Arielle Cruz
Alcohol can have a wide range of negative effects on the stomach and digestive system. Drinking heavily or for prolonged periods can cause gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to stomach ulcers, polyps, or tumours. Alcohol can also cause acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea. In addition, alcohol increases the risk of developing oral, oesophageal, and stomach cancer, as well as other cancers throughout the digestive system. Alcohol misuse can also lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. The negative effects of alcohol on the stomach and digestive system are reversible if alcohol consumption is stopped, but the healing process can take time, and some conditions may require surgery or advanced treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gastritis | Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, causing gastritis. Symptoms include pain, sickness, and inflammation of the stomach lining. It can happen during a drinking session or develop over time. |
| Stomach Ulcers | Alcohol can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, which are painful open sores in the stomach lining. |
| Acid Reflux | Alcohol is associated with acid reflux, where acid rises from the stomach into the throat, causing heartburn. |
| Increased Cancer Risk | Alcohol increases the risk of developing cancers of the head, neck, mouth, breast, colorectal, and digestive system, including the esophagus and bowel. |
| Impaired Digestion | Alcohol reduces saliva production, leading to a dry mouth, bad breath, and increased risk of tooth decay. It can also cause inflammation in the intestines and impair the production of digestive enzymes. |
| Liver Disease | Alcohol is the second most common cause of liver disease and the leading cause of death from liver disease in the UK. It can lead to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. |
| Pancreatitis | Alcohol misuse over time can lead to pancreatitis, impairing the production of digestive enzymes and affecting blood sugar regulation. |
| Bone Health | Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of fractures and impairs bone fracture repair, reducing bone density. |
| Caloric Impact | Alcohol contains empty calories, providing no nutritional value. It can impact daily energy intake and weight. |
| Alcohol Dependency | Alcohol dependency is increasing, with 1 in 4 men and 1 in 7 women in the UK drinking harmful levels of alcohol. |
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Alcoholic gastritis
The symptoms of alcoholic gastritis may include a burning ache in the stomach, which may get better or worse after eating. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, and a full feeling in the abdomen. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, if you experience indigestion that lasts for a week or longer, or if there is blood in your vomit or feces, it is important to seek medical attention.
The treatment for alcoholic gastritis typically involves cutting back on alcohol consumption or quitting alcohol altogether. Doctors may also recommend avoiding spicy foods, acidic beverages, smoking, aspirin, caffeine, and over-the-counter pain medications. In some cases, medication and other treatments may be prescribed to ease the symptoms of gastritis. However, if the gastritis is caused by alcohol, quitting alcohol is crucial to the treatment plan.
To lower the risk of alcoholic gastritis and protect your stomach, it is important to follow low-risk drinking guidelines, such as not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week and avoiding binge drinking. Having a meal or snack before drinking and alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks can also help reduce the negative effects of alcohol on the stomach.
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Stomach ulcers
Drinking alcohol when you already have a stomach ulcer is not recommended, as it can worsen the symptoms and slow down the healing process. Alcohol can increase stomach acid production, which can irritate the ulcer and make it more painful. It can also increase the risk of bleeding ulcers, which can be life-threatening.
If you have a stomach ulcer, it is advisable to reduce your alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether to allow the ulcer to heal. Treatment for stomach ulcers typically involves medication and lifestyle changes, including reducing alcohol intake.
The symptoms of stomach ulcers can vary but commonly include a burning sensation in the stomach, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and prolonged stomach pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and treatment.
To lower the risk of developing stomach ulcers related to alcohol consumption, it is recommended to follow low-risk drinking guidelines, such as not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week and having several drink-free days.
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Acid reflux
Drinking alcohol is associated with acid reflux, where acid rises from the stomach into the throat, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation known as heartburn. This is due to the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus, which irritates the more delicate tissue of the oesophagus.
Alcohol can cause the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, preventing it from contracting sufficiently and allowing food and acid to back up into the oesophagus. This can be exacerbated by lying down flat immediately after drinking, as the risk of acid reflux increases when the body is in a horizontal position.
