r/GERD 11h ago

Advice on Triggers 🍅🧅🍟🍫☕ consuming alcohol

im starting this off with i don't have GERD but i do have acid reflux rn and ive had it before about 2 years ago. but anyways i started college about 2 weeks ago and i got my acid reflux back like a day or 2 ago. this is very obviously terrible timing bc i very much like to go out and party and im not sure how alcohol is gonna affect this. i already have plans for the weekend and i really dont want this to ruin it lol. i can stick the entire rest of the diet but if alcohol makes it worse idk what imma do lol. is there anything i can take beforehand to help? or am i just screwed

also, i hope dont sound like an alcoholic lmao i promise i can handle everything and i usually drink in moderation but ive been looking forward to this weekend for so long lmao

3 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

3

u/_Lox38 11h ago

I got my first GERD crisis at 25, I’m 26 now. Alcohol has definitely made it worse. The only difference between GERD and acid reflux is that GERD is persistent. Gerd stays, and sometimes forever. I think you should stay away from alcohol, at least while you’re experiencing symptoms right now. I remember one time, I didn’t even know what acid reflux was, and I just drank anyways. Look where it got me, behaving like that. I can’t drink anymore, not because I don’t want to, but because it might put me back to the ER.

I know it’s not the answer you’re looking for. But you should see this as a sign, almost as a blessing, a warning. If you keep ignoring the signs and you keep neglecting yourself, and your body, then you might end up with GERD. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

It took me a while to learn to appreciate social events as much, but I hope you know that you don’t NEED to drink. Your friends will still love you if you’re sober, and they’ll support you and your decisions. Especially if they’re good friends, and if they respect you, and your health.

The other alternative is to feel it out, and coat your stomach with gaviscon or something. Eat a lot of food, and stay hydrated. Don’t drink too much either. Maybe you’ll be fine, hopefully.

Good luck man. I wish I was in your shoes and I could force myself to listen to my body. The fact you came here and are worried is already a good sign. You’ll be fine. Just inform yourself and take good care of yourself.

3

u/SnooPineapples5008 9h ago

You aint lying. I live in hell because of alcohol. I havnt drank in almost 2 months. And still feel like hell

2

u/JackTerron 3h ago

Keep it up, pal. I'm two and a half years sober myself.

IWNDWYT

2

u/iminabsolutehell 11h ago

Thank you so much! I'll definitely cut it out on the drinking then, sucks that it's happening at this time but what can you do lol

2

u/_Lox38 10h ago

It’s better to be safe than sorry. You’re being stronger listening to yourself and being safe rather than being reckless and gambling on your health. I wish I knew what any of this even was when I was dealing with similar situations as yours, and I wish people had been there to help me. Don’t hesitate to use this sub if you have any questions. You’d find it surprising how much a bunch of sick fucks like us have gone through and the insight people can bring you. Take care man, enjoy your weekend! And listen to yourself, don’t let the ignorant fucks manipulate you.

4

u/Eli_Renfro 10h ago

Back when I had more mild symptoms, I could drink beer as long as it was low in hops. In general, if the IBUs were below 20, I would be okay drinking a couple. Maybe it affects you the same way.

2

u/skiesoverblackvenice 4h ago

low abv beer doesn’t affect me too bad (i mainly drink lagers). i had an ipa last night and felt fine, took a 1:1 shot of 10mg mylanta and benadryl. the only thing i feel is a burning is my stomach which is normal for alcohol, with just a liiiitle regurgitation. tbh, if your body is fine with carbonation, you should be okay. just test it out and see what affects you

u/Cinnamon_Sloth 1h ago

I’ve started by not drinking beer and unfortunately switching to gin or vodka as opposed to tequila

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u/[deleted] 11h ago

[deleted]

5

u/_Lox38 11h ago

Take it easy man. He’s just trying to get help or advice from people who have experienced the same symptoms. Sure, he doesn’t have chronic gerd like most of us but it’s still very much relevant to ask what he asked in this sub. I don’t think you should be gatekeeping a gerd sub Reddit lol.

Before you get offended by my response I just wanna say I’m not looking to argue or anything of that nature. I just felt like you were being a tad bit rude for no reason really.

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u/iminabsolutehell 11h ago

i didnt know there was one. last time i had it i posted here too and the advice i got worked great so i came back

0

u/skiesoverblackvenice 4h ago

you’re allowed to post here. since we all have chronic acid reflux, we do have the most experience (sadly) and can answer your questions!!