Can beer reduce internal heat?

Mar 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 28-year-old male. Recently, due to high work pressure, I often feel symptoms of excessive internal heat, such as sore throat and dry mouth. I heard that drinking beer may help reduce internal heat, but I'm not sure whether it's actually effective. Can beer help reduce internal heat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Beer cannot actually relieve internal heat; instead, it may worsen symptoms of excessive internal heat. "Internal heat" (referred to as "fire" in traditional Chinese medicine) reflects an imbalance between yin and yang within the body and is often triggered by improper diet, emotional stress, or irregular作息 (作息 refers to daily routines or rest patterns). Although beer is considered a cooling beverage, its alcohol content can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increase the body's metabolic burden, and potentially lead to accumulation of damp-heat within the body, thereby exacerbating symptoms of internal heat. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can impair the function of the spleen and stomach, further affecting the body's self-regulating capacity.

To better alleviate symptoms of internal heat, it is recommended to adopt more scientifically sound and healthy approaches. Drinking plenty of water, especially warm boiled water or light salt water, can help clear heat and toxins from the body. Consuming foods with heat-clearing properties, such as mung bean soup, bitter melon, and pears, may help relieve symptoms like sore throat and dry mouth. Maintaining regular作息 and a positive emotional state, while avoiding late nights and excessive fatigue, are also important measures for preventing internal heat. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is advised.