Belgian beers and Acid Reflux

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Breaking_Beard, Jan 25, 2016.

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  1. Breaking_Beard

    Breaking_Beard Initiate (0) Oct 17, 2014 Michigan

    Lately I have noticed that certain Belgian beers give me an adverse reaction in terms my acid reflux. This is mostly with trippels and quads, but it seems like it is only certain breweries. For example, this afternoon I had a Kasteel Chocolate Quad that really tore me up, but I can drink Wizard Burial Ground with no problem. I also get this from drinking Final Absolution.

    I love these styles, but the extreme discomfort is not worth the trouble. Does anyone else have this issue, and possibly know what specific ingredient is causing it? I assume the yeast type is the culprit, but I am not sure.
     
  2. Urk1127

    Urk1127 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,790) Jul 2, 2014 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sours in general for me give uncomfortable heartburn. Ive had acid reflux since a child, but even being used to it, those sours man. I like saisons amd tripels but they never did it to me.
     
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  3. MikeySea

    MikeySea Pooh-Bah (2,165) Sep 17, 2015 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah

    Sugars and starches do it for me. And I believe the styles you mentioned are sometimes quite sugary. The only thing that works for anything that gives me heartburn is Pepcid complete or the generic version. And that takes care of it really well.
     
    Breaking_Beard likes this.
  4. Breaking_Beard

    Breaking_Beard Initiate (0) Oct 17, 2014 Michigan

    Do you take the pepcid right before drinking?
     
  5. vickersspitfire

    vickersspitfire Pooh-Bah (1,748) Dec 11, 2006 Texas
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    ...check your age, maybe your too old for Belgian beers :slight_frown:
     
  6. MikeySea

    MikeySea Pooh-Bah (2,165) Sep 17, 2015 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah

    If I remember. The thing I like about that product is unlike some others you don't HAVE to take it before hand. I've drank a good amount of sweet beer, then have eaten something like a pizza (I know, smart) and gone to bed without it. Always wake up with the acid coming up my throat. Take it, and I sleep like a baby. And you can take two chewable tablets within 24 hours if you need it.
     
  7. gonzo000

    gonzo000 Initiate (0) Feb 9, 2014 Massachusetts

    Grrr...Funny to see this post now - I was just researching reasons for a sudden increase in having to clear one's threat (went from never to seemingly all the time). The article said if you have acid reflux (which I have had for some 20 + years) and drink or smoke, stop for a few weeks and see if it clears up. Yikes!
     
  8. Invinciblejets

    Invinciblejets Pooh-Bah (1,710) Sep 29, 2014 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I drink sour stuff a lot never have issues.. I've always loved sour stuff.
    If anything a thick stout doesn't settle well in my stomach.
     
  9. captaincoffee

    captaincoffee Pooh-Bah (2,218) Jul 10, 2011 Virginia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Not sure about your age, but this started for my right around age 43. Never had any acid reflux problems in my life prior and could eat/drink anything. I chalk it up to one of those things you just have to live with as you get a little older.
     
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  10. Melvintrude

    Melvintrude Initiate (0) Feb 13, 2015 England

    I suffer fairly regularly from night time heartburn (after I go to bed). , but it’s generally related to excess rather than any specific type of beer:flushed:
     
  11. Relik

    Relik Zealot (603) Apr 20, 2011 Canada (NS)

    its possible that the higher carbonation rate that is often twice that of other beers is causing this issue. The carbonation rates normally associated with Belgian beers could help push (or displace) the stomach acid higher than you'd typically find with other beers.
     
    monkeybeerbelly likes this.
  12. monkeybeerbelly

    monkeybeerbelly Initiate (0) Dec 6, 2012 New York


    yup.... right on the money. the higher carbonated beers really get me.
    oh and cider... like a knife in my chest
     
  13. chinchill

    chinchill Grand Pooh-Bah (5,541) Feb 29, 2008 South Carolina
    Society Pooh-Bah

    sours ... unfortunately. As usual, too much beer or just about anything else too near to bedtime can also trigger this.
     
  14. Neverdie7

    Neverdie7 Zealot (539) Jun 7, 2008 Wisconsin

    I have acid reflux and take protonix each morning. While it could be partly due to the yeast I believe its the spices that are used to make belgians that causes this. Especially quads. It can also be caused by hops. There are a few hoppy beers out there that really get me. Lagunatias shut down is a big one that causes issues for me, the hops in that one are just too hot for me. I try to mainly stick with the maltier IPA's and do pretty well with those but the higher IBU IPA's can really do a number on your gut.
     
  15. Breaking_Beard

    Breaking_Beard Initiate (0) Oct 17, 2014 Michigan

    I'm only 35, I hope this is not the case. I normally do not have issues with reflux and do not take any medication for it.
     
  16. jzeilinger

    jzeilinger Grand High Pooh-Bah (8,847) Dec 4, 2004 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sounds very familiar. When I hit (50) I had a conversation with my doc and age definitely plays a factor. I just try not to eat or drink (the best I can) before bed and have spent some nights sleeping in the recliner to keep the acid down - totally sucks. Popping a Pepcid has been extremely helpful. Best advice to avoid it, "Don't ever get old!"
     
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