Alcohol consumption is unpleasant enough, but even after a night of heavy drinking, many individuals can experience another issue besides a pounding headache – loose stools. But why is there a link between alcohol and bowel movements?
This article seeks to provide insight into this matter, exploring the implications of alcohol on the digestive system and providing advice on addressing resultant loose stools.
From its initial ingestion, alcohol affects the human body in various ways, influencing the digestive system. Immediate effects of alcohol on the stomach can include nausea and vomiting. As it further enters the small intestine, it can irritate the lining, creating a hyperpermeable state which can lead to diarrhoea.
In addition to irritating, alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it can cause dehydration. In severe cases, these two factors can combine to cause a condition known as alcoholic gastritis.
The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Digestive Function
It is essential to recognise the effects of alcohol on the digestive system to comprehend how it responds to this substance.
Most alcohol is absorbed through the bloodstream from the stomach and the top of the small intestine. When there is food present in these areas, the absorption rate is slower. Additionally, alcohol is a stomach irritant that can lead to a condition known as gastritis.
1. The large intestine’s speedier contractions
A portion of the alcohol not processed in the upper gastrointestinal tract will be sent to the large intestine, causing the muscles to contract faster than usual.
Due to the large intestine’s swift squeezing motions, the body cannot absorb as much water as it usually would. It leaves more water in the large intestine, producing watery stools and diarrhoea.
2. Diminished Nutrient Uptake
Alcohol consumption can expedite digestion, resulting in a lack of proper nutrient absorption. If left unchecked, this can lead to long-term deficiencies and malnutrition, necessitating supplementation and medical intervention.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Alcohol is known to exacerbate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown origin. Unfortunately, IBS is a fairly common disorder that can be made worse by the consumption of alcohol.
Those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s and celiac diseases may experience exacerbated conditions upon consuming alcohol.
4. Excessive Bowel Movements and Dehydration
Alcohol is something that can cause a significant increase in how much and how often you need to go to the bathroom. It can eventually lead to dehydration, which is a severe problem. Even if you’re dealing with alcohol-related diarrhoea, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated by consuming enough water.
If you’re having persistent signs of alcohol consumption, consult a doctor. Dizziness, fatigue, faintness, and drowsiness can be signs of an issue with dehydration. Sometimes an anti-diarrheal, such as Pepto Bismol, can help reduce the diarrhoea symptoms.
5. Internal Bleeding
Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract causes the blood to become almost black once it reaches the large intestine in stool formation. If you encounter dark or black stool, it could be internal bleeding in the stomach – a severe side effect of long-term alcohol abuse. Urgent medical attention is needed in this situation.
How to Prevent the Impact of Alcohol on Your Digestive System
For people who may not have the option of abstaining from drinking, there are other ways to mitigate the dangers of consuming alcohol. Taking proactive measures such as limiting intake and drinking alcohol responsibly can help to reduce potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.
It’s essential to be aware of how alcohol can affect your digestion when consuming it. To minimise the risks, try to
- Keep your consumption to a moderate level – one drink daily for women and two daily for men.
- Avoid sugary and artificially sweetened drinks, and drink plenty of water.
- Also, avoid beverages containing caffeine, as this will only dehydrate you further. Lastly, don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Takeaway Message
If you or anyone close to you is struggling with alcohol misuse and you think it might be causing issues, consider seeking help from an expert. If you want to discuss any particular problems, you can always contact a physician and request a consultation.
Get free teleconsultation from our expert doctors once you order medicine from our online pharmacy – Truemeds, or download our Truemeds app. You can avail of branded and generic medications by uploading your prescription on Truemeds. When placing an order for medicines online, save more money by selecting alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. You can save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery* pan India.
Disclaimer – The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before practising any information mentioned in this article.
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