Studies have found that beer, wine, and spirits with high ethanol content can trigger acid reflux. For example, a 2010 review noted that red and white wine increases the acid produced in the stomach, which can worsen reflux. Similarly, a 2006 study found that beer and wine triggered reflux in both male and female participants compared to drinking water. However, it is important to note that the results of studies investigating the relationship between ethanol and gastric acid secretion have been contradictory.
To minimise the risk of acid reflux, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol 2-3 hours before bed and to limit alcohol consumption overall. Healthcare professionals advise that people prone to acid reflux or living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should limit or avoid alcohol altogether.
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Increased cancer risk
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, due to sufficient evidence that it causes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, and liver. The National Toxicology Program has also listed the consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen.
The link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is well-established, with evidence suggesting that alcohol can increase cancer risk in several ways. Firstly, alcohol can act as an irritant, particularly in the mouth and throat, damaging cells and leading to DNA changes that can be a step toward cancer. Alcohol is metabolised into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical and probable human carcinogen, which can damage DNA and proteins. Additionally, alcohol can cause oxidative stress in cells, leading to an excess of harmful oxygen molecules (free radicals) that can damage cells and increase cancer risk. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to weight gain, which is a known risk factor for various cancers.
One of the cancers with a strong association to alcohol consumption is stomach cancer. Research has shown that heavy drinking during early adulthood is associated with a higher risk of non-cardia stomach cancer compared to consistent light drinking. A positive dose-dependent association has been observed, indicating that the risk increases with greater alcohol intake. Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is characterised by the growth of malignant cells in the stomach lining, and alcohol consumption is believed to contribute to this by causing chronic inflammation and damage to the stomach lining.
It is important to note that the risk of alcohol-associated cancers can be mitigated by reducing alcohol consumption. Lowering alcohol intake can potentially decrease the risk of stomach cancer, as suggested by studies. Additionally, following recommended limits on alcohol use, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, can help prevent alcohol-associated cancer deaths.
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Weight gain
Alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain over time, especially when consumed in excess. Alcohol is high in calories and lacks nutrients. A 12-ounce can of beer contains almost 155 calories, and a 5-ounce glass of red wine contains 125 calories. These extra calories can quickly add up, leading to weight gain. Additionally, alcohol interferes with the body's ability to burn fat. When alcohol is present in the body, it is prioritised as a fuel source over glucose from carbohydrates or lipids from fats. This means that the excess glucose and lipids are stored as adipose tissue or fat, particularly in the abdominal region, leading to what is commonly known as a "beer belly".
Alcohol also affects hormones that control appetite, hunger, and stress. It can increase cravings for high-calorie, salty, greasy, and high-carbohydrate foods, making it difficult to resist unhealthy food choices when intoxicated. Heavy drinking can lead to increased consumption of diets higher in calories, sodium, and fats, further contributing to weight gain.
The impact of alcohol on weight gain is not limited to its calorie content. Alcohol can also impair digestion and absorption of nutrients, affecting the metabolism of organs involved in weight management. It slows down the chemical reactions that break down or burn fat, making it harder for the body to eliminate excess fat. This slowdown of metabolism can lead to increased total body fat, especially around the midsection, putting individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome.
To minimise the impact of alcohol consumption on weight gain, it is recommended to opt for lower-calorie alcoholic beverages, such as light beers, wine spritzers, or spirits with low-calorie mixers like club soda or lime. Pacing is also crucial; alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can help with better alcohol metabolism. While cutting back on alcohol may not immediately reset your metabolism, reducing alcohol consumption allows your body more time to focus on burning fat and restoring normal metabolic functions.
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Frequently asked questions
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by alcohol irritating and eroding the stomach lining. Alcoholic gastritis might feel like indigestion but can be much more serious.
Symptoms of gastritis include nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. You may also experience bleeding in the stomach lining, which can cause blood in your faeces or vomit.
If you suspect you have alcoholic gastritis, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They may recommend medication or lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on alcohol, avoiding spicy foods, or quitting smoking.
Long-term alcohol use can have several negative effects on the stomach and digestive system. It can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, polyps, or tumours. Alcohol can also impair the function of muscles surrounding the stomach and intestines, leading to digestive issues.
To reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on your stomach, it's recommended to follow low-risk drinking guidelines, such as not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week and avoiding binge drinking. Having a meal or snack before drinking can also help slow the absorption of alcohol.
