7 home remedies for alcohol-induced heartburn

These natural options can help quell the flames when your insides feel like they’re on fire

By Heidi Borst | Dec. 29, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD

Heartburn can make it feel like your insides are on fire. The painful affliction is a common one, with more than 60 million Americans experiencing the burning pain at least once a month. The condition is most often caused by acid reflux (when stomach acid travels up the esophagus). Over time, persistent heartburn can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—a chronic form of heartburn—esophageal damage, or cancer.

If you’ve ever experienced heartburn after partaking in an adult beverage, you’re not alone. Alcohol is a common heartburn trigger. But what’s the best way to put out the flames when heartburn strikes after a night out? Keep reading to find out home remedies for heartburn after drinking, plus what to do if home remedies don’t work.

Why does alcohol cause heartburn?

“As a pain management doctor, I see the fiery wrath of heartburn all too often,” says Sean Ormond, MD, a dual board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management physician at Atlas Pain Specialists in Glendale, Arizona.

Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation around the breastbone that can feel like chest pain similar to a heart attack. It typically originates in the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach), and it happens most often after eating or at night. There are many causes of heartburn, from medications like calcium channel blockers to health conditions such as obesity. Other triggers of heartburn are eating a big meal, citrus, acidic foods, tobacco, and mint. Alcohol can be a powerful potent heartburn trigger, too.

According to Dr. Ormond, alcohol contributes to heartburn in these three ways:

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle called a sphincter that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The LES stays closed most of the time and protects the esophagus from acidic stomach contents by sealing the path from the stomach to the esophagus. Alcohol has a relaxant effect on this valve, allowing stomach acid to splash up into the lower esophagus (acid reflux), explains Dr. Ormond. “This acidic invasion is the hallmark of heartburn,” he says.
Acid overload is more likely to occur after alcohol consumption. That’s because alcohol acts as an irritant and increases the production of digestive juices (hydrochloric acid), says Dr. Ormond. Chronic alcohol use can make matters even worse, leading to gastritis (inflamed stomach lining), bleeding, ulcers, and other digestive health issues.
Damage to the esophagus can occur if alcohol irritates and inflames the esophageal lining, making it more vulnerable to acid and intensifying the burning sensation.

7 home remedies for heartburn after drinking alcohol

If you’re wondering how to get fast heartburn relief, these 7 home remedies help lessen the burn after a night out on the town.

Aloe vera
Baking soda
Banana
Chewing gum
Ginger
Licorice
Water

1. Aloe vera

You’ve probably heard of the aloe vera plant as a natural sunburn remedy. But did you know the anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore skin may also work for heartburn? According to research, aloe vera juice can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux by decreasing stomach acid as much as traditional acid-reducing medications.

To try it, start with a small amount of purified aloe vera juice—about the amount in a shot glass. Too much aloe juice can cause diarrhea or cramping, but It’s typically safe to drink up to one cup per day when you’re recovering from a hangover.

2. Baking soda

One of the fastest ways to relieve heartburn is with a common pantry item that doubles as an antacid. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural alkaline substance that can help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn symptoms, says Lauren Thayer, a registered nurse at Health Canal. Instead of downing Tums when you’ve had a couple of drinks, try this substitute. She recommends drinking half of a teaspoon mixed with 4 ounces of water.

3. Banana

Bananas may be nature’s best heartburn remedy. In fact, bananas are often recommended as part of a bland diet to address health conditions like ulcers, GERD, and heartburn. Research shows the alkaline fruit generates a protective coating on the esophagus and neutralizes stomach acid, reducing heartburn symptoms.

This remedy is easy to try, just eat a banana when you’re feeling the burn. Bananas are safe for just about everyone. But if you have late-stage kidney disease, check with your provider first—too much potassium can be dangerous.

4. Chewing gum

A heartburn remedy you may not have heard of, chewing gum relieves heartburn fast by reducing the amount of acid in your esophagus, says Thayer. According to research, it makes your saliva more alkaline and makes you swallow more, moving acid down from the esophagus and into the stomach, essentially clearing acid away. For best results, chew on a stick of gum for about 30 minutes, which should be easy enough to try when you’re on your way home from happy hour.

5. Ginger

Alcohol can slow down gastric motility (the passage of food through the digestive system). That means food sits in your stomach too long, potentially leading to symptoms of reflux, including heartburn. Gingerol, a compound in ginger root, can help to increase gastric motility, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux, says Thayer. “There are drawbacks to ginger, including exacerbation of reflux if you take too much, so use it with caution,” she adds.

The safest way to use ginger for reflux is to make ginger tea with fresh ginger or a pre-made teabag. It can be a nice soothing ritual before bed or after a nightcap.

6. Licorice

No, we’re not talking about Red Vines. Licorice root, which is used to flavor black licorice and Sambuca, may also help relieve heartburn. One small study found that taking a 75 mg licorice tablet twice daily significantly improved symptoms of indigestion, including heartburn. Another study showed that taking licorice root daily for two years was more effective in soothing gastric irritation than common antacids.

Licorice root supplements are available in capsule form, as an extract, and in tea—just make sure to follow the label’s instructions (and use the deglycyrrhizinated, or DGL, form to avoid unwanted side effects).

7. Water

If you’re experiencing heartburn, put down that Coke! Carbonated beverages and sodas increase stomach acid, making matters worse. Milk may seem like a better option to soothe a burning esophagus, but there’s a catch—the fat in whole milk can exacerbate stomach acid, so go with a low-fat version. Even though cold milk may feel good on a fiery esophagus, research supporting its use to relieve heartburn is lacking.

Your best bet? Reach for a glass of plain old water instead—it’s safe for everyone, says Thayer. And, it’s an important part of rehydrating after drinking alcohol. Just sip slowly to avoid filling your stomach and potentially worsening symptoms.

What kind of alcohol does not cause heartburn?

Unfortunately, even small amounts of alcohol can cause heartburn. If you have acid reflux or GERD, or you experience frequent heartburn after drinking, it’s best to avoid alcohol consumption entirely, says Thayer. But if you’re an occasional drinker who experiences minor heartburn, what you drink can make a difference.

If you’re looking for the best alcohol to prevent heartburn, go for one with a higher proof (or ethanol content) like gin, whiskey, and cognac—these spirits are less likely to stimulate stomach acid secretion than beer or wine. Mixers matter too—avoid adding heartburn aggravators like citrus, tomato, coffee, and carbonated ingredients to your cocktail.

How to avoid heartburn when drinking

If you’re planning to drink alcohol at a social event and you’re trying to prevent heartburn, Thayer recommends taking an over-the-counter antacid, such as Tums (calcium carbonate), or a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) like Prilosec (omeprazole) before the party.

Dr. Ormond recommends the following strategies for keeping heartburn at bay:

Avoid trigger foods known to worsen heartburn, including spicy foods, coffee, citrus fruits, tomato, peppermint, and fatty or fried foods.
Don’t lie down for two to three hours after consuming a meal.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid overeating.
Avoid tight clothing.
Try to lose weight or maintain a healthy BMI
Quit smoking, another heartburn cause.
Reduce stress.

“By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you can give your esophagus a fighting chance against alcohol-induced heartburn,” Dr. Ormond says.

If heartburn persists despite weight loss, dietary changes, and the use of over-the-counter medications, consult a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist, to discuss treatment options, Dr. Ormond advises. Heartburn that is frequent or interferes with your day-to-day life may indicate a more serious gastrointestinal condition requiring medical treatment.