Does alcohol cause acid reflux?

Q: Does alcohol cause acid reflux?

Often a trigger. Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can irritate the oesophagus. It is a common trigger, especially in the evening.

Common trigger

Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can irritate the oesophagus. It is a common trigger, especially in the evening.

Tips

Drink less, eat with alcohol, and stop two to three hours before bed.

Try instead

Alcohol-free beer or still water with a slice of cucumber

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log alcohol in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.