Does wine settle an upset stomach?

Answer 1

It depends on the reason for your upset stomach. Many reasons involve an excessively high PH , which means higher acidity. In this case you would take something with a LOW PH such as tums, which is sodium bi-carbonate. Vinegar has a high PH and will most likely not solve your ailment in this scenario.

Either way refer to this handy guide

http://www.ehow.com/how_16011_calm-upset-stomach.html

I believe many of the "uses" of vinegar are wives tales and myths.

[EDIT] The above answer was incorrect. Acidic indigestion happens when the stomach pH is too LOW, not high. Low = acidity, High = basic. Tums itself does not have an acidity, it is a buffer that reduces acidity (aka RAISING pH) to stop acidic indigestion. Vinegar is a base, and would have the same net effect in this case. This is also called heartburn when it travels up the esophagus.

However, it could be the reverse, too high pH will slow digestion and cause indegestion. If it's this case, then acidic beverages would help; citrus fruits, soda, and tea will usually calm that. I call this "iron tummy" because it feels like your stomach has turned to iron, but that's not medical.

It's unlikely a shot of vinegar would cure it (it's too basic and will throw stomach pH all over). You'd be better off taking antacids (which buffer the pH so it doesn't bounce around). Soda helps me the most. To each his own.

Answer 2

No. In fact, two of the primary ingredients in wine--sugar and alcohol--are notorious for causing gastrointestinal ailments sometimes even in small quantities. Coincidentally, grapes happen to be known for the same in large quantities.