If you suffer from acid reflux, you know how difficult it can be to design a diet that doesn't trigger your symptoms. Many common foods and drinks are acidic, and learning how each affects you is time-consuming and difficult, especially as acidity is not the only trigger.
Food and drinks in restaurants and bars pose a particular problem, as it can be difficult to find out exactly what ingredients are used and their acidity.
If you enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink, you'll know that many are acidic.
However, are they all?
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Is Cider Acidic or Alkaline?
Cider is acidic and has acid-forming properties that can irritate and inflame your esophagus and stomach.
However, it also contains minerals and compounds that may prevent digestive system damage and is better for you than vodka and other strong liquors.
What Is the pH of Cider?
Cider has a pH of around 2.9-3.3 due to the apple content and fermentation process. This means it may worsen the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD.
However, cider contains micronutrients that may protect your digestive system from inflammation.
Cider contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, and some people notice an improvement in their acid reflux and GERD symptoms after drinking apple cider vinegar or cider.
Is Cider Healthy?
A bottle of cider contains around 200 calories, mostly from carbohydrates, which can spike your blood sugar levels.
Cider contains a moderate amount of alcohol, ranging from 3% to 8.5%.
Cider is an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and aids wound healing. Vitamin C also forms collagen, assists collagen absorption, and supports the growth and development of cells and tissues.
Cider is loaded with antioxidants, which prevent and reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage by flushing out free radicals.
Some research also suggests that anti-inflammatory compounds in cider lower the risk of some cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
However, drinking too much alcohol negatively impacts your physical and mental health. If you're struggling with alcohol addiction, contact your doctor.
Can You Drink Cider While Suffering from Acid Reflux?
Some people recommend drinking apple cider vinegar to alleviate light to moderate symptoms of acid reflux or GERD, and cider contains similar compounds.
However, it's acid-forming, so may exacerbate symptoms in some people.
Cider is an acidic alcoholic drink that may trigger or worsen your acid reflux symptoms. If it does, it's best to limit your intake or avoid it entirely.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level