Why does heartburn occur after alcohol?
The movement of food to the stomach is carried out through the esophagus by muscle contraction. And it is in the stomach, under the influence of gastric juice, that the process of digestion occurs.
If the sphincter that separates the stomach and esophagus does not close completely, some food and stomach acid are released back into the esophagus. This disorder is reflux. When acid gets on the walls of the esophagus, its mucous membrane is irritated, and heartburn occurs. With frequent relapses, the walls of the organ are filled with erosive formations.
One of the reasons for incomplete closure of the sphincter is alcohol consumption. Heartburn from alcohol occurs:
- in case of irritation of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract with an alcohol-containing liquid;
- from an increase in the acidity of the contents in the stomach, the production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes;
- due to increased intra-abdominal pressure when taking carbonated alcoholic drinks;
- when taken together with alcohol, salty, sour, spicy, fatty foods.
Heartburn after beer
The beer has a natural composition of raw materials and low strength. It doesn't seem to do much harm. But beer for heartburn is not considered a safe product. The main ingredient – hops – has a powerful stimulating ability. This natural ingredient comes from the hemp family. It increases the production of gastric juice and provokes the development of reflux disease.
Heartburn from beer also appears due to the large amount of carbon dioxide contained in the foamy drink. This gas weakens the lower esophageal sphincter. In addition, beer consumption often occurs in large quantities. This can cause more serious harm to the body than strong alcohol.
As a rule, people who abuse foam suffer from severe heartburn. An unpleasant burning sensation is accompanied by increased belching. Due to addiction to beer, ulcers in the stomach and duodenum may occur.
Heartburn from wine
Experts have proven that one glass of noble wine drunk at dinner has a positive effect on the body. Thus, a high-quality drink calms the nervous system, strengthens the immune system and activates the gastrointestinal tract.
With frequent consumption of wine in large quantities, the development of negative consequences is inevitable.
This is especially true for those who already have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Wine helps relax the sphincter, causing reflux. As a result, gastritis develops.
Heartburn from wine can occur even after drinking one glass. This happens if the drink is made from low-quality raw materials. Unscrupulous manufacturers often replace natural ingredients with artificial powder additives. Such drinks do not have any healing effect, they only cause disturbances in the functioning of the body.
Heartburn from vodka
Vodka is considered one of the most dangerous alcoholic drinks. It has a destructive effect on the body. Even small doses of this drink can be fatal to humans.
The liver is the first to be damaged. This disinfecting filter protects other organs from the aggressive effects of ethyl alcohol. Vodka has a particularly harmful effect on the mucous membrane, corroding its sensitive tissue. This subsequently leads to the formation of ulcers and erosions. It is almost impossible to avoid heartburn from vodka.
Heartburn from cognac
Due to the high ethanol content, this drink inhibits the functioning of the digestive organs, just like vodka. Cognac differs from other strong drinks in composition. The drink contains tannins. They have protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
This applies only to high-quality alcohol, prepared in accordance with technology and aged in oak barrels. But even the presence of such a feature does not detract from the harm caused by a large percentage of alcohol. Regular consumption of cognac in large doses can damage the main organs of the digestive tract.
Heartburn from champagne
Moderate drinking of a sparkling drink for people without pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract will not cause much harm. We are talking about a couple of glasses on the occasion of a rare celebration.
In other situations, the increased content of carbon dioxide in champagne will lead to irritation of the walls of the esophagus, the formation of bloating and weakening of the lower sphincter. The consequence of such excessive consumption is severe heartburn, often accompanied by belching. In addition, the drink causes rapid intoxication, since carbon dioxide suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system.
Causes of pain
A sore throat can occur after drinking alcohol for several reasons.
- Firstly, ethyl alcohol, which is included in any alcoholic drink, is a very aggressive environment towards living tissues, especially soft ones, which are the oral cavity and throat area. Swelling of the throat, tongue, cough, sore throat, hoarseness and other similar symptoms may appear after taking substances containing ethanol. And this is natural: microcracks in the tongue and other parts of the oral cavity can become inflamed due to the interaction of alcohol with living cells.
- Secondly, after drinking, as a rule, nausea appears, accompanied by vomiting - a natural reaction to the toxic substance - ethyl alcohol. Along with the vomit, gastric juice with a concentration of hydrochloric acid is also ejected. It acts even worse than ethanol, also burning the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
- Thirdly, it is noted that taking a surrogate, depending on the substances it contains, also significantly irritates the mucous membrane, sometimes no less than hydrochloric acid.
Signs of heartburn
With regular irritation of the walls of the esophagus by gastric juice, the muscles of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm weaken. As a result, heartburn occurs.
Symptoms of pathology
One of the most striking signs of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest area. The feeling of discomfort continues to haunt the owner, even if he takes a different body position. Other symptoms also indicate heartburn:
- bitterness in the mouth;
- the occurrence of sour belching;
- difficulty swallowing;
- feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
If an unpleasant symptom appears frequently, it is important not to make a mistake. It is necessary to know when heartburn from alcohol occurred, and when burning became a symptom of a disease of the cardiovascular system. You can tell one type of heartburn from another by taking a validol tablet. If the burning sensation has disappeared, you should urgently undergo examination by a cardiologist.
