Contents
Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation that is felt in the epigastric region and can be given to the neck. Discomfort occurs after eating or drinking. Acidic gastric juice enters the esophagus and irritates the mucous walls, as a result, a person feels a burning sensation and pain. Heartburn after alcohol is not uncommon, especially in people with gastrointestinal problems, so it should not be ignored.
Causes of Heartburn
Burning sensation in the esophagus after spicy, fried and fatty foods is periodically experienced by up to 50% of the world’s population. The condition occurs half an hour after eating, sometimes at night. Often, discomfort behind the sternum indicates the presence of serious health problems.
The most common causes of heartburn:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter;
- slow emptying of the stomach;
- hiatal hernia.
A number of physicians suggest that alcohol increases the risk of disorders of the gastroesophageal sphincter. In 2019, the results of a meta-analysis of 29 studies were published, which were conducted at Zhejiang University in Shanghai. In the report, Chinese scientists provided evidence of a link between regular alcohol consumption and an increased risk of GERD.
Why does heartburn occur from alcohol?
Ethanol irritates the walls of the stomach and promotes the release of hydrochloric acid, the main component of gastric juice. Even small portions of alcohol reduce the amount of enzymes that the pancreas produces. As a result, food is digested slowly and stagnates in the stomach. The process is aggravated by the fact that alcohol is usually consumed along with fatty and spicy snacks.
How alcohol affects the digestive tract:
- relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and the muscles surrounding the stomach;
- irritates the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- obstructs the removal of acid from the esophagus.
Often alcohol is mixed with carbonated sweet drinks, which in themselves can cause heartburn. Increases the risk of excessive smoking during a feast. The combination of these factors leads to the fact that the contents of the stomach through a weakened sphincter enters the already irritated walls of the esophagus and causes pain.
As a rule, people drink alcohol in the afternoon or evening, and then go to bed. During sleep, digestion processes slow down, and acid is thrown into the esophagus at night, which leads to pain and insomnia. The recumbent position also contributes to the occurrence of reflux. Heartburn after alcohol the next day for a long time may indicate the initial stage of GERD. In this case, you need to be examined by a gastroenterologist.
How to reduce the risk of heartburn
Any alcohol irritates the stomach, but there are certain drinks to avoid if you have frequent heartburn, including:
- beer – contains hops that stimulate the secretion of the stomach;
- champagne – saturated with carbon dioxide;
- liqueurs and cocktails based on it – sugar increases acidity;
- strong drinks mixed with tomato and orange juice.
Relatively safe white and red premium wines, good vodka, aged cognac. In case of violations of the lower esophageal sphincter, it is necessary to limit the use of alcohol and avoid fatty, spicy and fried snacks. Recommended fractional meals in small portions.
First aid for heartburn
Antacids relieve heartburn well (Maalox, Almagel). It is better to purchase drugs in liquid form – they instantly envelop the mucous membranes of the esophagus and relieve heartburn almost immediately.
Tablet preparations are widely advertised, but they must be treated with caution. Recently, the well-known “Ranitidine” was withdrawn from sale in many countries due to a dangerous substance in its composition. If there is no medicine at hand, taking regular activated charcoal helps.
Folk ways to relieve heartburn:
- warm mineral water without gas;
- warmed milk;
- potato juice;
- nuts or seeds.
Removing heartburn with soda is categorically not recommended, because when it comes into contact with hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide is released, which irritates the walls of the stomach. Relief will be quick, but short-lived. All means struggle only with the consequences of disruption of the digestive tract, without affecting their cause. If heartburn bothers you all the time, get a comprehensive examination.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.