Does wine give you acid indigestion?

Jacques Pepin was the subject of a human interest piece in the Magazine section of the New York Times last week. He was quoted that he takes an over-the-counter antacid every night at bedtime, and that drinking wine was the cause of his acid stomach.

I wondered if other people found this to be true. I've noticed a bit of heartburn from time to time when I've drunk wine, but not so consistent or so painful that I would take an antacid on a regular basis.

How about you?

I very seldom need an antacid and if I do (maybe once or twice a year), its usually baking soda in water. I seem to get acid indigestion from extremely fatty animal foods, such as prime rib or pork chops. In fact, I've found that by consuming something with acidity, such as an apple or glass of wine seems to prevent acid indigestion. I believe the habitual consumption of antacids upsets the regular acid balance the body provides.

Jacques Pepin was the subject ....

Are you sure it wasn't Jacques Pepsin?

No.

I only know of acid indegestion via TV adverts, and have never taken antacid tablets.

Seems wine is getting blame again -- perhaps those pesky sulphites again

It's better to see a doctor first for advice. Ask about getting on an acid blocker - like Prevacid or generic OTC. Acid blockers are much more efficient at preventing the problem, rather than treating it after the fact. For regular wine drinkers who suffer excess acidity, prolonged acid reflux (you may not even be aware of it) can cause permanent damage to the esophagus, as well as other problems.

Extensive research of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) shows it is exacerbated by the following commom factors:

1) As little as a 10 lb. weight gain
2) Tobacco
3) Mint
4) Caffeine
5) High fat foods
6) Alcohol in any form
7) A number of beverages which have a very acidic pH, to include colas, wine, and orange juice (pH 2.5 to 3.9).

These factors cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax more, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list -- only the most common factors.

What can you do to help yourself?

Dietary modification may be helpful, but prohibition of many enjoyable foods virtually ensures noncompliance.

Refrain from the supine position after meals and avoid meals before bedtime, both of which will minimize reflux.

Avoid tight fitting garments, which reduces reflux by decreasing the stress on a weak sphincter.

Obesity is a risk factor for GERD; however, improvement in symptoms following weight loss is not uniform. Nevertheless, because of its other beneficial effects, weight loss should be recommended.

Promoting salivation by chewing gum or using oral lozenges may also be helpful in mild heartburn. Salivation neutralizes refluxed acid.

Restrict alcohol use and eliminate smoking; smoking is deleterious in part because it diminishes salivation. Other risks are obvious, and need not be repeated.

Unwilling to do any or all of the above? See your health care provider and get a proton pump inhibitor. Some have now gone across the counter, such as Prilosec (it is one-half the prescription strength). If the problem persists, it may be something more serious and a medical evaluation is recommended.

Jacques Pepin was the subject of a human interest piece in the Magazine section of the New York Times last week. He was quoted that he takes an over-the-counter antacid every night at bedtime, and that drinking wine was the cause of his acid stomach.

I wondered if other people found this to be true. I've noticed a bit of heartburn from time to time when I've drunk wine, but not so consistent or so painful that I would take an antacid on a regular basis.

How about you?

Red wine, yes.

White wine, not so much.

But then, being an old guy and over 50, sliced bread gives me acid.

"Jacques Pepsin."

Good one, Howie. :-)

"1) As little as a 10 lb. weight gain."

Right on, Randy, at least for me. I don't really need a scale to know if I've gained weight -- and getting down to a "normal" level cures heart burn immediately.

Pepin comment, if he's accurately quoted, seems to indicate a more persistent problem.

Thanks for the list and cautions.

I don't usually have any issues, Bob, unless it's a heavy duty tasting of highly acidic wines (even if I'm spitting).

I don't usually have any issues, Bob, unless it's a heavy duty tasting of highly acidic wines (even if I'm spitting).

Only 22 percent of Americans experience GERD, Bill. Unfortunately I'm one of them -- I take Prevacid myself.

"Only 22 percent", Randy. I had no idea it was such a problem. Thanks for the education.

[James Roscoe]

Sometimes Bucko gives me an upset stomach. Does that count?

Sometimes Bucko gives me an upset stomach. Does that count?

Absolutely! That is enough to make any sane person reflux like a person eating BBQ ribs and washing it down with a rum and coke, while smoking a Churchill, laying supine under a shade tree, wearing stretch pants....

[James Roscoe]

Absolutely! That is enough to make any sane person reflux like a person eating BBQ ribs and washing it down with a rum and coke, while smoking a Churchill, laying supine under a shade tree, wearing stretch pants....

I never smoke!

I had an exquisite Arturo Fuente Churchill last night after dinner with a glass of brandy.



Ahhhhh

[James Roscoe]

Absolutely! That is enough to make any sane person reflux like a person eating BBQ ribs and washing it down with a rum and coke, while smoking a Churchill, laying supine under a shade tree, wearing stretch pants....

I never smoke!

Let me also add I try not to wear pants very often either.

I never smoke!

No, but those stretch pants were pretty loud....

[James Roscoe]

I never smoke!

No, but those stretch pants were pretty loud....

That's why I took them off!