Sometimes beer drinkers can have stomach problems.
When these happen, it can be excruciating.
Drinking too much will, of course, lead you to the hospital.
So now some people wonder, “What is the best beer for acid reflux?” or “What is the best beer for stomach ache?”
Don’t worry; continue reading, as this article contains details about these and a list of safe beers.
Causes of Heartburn, GERD, and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by the lower esophageal valve being weak or loose (sphincter).
When you have acid reflux, you might get heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a worse form of acid reflux.
It can be highly uncomfortable and even life-threatening.
Usually, a sphincter or valve closes tight behind it when food goes through the esophagus and into the stomach.
Acid reflux happens when the valve in the esophagus relaxes and lets stomach acid back into the food pipe.
This makes you feel like you’re on fire just below your breastbone after eating or lying down.
Even a tiny amount of alcohol can relax the esophageal sphincter, leading to heartburn and reflux.
GERD can also make you cough or feel like there’s something in the back of your throat.
Some foods, medications, and high-fat diets can bring on acid reflux and heartburn.
Medicines can also cause heartburn and acid reflux for asthma, high blood pressure, pain, and depression.
Studies show that heavy drinking may also make the symptoms of GERD worse.
Because beer is acidic and carbonated, drinking too much might force stomach contents up the esophagus.
Related Reading: How Acid Is Beer? – Learn More Here.
Beer Acidity
How acidic or alkaline a solution is is shown by its pH.
The pH of beer is affected differently by the water, mash, and wort used in the brewing process.
When the pH of the mash is correct, it improves the flavor and stability.
When making beer from all grain, the most important thing is the pH of the mash.
Since the pH of distilled water is about 7, it is mostly neutral.
Most water from the city is a little bit alkaline.
The pH of lighter beers must be adjusted to 5.2-5.6 because more delicate malt is not as acidic as darker malt.
The pH range for the mash is essential because:
- Optimize the enzymes that turn starch into sugar. Improve the health of the yeast during fermentation.
- As beer ages, it gets better in taste and stability.
- The pH of the mash can be adjusted to the desired range by adding small amounts of phosphate buffers.
- Hops can also change the pH of the beer you make. The final pH of the beer will go up if there is a lot of dry hopping.
The more IBUs a beer has, the more acidic it is and the more likely it is to cause acid reflux.
The same goes for beers made with darker grains.
Beer for Upset Stomach
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
The best beer for acid reflux is the Samuel Adams Boston Lager, a well-known barley lager that tastes great.
Not only does the lager taste great, but it will also help your gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The Samuel Adams Boston Lager is made with two-row barley, and German Noble hops, giving you a unique and complicated but flavorful beer.
You will taste the slightly sweet flavor with hints of honey, caramel, and citrusy bitterness from the hops.
The alcohol by volume is 5%, and the finish is dry.
Barley Malt Lager
Most barley malt lagers have a pH between 4.0 and 5.0, which means they are less acidic.
Pilsner, Vienna, and Helles-style malt are all types of beer made this way.
Sierra Nevada Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale
Other beers can help with heartburn and reflux besides barley lagers.
Try a tasty barleywine like the Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale.
The well-known Sierra Nevada makes this barley wine, so you can expect it to be good.
The beer came out in 1983 and has become a cult favorite among people who like barleywine ales.
It has a strong body and flavor that is similar to wine.
Also, the beer ages very well, offering more exciting flavors without affecting your health.
The beer has an ABV of 9.6%.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Pivo Pilsner
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. is well-known among beer fans, so you can be sure its pilsner is excellent.
The Italian-style pilsner is a good choice for people who don’t like beer acid and has tasty hints of lemongrass and spices.
This 5.3% ABV drink is a dry-hopped Italian pils with a pronounced hop flavor. It also has a floral character in the aroma and beer taste.
This pilsner is one of the best for people with acid reflux.
Related Reading: Mainstream And Craft Beer With Low Calories – Find Out Here.
Final Thoughts
Copious amounts of beer will still be dangerous to anyone with an upset stomach, especially if it’s acid reflux.
Consult with your doctor, or at least bring medicine like antacids when you plan to drink.