Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption puts many people at risk for health complications, including acid reflux. Heavy drinking of alcohol can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. People can prevent acid reflux if they stop heavy drinking or at least reduce their consumption of alcohol. It has a considerable effect on the esophagus because alcohol can weaken the lower sphincter muscles. Since the sphincter muscles are involuntary, the individual cannot control their movement. Further, the irritation of the esophagus lining can also lead to heartburn, a complication related to acid reflux, and gastroesophageal disease.
In various studies, most of the research participants developed acid reflux, which, if left untreated, could lead to a more serious health condition, gastroesophageal disease or GERD.
Alcohol is a diuretic, so the individual who drinks alcohol urinates more frequently, leading to dehydration. Moreover, alcohol can lead to the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Both these conditions will aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux.
Moreover, alcohol’s acidic content stays longer in the stomach. This leads to more acidic content buildup, which can find its way back into the esophagus.