Impact of strong alcoholic drinks
The most common causes of heartburn are drinks with a strength above 40 degrees. Even a small portion of such intoxicating liquid has a negative effect on the digestive system. In particular, it burns the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and violates its integrity. In addition to heartburn, a person suffers from sour belching and hiccups.
Especially dangerous in this category are homemade (surrogate) strong alcoholic drinks like homemade vodka and moonshine. After them, people most often suffer from gastrointestinal problems. But lovers of strong elite alcohol are not immune from heartburn. Their frequent use also disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive tract, which is the cause of heartburn.
Features of heartburn treatment
To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is important to know about ways to help with heartburn after alcohol.
Emergency help
You can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn at home. In this case, available tools will help; they are always at hand:
- still water will reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid;
- milk will bind excess acid and alleviate the unpleasant symptom;
- Chewing gum will increase saliva production and dilute acid.
These methods will help with isolated cases of burning. When heartburn attacks are frequent and uncontrollable, or if the condition worsens, you should seek medical help.
Pharmacy drugs
The pharmaceutical market provides a wide range of medications for heartburn. They quickly reduce the level of acidity in the stomach.
Phosphalugel is an antacid drug that helps get rid of burning sensation. The medicine coats the stomach, neutralizes acid and relieves intoxication. Available in the form of a suspension, in 20 ml bags. Use it pure or diluted with water.
Maalox has an adsorbing and enveloping effect. The drug has a balanced complex of magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. They protect the gastrointestinal tract from stomach acid. Available in tablet, oral suspension and powder form. Take the medicine based on the chosen form.
Rennie is a local antacid. Available in the form of chewable tablets. They quickly and permanently neutralize excess hydrochloric acid. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets at intervals of 2 hours, without exceeding the maximum daily dose of 11 tablets.
Smecta is an effective sorbent in the form of a powder for dilution. Used for heartburn by diluting one sachet in 100 ml of water. The drug forms a protective layer and prevents the spread of irritation.
Activated carbon relieves symptoms in a similar way to the drug Smecta.
Gaviscon is a drug from the alginate group. It is available in the form of chewable tablets and suspensions and reduces irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Almagel is a medicine in the form of a suspension. It has a balanced combination of algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide. To eliminate the symptoms of heartburn, you should drink 2 scoops of the drug 3-4 times a day.
Drugs
In any pharmacy you can find local anesthetics and quickly reducing acidity called antacids. They are sold without a prescription. Among them:
Regularly drinking alcohol, a huge number of people are faced with such an unpleasant symptom as heartburn after alcohol. Alcohol is traditionally considered by most people to be an excellent way to relax and have a good rest. But few people like what happens to the body subsequently: symptoms of intoxication, headache, dysfunction of internal organs and, of course, heartburn.
This disease affects people regardless of food intake, age, lifestyle, smoking and drinking alcohol, but if you have bad habits, the risk of heartburn increases significantly. To get rid of heartburn that occurs after drinking alcohol, you need to understand how it manifests itself, why and what to take as preventive measures.
The risk of heartburn increases significantly when drinking alcohol
Fighting heartburn with traditional methods
For supporters of traditional medicine, there is a set of recipes that can relieve heartburn symptoms. The most commonly used is baking soda. It lowers the level of acidity and creates a neutral environment in the stomach. Before use, dilute 1 teaspoon in a glass of warm water. Abuse of soda can lead to poor health and headaches. It is prohibited to use the product for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.
Mineral healing alkaline water is no less effective. Taking “Essentuki”, “Narzan” or “Borjomi” will quickly help reduce the level of acidity and improve the condition of the body.
Remedies made from chamomile, plantain, marshmallow and St. John's wort have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. The herbal decoction will soothe the irritated gastrointestinal mucosa, but before use, consult a doctor.
Prevention measures
To eliminate the risk of heartburn, you need to follow a few simple and basic rules.
- Do not overuse fatty, fried, too salty or sweet foods, which can cause stomach irritation.
- Avoid eating food four hours before bedtime.
- Do not underestimate the frequency of food consumption (you need to eat often), but also do not abuse large portions. To get enough food, it is recommended to chew your food longer and more thoroughly.
- Spend more time in the fresh air, walk at least one and a half to two hours a day.
- Engage in physical activity. This will improve metabolism and the condition of the body as a whole. The degree of stress is different for everyone, so you should consult your doctor about this.
- Sleep with your head on an elevated pillow.
Consequences of heartburn
Alcohol weakens the body's natural protective functions, irritates the digestive organs, and complicates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Under the influence of ethanol, the condition of the liver and pancreas is disrupted, and the motility of the esophagus and intestines deteriorates.
When a burning sensation bothers you regularly, the esophageal sphincter is affected by ulcers. Its surface does not have time to recover, and heartburn becomes chronic. Constantly recurring symptoms may indicate the development of serious illnesses. Among these are stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic cholecystitis and gastritis.
