Alcohol Consumption Linked to Diarrhea Incidences

Alright, let's dive into the boozy topic of alcohol and diarrhea. Last night's wild bash might have left you feeling a tad rough, and we're not just talking about the hangover. You might've ended up with a touch of the runs, or as the pros call it, diarrhea.

Worried? Don't be! Bryn DeSantis, a seasoned gastroenterology nurse practitioner, is here to break it down for you. Here's what you need to know about how alcohol affects your gut and how to feel (and poop) better.

Why does alcohol induce diarrhea?

Alcohol, while it may make you feel fabulous initially, can take a toll on your digestive system in large quantities. And it's not pretty.

"Alcohol messes with your gut's normal functioning and your ability to digest food efficiently," DeSantis explains. As a result, you might experience:

Excess water in your gut: Normally, water gets absorbed out of your intestines, helping solidify stool. But alcohol draws water into your intestinal tract, acting like a laxative. The excess water makes stools loose and can lead to diarrhea.
Faster gut transit: Alcohol increases the contractions in your digestive system, leading to cramping and a desperate urge to relieve yourself.
Inflammation: Alcohol can irritate your intestines, leading to inflammation that speeds up digestion and contributes to diarrhea.
Variations in gut bacteria: Your intestines are teeming with bacteria, a microbiome essential for digestion. Excessive alcohol can upset this balance, leading to imbalances in good and bad bacteria.

Who's at risk for alcohol-induced diarrhea?

Certain digestive conditions increase your risk of diarrhea from alcohol, including:

Carbohydrate intolerance: Some people have trouble digesting certain carbohydrates, like fructose, common in wine, beer, and mixers.
Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy: People with these conditions react to gluten. Most wines and spirits are gluten-free. But be careful of beer, which is often made from gluten-containing wheat.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Because alcohol is an irritant, it can worsen IBD symptoms and flares.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. IBS triggers vary but may include certain alcoholic beverages and mixers.

It's also possible to have an intolerance to alcohol itself. This inherited condition, known as alcohol intolerance, affects your ability to break down alcohol. Symptoms include flushing, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What types of alcohol cause more diarrhea?

High-carb alcohol options, such as beer and sugary alcoholic beverages, might be more likely to cause diarrhea. That's because the bacteria in your large intestine break down the excess carbs for energy, which can lead to gas and diarrhea.

Mixing alcohol with caffeinated beverages, such as energy drinks, can make diarrhea worse. The caffeine in these beverages stimulates intestinal motility, contributing to diarrhea and dehydration. Caffeine can also make you feel less drunk, leading you to consume more alcohol.

How to stop diarrhea after drinking alcohol

As with other hangover symptoms, patience is key when dealing with alcohol-related diarrhea. Unless you've consumed an Olympian-worthy amount, your symptoms should clear up within 24 hours.

While you wait, hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water to combat the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Stick to bland foods, like toast or crackers, to prevent further intestinal distress. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications may also help by slowing the movement of waste through the colon, giving more time for stool to form.

Preventing diarrhea from alcohol

Most diarrhea related to alcohol is short-lived. But if you want to prevent alcohol-related diarrhea altogether, the best approach is to drink less or abstain. If that plan doesn't suit your lifestyle, here are some strategies to help minimize alcohol's negative effects:

Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can worsen diarrhea, so steer clear of it when you're consuming alcohol.
Cut back on tobacco: Smoking and drinking are both intestinal stimulants and can exacerbate diarrhea.
Eat food: It's easy to forget to eat when you're partying. But food can help slow the breakdown of alcohol and lessen some of its adverse effects.
Stay hydrated: For every alcoholic drink, consume a glass of water. The extra fluid helps dilute the alcohol and may help you drink less.
Take it slow: Limit yourself to one standard drink per hour. This allows your body sufficient time to process the alcohol.

In most cases, you won't need medical assistance for alcohol-related diarrhea. If you experience symptoms with every alcoholic drink or even small amounts, consult your healthcare provider.

If you experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea lasting for more than a few days, rectal bleeding, significant abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss, seek medical attention. An evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms. And if you're curious about quitting alcohol, a visit with your provider is a great opportunity to discuss your options.

Further Tips for a Healthier Night Out

Choose low-FODMAP alcoholic beverages: Some alcoholic drinks contain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that can trigger diarrhea. Opting for low-FODMAP options may help reduce gut irritation and diarrhea risk.
Stay well-hydrated: Drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports digestion, reducing diarrhea risk.
Consider probiotics: Taking probiotics may help support gut microbiota balance and digestive health, potentially preventing diarrhea triggered by alcohol.
Steer clear of trigger foods: Avoid caffeine, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners when experiencing diarrhea, as they can exacerbate symptoms or increase fluid loss.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Eating in smaller portions and relaxing after meals can help manage digestion and prevent diarrhea.

[1] Digestive Disorders – Alcohol and Your Gut (Mayo Clinic)[2] Alcohol and the Gut: The Interplay between Alcohol Consumption and Gastrointestinal Disease (Gastroenterology)[4] Alcohol-induced diarrhea: prevention and management (Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology)[5] Foods and beverages that may help or worsen a diarrheal illness (National Center for Biotechnology Information)

Understanding the connection between alcohol and health, it's crucial to know that alcohol can lead to chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, COPD, and rheumatoid arthritis in the long run, due to its inflammatory effects on the body.
Additionally, alcohol affects mental health, as excessive consumption can lead to anxiety, depression, and neurological disorders like alcohol-related dementia.
Balancing your health and wellness doesn't only involve drinking responsibly but also paying attention to nutrition. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can offset the negative effects of alcohol, promoting a healthy gut microbiome, and reducing the risk of various medical-conditions such as chronic diseases.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and fitness activities are essential. Physical activity stimulates gut circulation, which aids in nutrient absorption and helps balance the gut microbiome.
Moreover, mental health plays a crucial role in overall health. Taking care of your mental health is essential for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and it can be achieved through relaxation techniques, self-care practices, and seeking help when needed.