If I have heartburn every time I drink beer or alcohol, what's happening?

When you drink beer or alcohol, your stomach produces more hydrochloric acid, which can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause heartburn. It is important to note that this irritation does not necessarily happen every time one drinks alcohol; it depends on how much is being consumed. Eating certain foods with alcoholic beverages can also trigger heartburn symptoms.

Alcohol relaxes the valve at the bottom of your oesophagus (known as the lower oesophageal sphincter), allowing stomach acid to move up into your oesophagus and potentially causing irritation and inflammation that leads to heartburn. Taking smaller sips of beer or other alcoholic beverages over a longer period of time could help reduce heartburn symptoms due to slower absorption in comparison to having one large glass all at once. Additionally, avoiding drinking on an empty stomach may help lessen any occurrence of experiencing uncomfortable sensations after consuming alcohol. Eating before drinking could help prevent any food from coming back up as well by filling your stomach with something else rather than just liquid during digestion.

Finally, changing what type of drinks are being consumed may also help ease discomfort from acid reflux when it happens due to alcohol consumption - for example opting for clear liquors like vodka or gin instead of darker-colored ones like whiskey or brandy has been found helpful in some cases!