Heartburn, a common and uncomfortable sensation, manifests as a burning pain in the chest, often after eating. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Many wonder if white wine can trigger it. Understanding white wine’s properties and other factors can clarify this connection.
Why White Wine Can Trigger Heartburn
White wine can contribute to heartburn due to its inherent acidity. Organic acids like tartaric, malic, and citric acids irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus. With a pH typically between 3.1 and 3.4, white wine is more acidic than many red wines. This acidity can provoke a burning sensation.
Alcohol content also plays a role. Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that prevents stomach contents from re-entering the esophagus. When the LES relaxes, stomach acid can reflux, causing burning discomfort. Alcohol consumption may also stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, increasing reflux potential.
Beyond White Wine: Other Factors and Triggers
While white wine’s properties contribute to heartburn, other factors also influence symptoms. The quantity of wine consumed impacts acid reflux; higher intake increases risk. Consuming wine rapidly or on an empty stomach can exacerbate symptoms, as the stomach has less buffer to counteract the wine’s acidity and the alcohol’s effects.
Specific food pairings also influence heartburn. Acidic or fatty foods consumed alongside wine can amplify digestive distress. Pairing acidic wine with a tomato dish can intensify the overall acid load. Carbonation in sparkling wines can contribute by increasing stomach pressure and causing belching, leading to reflux. Individual sensitivity varies, and pre-existing conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) make some more prone to heartburn.
Strategies for Reducing Heartburn from Wine
Strategies can help minimize heartburn from wine. Moderating consumption reduces acidic load and alcohol’s relaxing effect on the LES. Avoid wine on an empty stomach; pair it with non-acidic, fiber-rich foods to buffer stomach acid and slow alcohol absorption. Staying hydrated by drinking water alongside wine can dilute alcohol and stomach acid.
Choosing specific wines can also help. Wines with lower acidity, such as some Chardonnays, Viogniers, or Pinot Grigios, may be gentler. Avoid wine right before bed to prevent reflux while lying down, as gravity no longer assists. For occasional relief, over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid. If heartburn symptoms persist for more than two weeks, become more frequent, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor.