You may regret the headaches, dry mouth, and general feeling of sluggishness that occurs after too many drinks of alcohol. However, you may not be texting your friends about a side effect: diarrhea.
Here's what you need to know about why you have diarrhea after drinking alcohol and how to feel better quickly.
What Causes Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?
Diarrhea is usually caused by something in the diet that is consumed in excess, usually too much sugar or chemical. So drinking too much alcohol can lead to loose stools the next day.
The way in which alcohol affects the gastrointestinal tract is multifactorial. Loose stools can be caused by increased fluid intake or the relaxation component of alcohol. Drinking alcohol also causes changes in the microbiome , or gut bacteria, on a microscopic level and leads to inflammation in the colon.
Alcohol even inhibits the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which, in turn, increases urine output and can lead to the dehydration you experience during a hangover. When food moves through your system too fast and you don't have time to absorb liquid, it can also lead to diarrhea.
Drinking alcohol can also affect the mucous membranes that line the upper gastrointestinal tract in a way that can lead to diarrhea, according to a classic 1997 review in the journal Alcohol Health & Research World. Alcohol can affect muscle movement in the small and large intestines, contributing to diarrhea.
Did you drink too much?
Having diarrhea after drinking can be a sign that you've had too much to drink. We tend to drink more than we should and it is not very healthy.
Most people who drink heavily are not necessarily dependent on alcohol. It can be easy to rack up drinks without realizing it – drinking in moderation is defined as up to one drink a day for women and up to two a day for men.
Additionally, even drinking in moderation can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, abdominal pain and constipation, according to an October 2011 study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Does the type of alcohol you drink make any difference?
Beer and wine can make you particularly susceptible to diarrhea the next day. Increased fluids can also affect your bowel movements, so drinking a large beer may increase your risk of diarrhea more than drinking a smaller glass of alcohol. The high sugar content in certain drinks can also contribute to diarrhea.
Not all alcohol is the same. Theoretically, each type could make a difference. But when it comes to a microscopic level, alcohol is alcohol.
Some people are at higher risk for diarrhea
Certain groups are at increased risk for gastrointestinal upset from alcohol, including those with Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Alcohol can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and cause malabsorption and bleeding in these groups.
Those who have celiac disease may also have trouble drinking certain beverages that contain gluten. If you have celiac disease, look for alcoholic beverages that are naturally gluten-free, such as wine or vodka made from potatoes.
It's best to avoid gluten-free beer, as it's difficult to confirm if it's actually gluten-free, according to the Chicago Medical University.
Can diarrhea be prevented before a night of drinking?
Your best option to avoid diarrhea after drinking out is to drink in moderation and avoid alcohol entirely if you have a pre-existing condition that puts you at risk for gastrointestinal upset from alcohol.
It's also important to stay hydrated while drinking and to take breaks between each glass of alcohol. It is advisable to try to alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages such as mineral water or lemon water. This way, you can drink and socialize, but you are less likely to have the secondary problems of binge drinking and dehydration.
Eating small snacks while you drink will also help slow the absorption of alcohol and its side effects.
How to avoid stomach ache from a hangover?
The most important thing is to drink plenty of water , especially since both hangovers and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Try mixing a teaspoon of sugar and lemon juice in some water for a rehydration cocktail that will help your stomach feel better.
Eat something to calm your stomach, but avoid anything that is too acidic, sweet, or salty , which can stimulate an even greater response from your digestive system, especially if you feel nauseous.
Also avoid high fiber foods to help control diarrhea. Helpful snacks to eat when you have diarrhea include:
- Bananas
- White rice
- White toast
- Mashed potatoes
- Peeled apples
- Simple rolls
- Eggs
- Yogurt with living cultures
- Caffeine free tea
- Noodles
- Lean meat or poultry
After just one night of drinking, the hangover will go away on its own. However, you should consult a doctor if habitual hangovers affect your quality of life.
Does drinking too much cause long-term intestinal problems?
Over time, drinking too much alcohol can lead to a number of chronic illnesses and problems, including those related to the gut. These include cancers of the esophagus, liver, and colon , as well as digestive problems and liver disease.
Drinking too much can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, a weaker immune system, learning and memory problems, depression, anxiety, social problems, and alcohol use disorders .
You can reduce your risk of these health risks by limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and talking to a healthcare professional if you need help doing so.
