However, distilled spirits like vodka and whiskey are the best choices to avoid problems with acid reflux. They are low in calories and carbs and don't contain any sugar.
Best Drinks for GERD Patients
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach.
Alcohol consumption may increase symptoms of GERD and cause damage to the esophageal mucosa. In many cases, symptoms of GERD can be controlled after withdrawl of alcoholic beverages. So patients with symptomatic GERD are frequently recommended to avoid alcohol consumption or to consume moderate amount of alcohol.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
Brandies are the most acidic, with a pH of about 3.5, which makes sense given that they're distilled from wine. Mash liquors like bourbon and scotch tend to have a pH of 4. Sugar liquors like tequila and rum aren't as acidic, with a pH of around 5.
The best wines for people with acid relux are wines with a lower level of acidity, like merlot, malbec, cabernet, and grenache. The more important thing if you have acid reflux is to understand your food triggers and keep a food diary to note things that give you discomfort.
Alcohol and gastritis don't mix. Alcohol irritates your stomach lining and can make gastritis worse. If you have gastritis, avoid alcohol or drink it in moderation. However, this may be easier said than done if you have an alcohol addiction.
Food and water. Having a meal or snack before you drink may help slow the rate your body absorbs the alcohol, so if you do choose to drink, it's a good idea to eat beforehand. Drinking water (or soft drinks) can also help, as long as it means you drink less alcohol.
Most vodkas tend to have a pH of 4, which is on the acidic side; FIX High Alkaline Vodka's pH is higher than 8, so it's more on the basic side.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Take antacids.
Antacids can be taken while drinking alcohol. Look for over-the-counter products like TUMS Chewy Bites to quickly relieve heartburn symptoms and acid indigestion. Use as directed.
If you suffer from acid reflux, your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that are known to make stomach acid reflux worse. These include fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda), peppermint, spearmint, and spices.
Alcohol can make the stomach produce more acid. It can also make the tissues more sensitive to acid, which can lead to heartburn.
You may find relief from infrequent heartburn with sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda. Simply mix ½ teaspoon with four ounces of water to help neutralize the acid. Note this contains sodium and should not be used if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.
Water. Most notably, mineral water with an alkaline pH – this may reduce the acidity of the stomach and help to denature the enzyme pepsin. It's this digestive enzyme that is thought to be responsible for much of the damage associated with reflux.
Whiskey is a Digestion Aid
Drinking whiskey after a large, delicious meal (at State Fare?) can help ease an upset stomach. The high proof whiskey stimulates the stomach's enzymes, which help to break down food. This benefit makes whiskey an excellent part of your next happy hour.
Alcoholic gastritis is caused by drinking too much, too often. The alcohol can gradually irritate and erode your stomach lining. This triggers gastritis symptoms.
Does alcoholic gastritis go away? Alcoholic gastritis does not go away. It is important to treat gastritis to avoid serious complications like gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which can be a medical emergency.
Keep a glass of water nearby when you're tasting or drinking wine. Sipping on water will help neutralize stomach acid. Eat when drinking wine. The acids present in wine could aggravate an empty stomach, but pairing your favorite wine with delicious food will keep those acids busy and help prevent heartburn.
For example, light beers and wines like Moscato with an ABV of around 5% may help curb acid reflux due to being light-bodied beverages, while stronger spirits like whiskey and Scotch could make your symptoms worse.