflux varies among individuals. While some people may experience acid reflux after consuming any type of alcohol, others may find that certain alcoholic beverages do not trigger their symptoms. As such, it is important for individuals to know their personal triggers and consume alcohol in moderation to minimise the risk of acid reflux.
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Gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options
Alcohol can interact with the stomach and oesophagus in various ways, leading to acid reflux and the irritation of GERD symptoms in certain people. Alcohol can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), making it easier for stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus. It is important to note that individual triggers vary, and it is essential to know your personal triggers.
For those looking for lower-pH liquor options that are easier on the stomach, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas (like potato vodka) are recommended. These spirits have a lower acidity level compared to other alcoholic beverages. Wine, for example, is more acidic than beer, and the sweeter the wine, the higher the acidity. Carbonated alcoholic beverages, such as beer, can also increase the risk of acid reflux due to the increased pressure from carbonation, which can push stomach acid into the oesophagus.
While gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are lower in acidity, it is important to remember that they still contain alcohol, which can trigger reflux symptoms. The higher alcohol content in spirits can relax the oesophageal sphincter, leading to reflux. Additionally, the combination of alcohol and certain mixers, such as citrus juices, carbonated beverages, peppermint, chocolate, or coffee, can further irritate acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
To minimise the risk of acid reflux, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages two to three hours before bedtime. Staying upright for a while after drinking can also help prevent reflux episodes. It is also beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages, as this can help equalise the load on the stomach.
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Red wine might be a better option than white wine
While it is undeniable that alcohol can induce heartburn and acid reflux, not all drinks are equal when it comes to their impact. For instance, carbonated alcoholic beverages like beer can increase the risk of acid reflux due to their bubbly nature. Beer is also inherently acidic, and different beers will have varying levels of acidity based on their brewing process and ingredients.
When it comes to wine, red wine might be a better option than white wine. While both red and white wine increase the acid produced in your stomach, a 2006 study found that white wine triggered reflux in both men and women compared to water. In contrast, red wine has been shown to increase resistance to acidity in the oesophageal lining. Research from 1993 also suggests that spirits with a high ethanol content, such as gin, whiskey, and cognac, may be better for acid reflux.
However, it is important to note that individual cases of acid reflux vary, and triggers can shift over time. While certain foods or drinks may have caused heartburn in the past, this may no longer be the case, and new triggers can develop. It is always a good idea to be mindful of your body's reactions and notice any patterns between drinking a particular beverage and experiencing symptoms.
If you are looking for lower pH alcohol options, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas will be the easiest on the stomach. It is recommended to mix these spirits with light juices like apple, pear, or cranberry, or to have plenty of water on the side to help equalize the load on your stomach.
Additionally, it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol two to three hours before bed, as lying flat immediately after drinking can increase the risk of experiencing acid reflux at night. Staying upright for a while after drinking can help keep stomach contents down.
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Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing GERD
Alcohol is known to contribute to acid reflux and can increase the risk of developing GERD. It interacts with the stomach and oesophagus, leading to acid reflux and the irritation of GERD symptoms. Consuming large quantities of alcohol increases the intensity of GERD symptoms. According to a 2019 review of 29 studies, consuming alcohol is a significant risk factor for developing GERD. Researchers found that higher intake and drinking frequency were more strongly linked with GERD. Another review from 2017 explains that alcohol can decrease the pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid from the stomach to come back up into the oesophagus.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic medical condition caused by the inability of the lower part of the oesophagus to function properly. As a result, the acid and contents from the stomach back up, irritating the oesophagus and causing a burning sensation in the chest, often called heartburn. People with GERD may develop further complications inside and outside the oesophagus.
Alcohol can damage the oesophagus, which may worsen GERD symptoms. It can also relax the LES, making it more likely that stomach acid will come back into the oesophagus. Therefore, experts advise people with GERD to avoid alcoholic drinks. In addition, people may try avoiding fatty, spicy, and certain other types of foods and beverages.
Some alcoholic beverages are more irritating to individuals living with acid reflux and GERD because of the additional irritants in the ingredients they are made with. For example, cocktails with a citrus base or containing peppermint, chocolate, or coffee could be extra triggering. If you are looking for a lower pH liquor, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas will be the easiest on the stomach. Wine is more acidic than beer; the sweeter the wine, the more acidic it is. However, red wine has been shown to increase resistance to acidity in the oesophageal lining.
It is recommended that people prone to acid reflux or GERD limit or avoid drinking alcohol altogether. If you do go out for drinks, make sure you only have one, and that you stay up long enough for the stomach to empty its contents.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2019 review, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing GERD. However, a 2022 review found that drinking 3 or fewer alcoholic beverages a week may be associated with GERD. Alcohol is a trigger for acid reflux, but it affects everyone differently. Some drinks are more likely to cause acid reflux, including cocktails with orange juice, margaritas, daiquiris, and screwdrivers. Beer and wine have also been shown to trigger reflux. If you are looking for a lower pH liquor, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas will be the easiest on the stomach.
Non-alcoholic alternatives that may help manage acid reflux include water, low-fat milk, herbal teas, coconut water, smoothies, and plant-based milk.
It is recommended to avoid drinking anything two to three hours before bedtime to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. It is also important to stay upright for two to three hours after drinking to allow your stomach to empty. Drinking water throughout the day can help with digestion and ensure the appropriate passing of food through the gastrointestinal system, reducing the frequency of acid reflux.
