One margarita, two margarita, three margarita, shot! But what happens after the margaritas (or any alcoholic beverage, for that matter)? Stomach problems. We don’t need to be the first to tell you that drinking alcohol can mess with your stomach – some more unpleasant than others. Here, we break down some of the most common stomach side effects of drinking.
Bloating
Consuming too much alcohol disrupts your body’s ability to digest sugars. And if you drink frequently, you can put the bacteria in your gut out of whack, leading to a shift in your stomach’s normal functioning, increasing gas production and causing uncomfortable bloat. Beer, in particular, is a culprit for bloating, but wine and other spirits can also cause it.
Diarrhea
Alcohol is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through digestive organs like the stomach and small intestines. Once the blood distinguishes the liquid, the body goes into emergency mode: The “toxins” are deemed harmful and must be removed immediately. Having food in your stomach will slow down the digestion process, but if not, the alcohol will be processed at an alarmingly fast rate. This can lead to frequent bathroom breaks, dehydration, and alcohol-related diarrhea.
Constipation/Dehydration
In addition to diarrhea, alcohol can also cause constipation. That’s because the liquid is considered a diuretic, which produces more urine than usual, causing dehydration and draining your body of the necessary fluids to make adequate stools. This may result in constipation and hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
Gastritis
If you drink too much alcohol in too short a time, you can be diagnosed with gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. If you suspect your stomach lining is inflamed, look for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Treatments are easily prescribed. However, a doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol to prevent the gastritis from reoccurring.
Acid Reflux
Drinking excessive alcohol can lead to poor functioning of the esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus and the stomach. Its main job is to ensure that swallowed food stays in the stomach. Its second job is to ensure highly acidic stomach acid doesn’t flow back up the esophagus. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption can mess with the sphincter’s functioning, increasing your risk of acid reflux.