Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol affects people in different ways. While some people experience constipation, others may have the opposite reaction. Alcohol can irritate the stomach, causing an increase in stomach acid, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. To soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol, it is recommended to sip room-temperature water, sports drinks, coconut water, or electrolyte-infused drinks to rehydrate. Eating foods such as bananas, crackers, and toast can help restore blood sugar levels and provide easily digestible nutrients. Additionally, sipping ginger tea or chewing on dried ginger may help relieve nausea. It is important to avoid caffeine, greasy foods, and medication containing acetaminophen, as these can worsen stomach irritation and potentially cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drink | Water, sports drinks, coconut water, ginger tea, broth, Pedialyte |
| Eat | Crackers, toast, bananas, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled egg, cold foods, room-temperature foods, fast-digesting carbs |
| Medication | Antacids, anti-diarrheal medication (e.g. loperamide), bismuth subsalicylate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen |
| Avoid | Acetaminophen, large meals, greasy foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, strong smells |
| Other | Sleep, multivitamins |
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What You'll Learn
Drink water, broth, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks
Drinking water, broth, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks is a great way to soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol. Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of hangover symptoms like thirst, fatigue, and headaches. Therefore, staying hydrated is essential to alleviating these symptoms.
Water is a simple yet effective way to rehydrate. It is recommended to sip water slowly, rather than gulping it down, as flooding your stomach with water can aggravate it further. Room-temperature water is also gentler on the stomach than ice water.
Electrolyte-rich sports drinks can help rehydrate you faster than plain water. They contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help direct water to the areas of your body that need it most. Pedialyte is a good option for this purpose.
Broth is another hydrating option that can help soothe an upset stomach. It provides liquids to prevent dehydration and can be easily digested, making it a suitable choice when your stomach is irritated.
In addition to these, coconut water and electrolyte-infused drinks are also recommended for hydration and replenishing electrolytes.
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Eat bland, easily digestible foods
Eating bland, easily digestible foods is a good way to soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It also prevents your stomach from emptying normally and slows digestion, leading to further discomfort.
To counteract this, it is recommended to eat foods that are gentle on the stomach and easily digestible. These include bananas, crackers, and toast. These foods are unlikely to cause further irritation and will help to settle your stomach. It is also important to avoid greasy or high-fat foods, as these can take a long time to digest and cause more problems. Instead, opt for fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as crackers or toast, which are easy on the stomach. If you're feeling up to it, you can pair your carbs with a protein source, such as Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg. Eating slowly and opting for room-temperature or colder foods can also help.
In addition to eating bland, easily digestible foods, it is also important to stay hydrated. Alcohol can cause dehydration, so drinking water or other liquids can help to rehydrate and ease stomach discomfort. Sports drinks or broth are also good options, as they can help restore electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
While eating bland foods can help soothe an upset stomach, it is also important to give your stomach time to rest and recover. Avoid eating a large meal before bed, as this can cause more indigestion and nausea. Instead, opt for a light snack, such as crackers or toast, and drink water throughout the evening to stay hydrated.
Overall, eating bland, easily digestible foods is a good way to soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol. By choosing gentle, easily digestible options and staying hydrated, you can help to ease stomach discomfort and get back to feeling like yourself again.
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Avoid caffeine
Alcohol can cause stomach irritation, increased acid production, and delayed digestion, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. To soothe an upset stomach, it's important to avoid caffeine. Here's why:
Diarrhoea
Alcohol can cause diarrhoea, and if you're already dealing with an upset stomach, caffeine can worsen the problem. Coffee, soda, and other caffeinated drinks can speed up digestion and have a laxative effect, making diarrhoea worse. By reducing or eliminating caffeine, you can help slow down digestion and give your body time to recover.
Dehydration
Alcohol is dehydrating, and caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea act as diuretics, increasing fluid loss. When you're already dehydrated from alcohol consumption, choosing caffeinated drinks can further upset your stomach by enhancing dehydration. It's crucial to rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich drinks to soothe an upset stomach.
