The belief that a shot of tequila can soothe an upset stomach or aid digestion is persistent. This idea often attributes digestive benefits to the spirit, contrasting it with other types of alcohol. However, the scientific examination of tequila, like any distilled spirit, must focus on its main chemical component: ethanol. The immediate effects of tequila on the digestive tract are more likely to cause irritation than relief.
The Immediate Impact of Ethanol on Gastric Function
Tequila is a high-proof spirit, typically 40% alcohol by volume. This high concentration of ethanol is the most powerful factor influencing the stomach. Ethanol acts directly as a gastrointestinal irritant, damaging the delicate protective layer of mucus lining the stomach wall. This chemical irritation can lead to acute inflammation of the stomach lining, known as alcoholic gastritis.
The presence of alcohol also complicates the stomach’s normal functions, including acid regulation. While high-concentration ethanol may not stimulate acid secretion as much as low-proof beverages, it still disrupts the mucosal barrier. Damage to this protective layer allows existing stomach acid to cause further discomfort, which is counterproductive to settling the stomach. High concentrations of alcohol can also temporarily impair the stomach’s ability to empty its contents, potentially contributing to feelings of heaviness or nausea.
The Agave Connection: Fructans and Prebiotic Claims
The belief in tequila’s digestive benefits often stems from its source, the blue agave plant. This plant is naturally rich in fructans, which are complex carbohydrates and a type of inulin. Agave fructans are considered prebiotics because they can selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, potentially supporting a healthy microbiome.
However, the beneficial properties of the raw agave plant are largely lost during distillation. To make the spirit, the agave piña is cooked, converting the fructans into fermentable sugars. These sugars are then fermented and distilled, transforming them into ethanol. The final distilled product, even 100% agave tequila, contains only negligible amounts of prebiotic fructans, if any. Therefore, any minor potential benefit from the plant’s original components cannot outweigh the acute, irritating effects of the concentrated alcohol.
When Alcohol Worsens Existing Stomach Issues
Consuming tequila, or any distilled spirit, is counterproductive when experiencing pre-existing stomach discomfort. Alcohol is a known risk factor that can exacerbate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It does this by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
When the LES relaxes, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and pain. For individuals with existing conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers, alcohol consumption can irritate inflamed or damaged tissue. This intensifies pain and potentially slows down the healing process. Using tequila as a remedy for an upset stomach is likely to worsen the underlying issue.