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How does alcohol use affect bowel movements?
To answer the question of does alcohol affects bowel movements, yes, it does. It is quite common to experience diarrhea after alcohol consumption.
If you drink alcohol, you may be wondering if it affects your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and if it can cause problems with bowel movements. Alcohol use can affect all systems within the body, including the GI tract.
Article at a Glance:
- Several key takeaways about alcohol and bowel movements include:
- Alcohol can significantly affect bowel movements
- Alcohol use affects the large intestine, causes impaired nutrient absorption, worsens symptoms of IBS, causes dehydration and may lead to internal bleeding
- Chronic alcohol use may lead to severe effects like internal bleeding in the GI tract
- Stay hydrated when drinking alcohol to avoid bowel-related side effects
- Speak with a medical professional if you experience any concerning bowel-related symptoms after alcohol use
How Alcohol Affects Bowel Movements
To understand how alcohol affects the GI tract, it’s important to know how the GI tract functions in the presence of alcohol.
When alcohol is ingested, most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. If food is present in the stomach and small intestine, the absorption of alcohol will be slower. Alcohol is also an irritant to the stomach and can cause stomach inflammation called gastritis.
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Faster Contractions of the Large Intestine
Some of the alcohol that wasn’t absorbed in the upper GI tract will make its way to the large intestine, where it can cause the large intestine to contract or squeeze faster than it normally would.
Since the large intestine is the area in the GI tract where water is usually absorbed back into the body with slow squeezing movements, the quicker contractions don’t allow for as much water to be absorbed as usual. More water remains in the large intestine because of this, which leads to the formation of watery stool and diarrhea.
Impaired Nutrient Absorption
Since alcohol causes the intestines to move faster than normal, nutrients from food are sometimes not absorbed well. Over time, this effect can result in nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition, which often requires supplementation and medical attention.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Alcohol can also trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Unfortunately, IBS is a common condition that affects the GI tract, the cause of which is unknown. A person who has IBS may experience worsened symptoms when consuming alcohol.
People with other GI diseases like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease may also experience additional or worsened symptoms when drinking alcohol.
Diarrhea and Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine volume and causes the need to urinate frequently. Alcohol’s diuretic effects can lead to dehydration. It’s important to note that alcohol-related diarrhea can also cause dehydration, which can be severe. If you are experiencing alcohol-induced diarrhea, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
If you notice symptoms related to alcohol consumption that last more than a day or two, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a medical professional. Symptoms that can indicate serious problems related to dehydration are dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness and sleepiness. Sometimes taking an anti-diarrheal medication like Pepto Bismol can decrease the diarrhea symptoms.
Internal Bleeding
Long-term alcohol abuse can also cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines. If there is bleeding in the upper GI tract, the blood will turn dark (almost black) when it makes its way to the large intestine, where stool is formed. If you notice a dark or black stool, it could signify bleeding in the stomach, which requires medical attention.
Effects of Alcohol on the GI Tract
Alcohol can cause negative effects on the GI tract in several different ways. Especially with long-term and heavy alcohol use, these effects can be serious and require medical attention.
These effects include:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- Reduced nutrient absorption
- Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- Triggering of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease flares
Ways to Lessen the Effects of Alcohol on the GI Tract
One way to avoid the negative symptoms of alcohol consumption is not to drink alcohol. Avoiding alcohol is not always a viable solution for some people.
If you are going to drink alcohol, there are ways to lessen alcohol’s effects on the GI tract, including:
- Drink only in moderation (one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men)
- Don’t ingest drinks that are high in sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Drink plenty of water while drinking alcohol
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, since this can dehydrate you even more
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
How to Get Regular
- Stay Hydrated: When your body is dehydrated, your digestive system slows down, often leading to constipation. Alcohol can contribute to water loss because it’s a diuretic, meaning it causes you to urinate more. Combat dehydration by drinking enough water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Adding beverages like herbal teas and low-sugar electrolyte drinks can also help replenish lost fluids.
- Balance Your Fiber Intake: Fiber is essential for keeping your bowel movements regular. Focus on getting fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. If you struggle to maintain adequate fiber levels in your diet, consider talking to a healthcare professional about fiber supplements. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to increase water intake in tandem with higher fiber consumption to avoid bloating and discomfort.
- Limit or Avoid Trigger Foods and Beverages: Alcohol isn’t the only factor that can upset your digestive rhythm. Spicy meals, high-fat foods, and excessive caffeine can all alter bowel movements—especially if you pair them with alcoholic drinks. To find your personal triggers, keep a food and drink journal, noting changes in digestion. Cutting back or avoiding these triggers may help stabilize your bowel movements.
- Incorporate Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity encourages normal muscle contractions in your digestive tract, helping your body move stool more efficiently. Activities like brisk walking, yoga, or cycling can make a notable difference. Even a short walk after a meal can improve digestion and reduce constipation.
- Pace Yourself with Alcohol: If you drink, consider setting sensible limits or pacing yourself. Sipping a glass of water between alcoholic beverages not only helps with hydration but also prevents you from over-consuming alcohol. Moderation is crucial: The more you drink, the more likely you are to experience disruptive effects on your bowel movements.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: If you consistently experience diarrhea or constipation for more than a few weeks—especially if you suspect alcohol is playing a role—it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider. They can help determine whether your digestion issues stem primarily from alcohol use or an underlying condition.
- Blood in Your Stool: Blood can appear as bright red streaks on the toilet paper or make the stool appear black and tarry. Any sign of blood in your stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Chronic alcohol use can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids, which sometimes present with blood in the stool.
- Severe Abdominal Pain or Cramping: Occasional cramping can happen if you drink too much or if you’re experiencing dehydration. But if you have severe or persistent abdominal pain—especially accompanied by vomiting, fever, or inability to pass stool—it’s time to seek medical help.
- Unintentional Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying could be a signal of malabsorption or a more serious GI issue. If you notice unexplained weight loss along with changes in stool color, frequency, or consistency, a doctor’s input is crucial to rule out more serious causes.
- Signs of Dehydration: Symptoms like extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, or fatigue could indicate that you’re not getting enough fluids. Chronic dehydration can lead to constipation and other health complications. If these symptoms persist, reach out to a healthcare provider.
If you find that your bowel concerns are interfering with your daily life or if you’re unable to identify a clear cause, it’s always better to be safe and consult a medical professional. By understanding how alcohol interacts with digestion—and taking steps to counteract its effects—you’ll be more likely to maintain regular, comfortable bowel movements.
If you or a loved one uses alcohol and suspect that it is causing problems, consider seeking professional assistance. The Recovery Village can help with personalized treatment for alcohol addiction. Contact us today to discover more about your treatment options.
