Diarrhoea After Drinking Alcohol: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Alcohol can affect the way your body digests food. Different types of alcohol cause disparate effects on the human body and organs. For example, beer is loaded with carbohydrates and gluten, that many people have difficulty digesting. Whether you develop constipation or diarrhoea may depend on how much alcohol you consume. Read on to know more.

Causes

Diarrhoea after drinking alcohol can be caused by several factors including:

1. Alcohol irritation:

Drinking alcohol can act as an irritant to the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to inflammation & diarrhoea, especially with people who consume alcohol in large amounts or those with sensitive stomachs.

2. Dehydration:

Alcohol can lead to dehydration as it increases urine production, and this can affect digestion & cause diarrhoea.

3. Increased stomach acid:

Alcohol can result in increased production of stomach acid which may contribute to diarrhoea.

4. Pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders:

Individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are likely to be more sensitive to alcohol & as a result can experience diarrhoea.

6. Food intake:

Drinking alcohol can often lead to eating food that are greasy or high in fat, which can also contribute to diarrhoea.

7. Alcohol allergy or Intolerance:

Individuals who have allergy or intolerance to alcohol or its ingredients like the grains or sulfites, are likely to experience diarrhoea as an immune response.

Symptoms

One must recognise the signs of diarrhoea after drinking alcohol to prevent further complications. Symptoms may include

• Diarrhoea, often 6 to 20 bowel movements per day

• Abdominal pain

• Cramping

• Bloating and abdominal swelling

These symptoms develop within a few hours to one day after taking alcohol, and severity of the signs may be related to the amount of alcohol consumed and the type of alcohol.

Diarrhoea is one of the effects of alcohol consumption; it also comes with dehydration because alcohol acts as a diuretic and, therefore, raises urine production.

Prevention

To help prevent or alleviate diarrhoea after drinking alcohol, consider these remedies:

• Limit Alcohol Consumption:

The easiest method for avoiding diarrhoea after consuming alcohol is generally, not to consume it at all or consume it in moderate measure. Cutting down on the amount consumed could minimise the effect on the digestive system.

• Choose Your Drink Wisely:

Various wines and beers may cause distinct effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Choose beers and wines with low congeners and those that are not laden with additives. Alcohol that does not contain additives, such as vodka and gin, has a lesser adverse impact on the digestive tract.

• Stay Hydrated:

Concurrent use of water with alcohol can reduce the impact of dehydration and the severity of diarrhoea. Try to have a glass of water every time you consume an alcoholic drink or beverage.

• Eat Before Drinking:

Eating before having a drink is another way of slowing the rate of absorption of alcohol and giving time for the digestive system to prepare. Consuming foods rich in fibre and protein is particularly important in slowing the body’s absorption of alcohol and lowering the risk of diarrhoea.

• Know Your Limits:

Alcohol uniquely affects every person. Accurate knowledge of your limits reduces instances of overindulgence, thereby managing side effects like indigestion and diarrhoea.

If diarrhoea persists or is severe, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions or allergies.