Drinking alcohol is a common occurrence in many countries, but even moderate alcohol consumption can have a range of side effects. Many people experience diarrhea after drinking alcohol. Diarrhea may be uncomfortable and may be accompanied by other symptoms. In addition, certain types of alcohol are more likely to cause diarrhea. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help reduce diarrhea after drinking alcohol.
Why can alcohol cause diarrhea?
Alcohol is easily absorbed by many tissues in the body. Once alcohol enters the body, it begins to enter the bloodstream. The alcohol is partially absorbed in the stomach. If there is food in the stomach at the time, the absorption rate slows down. This is why people feel the effects of alcohol more quickly on an empty stomach.
Once it leaves the stomach, the alcohol begins to be absorbed into the small intestine. Most of the alcohol is absorbed here, while the rest enters the large intestine and is excreted with feces and urine. Each step of alcohol’s journey through the digestive tract causes serious changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. These changes include
Inflammation: When in contact with alcohol, the gastrointestinal tract can become inflamed. Alcohol can also cause the stomach to produce more acid, which increases irritant production and inflammation. This irritant often leads to diarrhea.
Water absorption: Water is usually absorbed from food and liquids into the intestines. The large intestine removes the fluid from the stool and then expels it from the body. The large intestine also does not work when alcohol is present. This can lead to liquid stools and dehydration.
Excessive bowel movements: Alcohol stimulates the intestines and speeds up the digestive response. The muscles of the colon contract more frequently and push stools faster than usual. This acceleration can lead to diarrhea because the intestines do not have time to digest food.
Bacterial imbalance: The intestines are home to a variety of bacteria that keep the body in balance by attacking harmful pathogens. Alcohol may temporarily kill some bacteria or cause others to grow rapidly, which can lead to intestinal dysfunction.
Additional risk factors
Certain risk factors for diarrhea are associated with alcohol consumption. Lifestyle choices may affect the development of diarrhea after drinking or not, while other conditions may make symptoms worse.
Lifestyle choices
Personal habits play an important role in the side effects caused by alcohol consumption. People who drink alcohol almost every day are more likely to develop alcoholic chronic diarrhea. People who drink heavily or continuously drink large amounts of alcohol are also more likely to develop diarrhea.
Eating large amounts of food while drinking alcohol also increases the risk of diarrhea. As alcohol passes through the intestinal tissues, the body has difficulty digesting food, and alcohol may reduce the digestive enzymes needed to break down heavy foods.
Other gastrointestinal disorders
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease may react worse to alcohol and experience diarrhea more often after drinking. People who are gluten intolerant react poorly to beer and the grains in some alcohol. In general, people with sensitive digestive tracts may also be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Can certain alcohols cause diarrhea?
Different alcoholic beverages may cause more symptoms. It is important to note that alcoholic beverages may affect each person differently. Beer is usually one of the culprits of diarrhea. Compared to other forms of alcohol, beer contains more carbohydrates. The body may break down these extra carbohydrates when you drink alcohol.
Alcohol may also cause diarrhea in some people. If a person is more likely to suffer from diarrhea when they drink alcohol, they may be allergic to tannins. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins, and reactions to them can lead to headaches, nausea and diarrhea symptoms. Excess sugar in mixed drinks can also make diarrhea worse for some people. Too much sugar causes the body to expel the contents of the intestines more quickly.
How can I prevent alcoholic diarrhea?
Preventing alcohol-induced diarrhea begins with watching your drinking habits. Reducing the intake of alcoholic beverages can help reduce the pressure on the digestive tract. Replacing drinks that cause gastrointestinal symptoms with different types of alcohol may help in the long term. Eating before drinking can slow the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the body and reduce the risk of diarrhea. Avoid caffeinated alcoholic beverages, as caffeine increases the rate of intestinal movement and digestion.
How can I get my body to recover as soon as possible?
Diarrhea after drinking alcohol is usually not long-lasting. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, when people start eating regularly, rehydrating and avoiding alcohol. Eating light, easily digestible foods such as rice, sliced toast or plain crackers can help fill the stomach without causing additional symptoms. This may help avoid dairy products and foods high in fat or fiber immediately after diarrhea, as these foods can put further strain on the digestive system when trying to recover.
Body fluids are especially important after drinking alcohol because the body has already lost a significant amount of water through urine and diarrhea. Drinking water, herbal teas, and broths can help prevent dehydration. In cases of persistent diarrhea, over-the-counter medications can help the body absorb water and fill up the stool. Probiotics can also help restore the balance of bacteria in the intestines.
When do I need to see a doctor?
Persistent diarrhea may be a separate symptom that may require a doctor’s visit. In addition, excessive diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
A doctor should be notified if the following symptoms occur.
1. persistent diarrhea for more than 2 days.
2. dry mouth and thirst.
3. low or no urine, even with additional fluid intake
4. scanty urine, usually very dark in color.
5. weakness and fatigue.
6. vertigo or dizziness.
7. fever.
8. severe cramps and pain.
9. blood in the stool.
10. black stools, not caused by antidiarrheal drugs.
Dehydration can be life-threatening, so anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact a doctor. In most cases of diarrhea caused by alcohol consumption, the symptoms disappear once people resume a normal diet and stop drinking.