Beer’s crisp flavor and relaxing effects have made it one of the most widely used alcoholic drinks in history. But have you ever considered how sour beer tastes and how it might affect your digestive system? This essay will address these concerns by offering explanations supported by trustworthy research.
Is Beer Acidic? The pH of Beer
The acidity or alkalinity of a substance can be determined using the pH scale, which runs from 0 to 14. The pH of a substance is neutral when the concentration of hydrogen ions is 7. The pH scale goes from acidic to basic, below 7 to above 7.
A substance is more acidic when its pH value is lower. Beer is acidic, with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. Beer’s pH of 2 makes it more acidic than water’s pH of 7 but less so than lemon juice. (pH 2).
Factors Determining Is Beer Acidic or Not
The following factors determine whether the beer is acidic or not.
- Brewing water’s composition and purity
- The amount and kind of malted grains go into a batch of beer
- Hops used for flavoring and preserving, and the amount and type of hops utilized
- Yeast species and strains employed in the fermentation process
- Fermentation time and temperature
- The addition of other elements, such as bacteria, yeast, or spices
- Beer aging and storage conditions
Beer Brands & Acidic Level
Beers of various types and brands may have varied levels of acidity. Sour beers, prepared to utilize bacteria or wild yeast to produce lactic acid or acetic acid, have a lower pH than standard beers, making them more acidic. Lambics, gueuzes, Berliner Weisses, and Flanders red ales are all examples of sour beers.
The acidity of beer can also change as it ages. Beer’s acidity can rise as it ages due to oxidation or microbiological activity. As a result, the general flavor and freshness of the beer may deteriorate. While some beers benefit from aging for months or even years, others are best appreciated fresh.
Here is a table to make the acidity of beer more clear to you.
| Beer Brand | Beer Style | Acidity (pH) |
| Lambic | Sour ale | 3.0 – 3.5 |
| Cider | Fermented fruit juice | 2.9 – 3.3 |
| Gueuze | Blended lambic | 3.0 – 3.5 |
| Limoncello | Lemon liqueur | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Champagne | Sparkling wine | 2.9 |
| Lager Beers | Bottom fermented beer | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Kombucha Tea | Fermented tea | 2.4 – 4.5 |
| IPA Beers | India pale ale | 4.0 – 4.5 |
| Pilsner Beers | Pale lager beer | 4.7 – 4.7 |
| Rum | Distilled sugarcane liquor | 4.8 |
| Gin | Distilled juniper liquor | 7 |
| Flanders Red Ale | Sour red ale | 3.0 – 3.5 |
| Light Beer | Low-calorie beer | 4.8 |
| Berliner Weisse | Sour wheat ale | 3.0 – 3.5 |
How Does Beer Acidity Affect Your Health and Digestion?
Beer’s acidity can have both beneficial and harmful impacts on your health and digestion. Here are some of the advantages and harms of drinking sour beer:
Benefits of Acidic Beer
- Beer’s low pH hinders the growth of bacteria that could cause sickness. By doing so, you can avoid infections and tooth problems.
- Acidity in beer can improve the flavor and aroma of the beverage by counteracting the malt’s inherent sweetness and adding tartness and depth.
- The acidity of beer may help digestion by stimulating the secretion of saliva and digestive enzymes.
- Polyphenols and vitamin C, two antioxidants in beer, can help keep your cells healthy by neutralizing free radicals.
Drawbacks of Acidic Beer
- Drinking beer may irritate your stomach and esophagus if you have a sensitive stomach, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and ulcers are all possible outcomes.
- Over time, beer’s acidity can damage dental enamel, especially if you drink it frequently or don’t rinse your mouth afterward. Tooth decay, cavities, sensitivity, and discoloration can result from this.
- The acidity of beer can make your blood more acidic, interfering with your body’s capacity to maintain a steady internal pH level. Metabolic acidosis, which means having highly acidic blood, can result from this. Metabolic acidosis manifests clinically as headache, weariness, disorientation, dyspnea, and eventually coma.
How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Beer Acidity?
If you are concerned about the acidity of beer and its potential effects on your health and digestion, try these alternatives:
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage daily is not advised for ladies, while men should limit themselves to no more than two. One standard beer serving is 12 ounces (355 ml).
Pick Less Acidic Beers
Check the labels to see if a beer is acidic or basic. A pH meter or pH strips can also determine the beer’s acidity. Beers that are lighter in color and contain fewer ingredients are less acidic than their darker, sourer equivalents.
Stay Hydrated With Water
You can mitigate beer’s acidity by drinking water before, during, or after. Dehydration amplifies the adverse effects of alcohol on the body. Therefore, staying hydrated is another benefit. Chasing each beer with a glass of water is a good idea.
Buffer Acidity With Food
Eating beforehand protects the stomach and esophagus from beer’s acidity. It can also lessen the intoxicating effects of alcohol by decreasing its absorption into the bloodstream. Drink beer responsibly by fueling up on a nutritious meal first.
Protect Teeth by Rinsing
You may protect your teeth from the acidic residue of beer by rinsing your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash. Sugar-free gum chewing can accomplish the same goal by increasing saliva production and neutralizing oral acidity.
Steer Clear of Reflux Triggers
Consumption of certain foods and drinks might increase acid reflux or GERD symptoms by relaxing this muscle. Hot and greasy foods, chocolate, mint, caffeinated beverages, and fizzy drinks must be avoided. You should avoid these if you have a history of GERD or acid reflux and enjoy alcohol.
Use Acid-Reducing Medication
Let’s say your acid reflux or GERD symptoms are constant and severe. Here, you might benefit from taking a drug that inhibits or neutralizes stomach acid. H2 blockers, acid reducers, and proton pump inhibitors fall within this category. (PPIs). Before taking any drug, you must speak with your doctor.
Final Remarks
Beer is an acidic drink with a pH level of 4-5. Beer’s acidity can change based on several factors, including water, malt, hops, yeast, and other substances used in brewing. Beer’s acidity can have both beneficial and harmful impacts on your health and digestion.
It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, digestive, and antioxidant properties. However, it can also cause acid reflux or GERD symptoms, irritate your stomach and esophagus, erode your tooth enamel, and reduce your blood pH.
Moderation, selecting less acidic beers, consuming food, rinsing the mouth, avoiding triggers, and, if necessary, medicine can help mitigate the adverse effects of beer acidity on your health and digestion. If you stick to these guidelines, beer drinking won’t have to come at the expense of your health.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
