5 Ways Alcohol Affects the Stomach and Digestive System

In the words of Nancy Mure, “In understanding the basics of digestion, you'll discover who's in charge. Here's a hint. It's not you.”

When all is well, we don’t give digestion much thought. However, as soon as problems arise, it’s hard to think about anything else. For many, stomach pain after drinking alcohol is a recurring problem, while others experience lower abdominal pain after drinking alcohol. So, how does alcohol affect the digestive system? What does alcohol do to your stomach? Does wine help with digestion? Are there any digestive problems caused by alcohol or stomach issues from alcohol misuse? And what is the connection between alcohol and gut health? If you’ve ever wondered what causes stomach inflammation or wanted to explore the link between alcohol and gastritis, alcohol and IBS, alcohol and ulcers, or alcohol and digestive cancer, it’s time to dig deeper. Let’s look at the connection more closely by examining five ways in which alcohol affects the stomach and digestive system.

How Our Digestive System Processes Alcohol

Let’s take a brief tour through the digestive system to see what happens when alcohol enters the scene to understand the link between alcohol and digestive issues and find out how alcohol affects your gut.

1. Mouth and Throat: Making Contact

With our first sip of alcohol, we’re introducing booze to our body through the tissues of our mouth. Alcohol is an irritant, and studies show that excessive intake can increase the chances of mouth and throat cancers.

2. Esophagus: Stoking the Fire

When it comes to alcohol and digestion, one of the first victims is the esophagus. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the small ring of muscle separating our esophagus and stomach that keeps stomach acid right in the stomach where it belongs. However, when we drink alcohol, the LES gets a bit lax, and it allows some acid to leak back into the esophagus — a process known as acid reflux.

Picture it like this: the LES is like a bouncer at a club, diligently keeping troublemakers — stomach acid — from entering the esophagus. But when alcohol comes on the scene, the bouncer gets distracted, letting the party crashers slip through and cause a ruckus. Hello, heartburn!

3. Stomach: Lining Under Siege

Alcohol's next target is the stomach lining, the resilient protective layer that keeps stomach acid from harming our stomach tissues. Does wine help with digestion? In fact, it’s more likely to do the opposite. Science says we can get stomach problems from drinking. In fact, alcohol’s effects on the stomach can be quite serious. Does alcohol cause stomach pain? It can indeed. Alcohol can cause inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining, and researchers have found links between alcohol and gastritis, alcohol and ulcers, and alcohol and gi issues that can cause pain and discomfort. While the stomach lining is very durable, the relentless onslaught of booze can gradually wear it down, leaving the stomach tissue increasingly vulnerable.

4. Liver: Detox Dilemma

The liver is the main player when it comes to getting alcohol — a toxin, as far as our body is concerned — out of our system. It does this by converting ethanol to acetaldehyde (a compound that’s actually more toxic than alcohol) before turning it into harmless acetic acid that can be excreted in urine. Needless to say, this process takes a toll. Over time, excessive alcohol use can damage the liver, leading to inflammation, fatty liver, and, eventually, cirrhosis. 

5. Pancreas: Digestive Enzyme Drama

The pancreas — a busy factory producing digestive enzymes and insulin — helps control the body’s blood sugar levels. Under normal conditions, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are inactive until they reach the small intestine, where they begin breaking down food.

However, when we drink alcohol, our pancreas gets inflamed, a condition called pancreatitis. In its eagerness to break down alcohol, the pancreas starts to "overheat" and actually begins digesting itself — a process that’s every bit as uncomfortable as it sounds!

Pancreatitis can cause intense abdominal pain and lead to serious complications, including type 1 diabetes if the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged. It can also result in malnutrition due to our food not being properly broken down and absorbed. In extreme cases, the condition can be life-threatening.

6. Small Intestine: Nutrients Missing in Action

Most nutrient absorption happens in the small intestine, a 20-foot-long tube coiled in our abdomen. Alcohol can interfere with this process, leading to nutrient deficiencies.

How does alcohol slow digestion? Imagine our small intestine as a busy highway, with alcohol a traffic jam blocking the roads and preventing essential nutrients from reaching their destinations. This digestive log jam can wreak havoc on different body systems.

7. Large Intestine: A Shaky Exit Strategy

The final stage of our digestive journey — the large intestine — is not spared alcohol's effects. Regular drinking disrupts the balance of bacteria in the large intestine, leading to issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Picture our large intestine as a well-managed city with a balance of good bacteria (the citizens) and bad bacteria (the troublemakers). When alcohol comes to town, it upsets this balance, causing all kinds of chaos. There is a well-established link between alcohol and IBS, as well as between alcohol and digestive cancer.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Yes, alcohol can be quite problematic for our digestive system — but our bodies are remarkably resilient. If you frequently experience lower abdominal pain after drinking alcohol or have discomfort anywhere in the digestive tract after drinking, it’s worth taking a closer look at your drinking habits before things get worse. The great news is that as soon as we start cutting back on alcohol, our bodies begin to heal. Now, let's explore some specific actions we can take to support this process:

• Gradual reduction. Going "cold turkey" can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Instead, try to reduce your alcohol intake gradually.
• Hydration is key. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Nutrient-rich diet. Alcohol can rob us of nutrients. It’s important to replenish the body with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Regular exercise. Exercise can help manage alcohol cravings, promote overall health, and even aid in digestion.

By understanding how alcohol affects our bodies and making an effort to reduce our intake, we're well on our way to a healthier digestive system!