The link between alcohol and heartburn

Those who drink regularly should be aware of alcohol heartburn — an uncomfortable burning pain that you feel in your chest or throat. 

The relationship between alcohol consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been well-documented in the medical field. Although alcohol does not cause acid reflux directly, it’s known to be a contributing factor.

Alcohol is widely known as a substance that helps people relax, but it can also relax areas of the body that have an important job, such as the lower end of the esophagus. 

The muscles in this area stop stomach acid from creeping back up the esophagus — an action that results in the symptoms of heartburn, as well as other more serious conditions. 

Heartburn

Heartburn is the symptom you feel due to acid reflux — when food or acid travels from your stomach back into your esophagus. It may feel like a burning feeling in your chest, neck, or throat and can often be worse after eating or when lying down.  

GERD is a more serious form of acid reflux and causes more frequent heartburn. It’s caused by a relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter. 

This ring of muscle fibers located where the esophagus meets the stomach has the important job of preventing acid from coming back up through the esophagus. When it’s relaxed, it cannot perform its gatekeeping duties. 

One of the reasons that this muscle relaxes is due to alcohol consumption — this is known as alcohol heartburn.

The role of alcohol in GERD

Alcohol is considered to be a contributing factor to GERD, which is why acid reflux can become chronic in people who drink too much. 

Studies have shown that even moderate amounts of alcohol can impair the normal acid clearance of the esophagus.

Acid reflux, especially GERD, should be addressed to avoid serious health issues down the road. Irritation of the delicate tissue of the esophagus through repeated exposure to acid can eventually damage the esophagus, negatively impacting this part of the digestive system. 

It can lead to difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Reducing symptoms when drinking alcohol 

The bottom line is that drinking alcohol is not good for your health for multiple reasons, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends moderate drinking. Though moderation strategies may vary from person to person, the CDC defines moderation as two drinks in a single day for men and one for women.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “one drink” refers to:

• 12 fluid ounces of 5% beer
• 5 fluid ounces of 12% wine
• 1.5 fluid ounces (one shot) of 40% liquor

Note that cocktails often use orange juice or carbonated beverages that can also make acid reflux worse. Try to stick with low-acid mixers.

In addition, the World Health Organization declared in January 2023 that no amount of alcohol is safe for our health.

Still, for those with chronic GERD who have a difficult time controlling their symptoms, stopping alcohol consumption completely — at least for a period of time — is advised.

Medical studies have found that people who drink alcohol have a high risk of experiencing GERD compared to people who only drink alcohol occasionally or not at all, so stopping alcohol consumption will reduce this risk. 

It’s also recommended to avoid drinking 2–3 hours before bed. That’s because your body needs time to metabolize the alcohol before sleeping, which is when your metabolism slows down. Lying down also makes the esophagus relax even more.

Keeping a journal

The most important thing you can do is note what seems to make your GERD symptoms worse, so you can identify the triggers — be it alcohol, particular foods, smoking, or other activities. 

One way to do this is to start making a journal of when you feel your heartburn is worse. Write down what you drank and how much a few hours before the heartburn flare-up. 

Take note of certain patterns: Are there particular types of alcohol that trigger your symptoms? Does it matter if you have had food with your alcohol?

Taking medication

You may also consider taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid when you drink to prevent and treat your acid reflux. 

Antacids target the buildup of stomach acid in the gut. Ingredients like alginic acid, found in a branded medication Gaviscon, provide a protective barrier to keep stomach contents from going back up into your esophagus. 

Calcium carbonate is another hyperacidity treatment that relieves heartburn and is available under the brand name Tums. These over-the-counter antacids can be taken an hour before eating or drinking to prevent heartburn or afterward to help fight symptoms. 

There are other, more powerful antacids on the market. They may be available OTC or on prescription. Histamine2-receptor antagonists, known as H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors, known as PPIs, work on a chemical and cellular level to prevent acid buildup in the stomach and esophagus. 

Some examples of these include:

• H2 blockers: famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid)
• PPIs: omeprazole (Prisolec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix)

Some older medical research from 1998 suggests that H2 blockers may cause a slight increase in blood alcohol concentration, though the increase is small. Other studies have shown that PPIs may progress alcohol-related liver disease. 

Though inconclusive, more research is needed to understand how these two interact. It’s best to consult your healthcare professional on the use of PPIs and H2 blockers while consuming alcohol.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks’ free Discount Card could help you get up to 80% off prescription medication. See how much you can save on your medication here.

Summary

Alcohol is one of several contributing factors for heartburn and its more serious version, GERD. 

It’s important to prevent the occurrence of heartburn as much as possible to protect the delicate esophageal tube from irritation and damage.

You can mitigate the symptoms and long-term effects of alcohol heartburn with moderation and mindful drinking practices.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.