Alcohol consumption affects everyone differently. For some, a beer or cocktail is a way to unwind and relax. But for others, the relaxation that takes place involves the LES, or the lower esophageal sphincter, and this can trigger heartburn.
Drinking alcohol can contribute to heartburn in several ways. Alcohol consumption can increase the relaxation of the LES – the natural valve that keeps stomach acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus – allowing acid to reflux, or flow backward, into the esophagus when it normally would not. The acid irritates the wall of the esophagus, causing heartburn. Alcohol can also trigger heartburn by causing the progressive contractions that occur with swallowing to become erratic. Normally, the muscles of the esophagus contract and relax in order to carry food from the throat to the stomach, and to prevent acids from backing up from the stomach into the esophagus. An irregular rhythm can allow acid to enter the esophagus and trigger heartburn symptoms.
In addition to affecting the function of the LES, drinking beer and wine can increase the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Alcohol can also make the esophagus more sensitive to harsh acid, and cause inflammation, or swelling, in its protective lining
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