Nausea and Vomiting
Caffeine can contribute to nausea, especially if consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach. If you're already feeling nauseous from alcohol consumption, caffeine can make it worse. Avoiding caffeine can help reduce nausea and the risk of vomiting.
Irritation
Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, and caffeine can further aggravate it. Caffeine stimulates acid production and increases stomach acid levels, exacerbating the irritation caused by alcohol. By steering clear of caffeine, you can give your stomach lining a chance to recover and reduce discomfort.
Sleep Disturbance
Alcohol disrupts sleep, and caffeine can interfere with it further. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it harder to fall asleep or cause restless sleep. When you're already sleep-deprived due to alcohol, caffeine can worsen the fatigue and exhaustion you may feel the next day. Avoiding caffeine can help promote better sleep and aid in recovery.
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Take antacids to neutralise stomach acid
Alcohol can irritate your stomach in several ways. Firstly, it increases acid production in your stomach. Secondly, it slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, leading to indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. To neutralise the excess stomach acid caused by drinking alcohol, you can take antacids. Antacids are a good option if you tend to feel nauseous when hungover. They work by neutralising stomach acid to relieve an upset stomach. This helps to reduce nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
Antacids are available in tablet or liquid form and can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. They are typically taken by mouth with a glass of water. It is important to read the instructions on the packaging and follow the recommended dosage. If you are taking other medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that it is safe to take antacids at the same time.
It is worth noting that while antacids can help neutralise stomach acid, they do not address dehydration, which is another common issue when consuming alcohol. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water and consider consuming electrolytes through sports drinks or Pedialyte to stay hydrated.
In addition to antacids, there are other measures you can take to soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol. Eating small, frequent meals that are easy to digest, such as crackers, toast, or bananas, can help raise your blood sugar levels and provide your body with essential nutrients. Staying properly hydrated before, during, and after drinking alcohol can also help prevent or reduce the severity of an upset stomach.
While antacids can be effective in neutralising stomach acid, it is always a good idea to seek professional medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen. Additionally, if you find yourself frequently needing to soothe an upset stomach after drinking alcohol, it may be beneficial to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol and consider reducing your consumption or seeking support.
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Avoid pain medication with acetaminophen
Alcohol can cause an upset stomach in several ways. It can delay digestion, cause constipation, or irritate your stomach by increasing acid production and preventing your stomach from emptying normally. This can result in stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. To soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol, it is important to avoid pain medication containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or Paracetamol). Here's why:
Liver Damage
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used pain relievers, but it can be harmful when combined with alcohol. Alcohol is metabolized and broken down by the liver. The liver also breaks down acetaminophen. When you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, your liver works harder, and it may struggle to break down acetaminophen effectively. This can lead to a buildup of toxic byproducts that can damage your liver. The risk of liver damage is further increased if you have a history of chronic, heavy alcohol consumption, as this already puts a strain on your liver.
FDA Warning
Recognizing the potential risks, the FDA advises patients not to consume alcohol while taking medications containing acetaminophen. Additionally, the FDA requires a warning label on acetaminophen products, stating that severe liver damage may occur if an adult consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using the product.
Alternative Pain Relief Options
Instead of reaching for acetaminophen, opt for alternative over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin. However, it is important to note that these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when combined with alcohol. Therefore, always read the medication label, follow directions, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions.
In summary, when trying to soothe an upset stomach caused by alcohol, it is crucial to avoid pain medication containing acetaminophen due to the potential risk of liver damage. Always exercise caution and prioritize your health and safety when consuming alcohol and taking any medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Drink water or an electrolyte-rich sports drink. Sip slowly to avoid upsetting your stomach further.
Bland, easily digestible foods such as crackers, toast, and bananas are unlikely to cause further irritation.
Yes, caffeine and carbonated drinks can worsen diarrhoea and dehydration.
Antacids can help neutralise stomach acid and reduce nausea. Over-the-Counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help with headaches, but they may increase stomach acid release. Avoid acetaminophen as it can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol.
Yes, greasy foods can slow down stomach emptying, leading to indigestion and nausea. High-fat meals can also irritate the stomach lining.
