Prevent stomach pain
The simplest, but possibly not exactly desired measure for the prevention of stomach pain after alcohol is the obvious renunciation or at least the reduction of alcohol consumption. This does not mean, however, that anyone who tends to suffer from stomach ache after drinking alcohol must have a guilty conscience. For many patients, a relatively small amount of alcohol is already enough to cause severe stomach pain, while other people with a significantly higher alcohol intake do not develop any such complaints.
With such patients other tricks can help. These include avoiding fatty foods while drinking alcohol. Like alcohol, dietary fat lowers the tension of the lower esophageal sphincter and thus promotes the reflux of acid stomach contents into the esophagus.
Drinking enough still water between alcoholic drinks can also help to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents by diluting them. Another possibility is to adjust the bed so that the person concerned sleeps with a slightly raised upper body at night. This makes the backflow of stomach contents more difficult and is therefore a good way to prevent stomach pain after alcohol. A rather long-term preventive measure is the reduction of overweight. In addition, it is advisable not to eat the last meal of the day too late in the evening so that there is enough time before bedtime for the food to leave the stomach in the direction of the small intestine.
Effects of coffee
People who suffer from stomach pain after alcohol should refrain from trying to wash it down with coffee. Just like alcohol or cigarettes, coffee reduces the tension of the lower oesophageal sphincter and thus also contributes to the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the oesophagus. Furthermore, coffee additionally irritates the stomach lining and increases the production of gastric acid. As an alternative to morning coffee, still water or chamomile tea are recommended. While still water dilutes the stomach contents, chamomile is said to have a relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect.
