Most people enjoy socializing with friends and family; social occasions often involve alcohol. A nice glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer over a football game are particular treats.
However, for people with acid reflux or GERD, drinking alcohol has more consequences than occasional hangovers.
All alcohol is acidic, but are all alcoholic drinks equally likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms?
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Table of Contents
Is All Alcohol Acidic?
All alcohol is acidic and acid-forming, so alcoholic drinks are likely to trigger acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
However, some alcoholic drinks are easier on the stomach than others. Everyone's symptom triggers are different, so some may be able to tolerate more than others.
What’s the Least Acidic Alcohol?
Strong spirits like gin, whiskey, and vodka tend to be less acidic than beer or wine.
The pH of gin ranges from 3.00-6.00, and it tastes milder than tequila, making it better for people with acid reflux. Gin and tonic are less acidic than spirits mixed with citrus juices.
Whiskey is alkaline, with a pH of 9.00, so it's less likely to aggravate your acid reflux. However, like all alcohol, it's acid-forming.
Vodka is nearly neutral, with a pH of around 6.00-7.00, but don't mix it with acidic juices.
Strong spirits like vodka may lower the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
RELATED: How To Reduce The Acidity in Juices
Is Alcohol Good for You?
Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
It may also lead to alcoholism, which is closely associated with depression, fatty liver disease, and cognitive disorders.
However, some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, as drinking with meals prevents blood sugar spikes and reduces insulin resistance.
Moderate alcohol consumption also raises good cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart disease.
Some studies show that moderate drinking may help weight loss. Experts disagree on why, but it seems alcohol contains compounds that prevent blood sugar spikes.
However, this is only for strong spirits, such as rum, vodka, and tequila, as beer and wine are high in calories.
Can You Make Alcohol Less Acidic?
You can't make alcohol less acidic, but you can make a drink less likely to trigger your acid reflux symptoms.
Avoid adding sugary mixers and acidic juices, such as sweetened soda, orange juice, and pre-made mixers (especially those with artificial coloring).
Instead, stick to the occasional shot of straight liquor, and have a water chaser.
Try to avoid extremely acidic drinks, such as tequila, wine, cider, and beer, as they're likely to trigger your symptoms.
Conclusion
All alcohol is acidic and acid-forming, so those with acid reflux or GERD should limit their intake or avoid alcoholic drinks altogether. However, some drinks are less acidic than others and may not trigger symptoms.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level