Happy Hour May Not Be So Happy For Heartburn Sufferers

Alcohol can have several unpleasant affects on heartburn sufferers. It is best to avoid alcohol as much as possible if you suffer from acid reflux. But there are a few tips that may make it possible for you to enjoy alcoholic beverages if consumed in moderation.

Some of the adverse affects alcohol creates for heartburn sufferers:

• Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid.
• Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus.
• When the LES relaxes, it causes the contractions that occur with swallowing to become erratic
• Alcohol makes the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid.
• Alcohol can lead to the development of peptic ulcers and interfere with the healing of ulcers already present.

There are ways you can minimize alcohol's affect on your digestive system. If you would like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, try the following tips:

• Dilute alcoholic beverages with water or club soda.
• Drink moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages -- the suggested amounts are 1-2 mixed drinks, 12-16 ounces of wine, or 2-3 beers.
• When having wine, drink white wine instead of red.
• Choose non-alcoholic beer or wine.
• Keep track of which alcoholic drinks aggravate your heartburn, and avoid them as much as possible.

******

Other Resources:

Preventing Heartburn
Dining Out Guide For Heartburn Sufferers
Acid Reflux and What You Eat
Heartburn / Acid Reflux Record