Many people love a glass or two of chilled white wine, especially on a hot day. It's a great accompaniment to a meal and is often drunk with fish and pasta, to name just two.
However, more and more people nowadays suffer from acid reflux, GERD, and the unpleasant symptom of both, heartburn. These people must know the acidity of common foods and drinks and how each affects their symptoms.
Acidic foods are particularly likely to trigger or worsen heartburn, and acidic drinks are no different. Sufferers of acid reflux or GERD may follow a low-acid diet to reduce the likelihood of experiencing heartburn after a meal.
Some foods and drinks are notorious for causing heartburn, but why is that?
Table of Contents
Why Does White Wine Cause Heartburn?
Like all alcoholic drinks, white wine is acidic. It's also acid-forming, so it's highly likely to cause heartburn.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Is White Wine Acidic?
Wine has a pH of between 2.70 and 4.00, with white wines at the lower end. You can often taste the acidity when you drink white wine.
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, or Riesling are much more acidic than sweeter wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
How Does White Wine Cause Heartburn?
White wine is one of the most acidic alcoholic drinks, so it's likely to stimulate gastric acid production, leading to heartburn.
White wine also contains compounds that may relax your lower esophageal sphincter muscles, making acid reflux more likely.
Is White Wine Good for You?
Most calories in white wine come from alcohol, and a glass contains around 120; more for sweet wine.
White wine is less nutritious than red. However, it does contain some antioxidants, which help flush out free radicals, reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Studies show that a moderate wine intake can raise your levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, slowing down age-related mental decline in older adults. One of these, resveratrol, plays a notable role in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
However, too much alcohol can lead to mental decline, liver disease, and heart failure.
Can You Drink White Wine if You Suffer from Acid Reflux?
White wine will likely trigger heartburn in acid reflux sufferers, so most should avoid drinking it.
If you enjoy the occasional glass, red wine is less acidic and better for you. Champagne is also less acidic and easier for your stomach to digest.
If wine gives you heartburn, you could try whiskey or rum, as these are less acidic.
Is White Wine Less Acidic Than Red?
Red wine is generally less acidic than white, so it's more suitable for those on a low-acid diet.
Dry wines are often more acidic than sweet, so they should be avoided if alcohol gives you heartburn.
Conclusion
Like most other alcoholic drinks, white wine is highly likely to give you heartburn.
However, the occasional glass has some health benefits if you can tolerate its acidity.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Sources: Nutrients Review, Nutrition Data, PMC, and National Library of Medicine,