8. Alcohol
Alcohol causes and worsens heartburn. It relaxes the LES, irritates the esophagus by itself, and increases gastric acid secretion. All are bad news. Some people tolerate moderate intake, while others have heartburn after one drink. Know your limits and drink accordingly.
White wine is more acidic than red and riskier for heartburn. Beer is carbonated and has acidic nature, and both are bad, but it contains lower alcohol than other beverages. Darker drinks, such as whisky, are more irritative for the stomach and esophagus.
Besides heartburn, alcohol is a risk factor for liver and heart diseases.
- Food isn’t only a risk factor for heartburn. As there are foods to avoid, there are foods to eat. We have foods that help with acid reflux and prevent it.
