Drinking with friends can be a fun at the time, but while each drink goes down, you’re literally drinking your way to the dreaded next morning hangover. But something many people over look, is diarrhea after alcohol consumption.
You will more than likely feel lethargic, experience a dry mouth and often a pounding head. However, one symptom I can be sure you’re not messaging your friends about is diarrhea after drinking alcohol.
What Causes Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?
Diarrhea can be a common side effect to drinking alcohol. Often diarrhea is caused by consuming anything in excess – if alcohol is consumed in high amounts, it can increase the amount of acid and bacteria in your stomach; which causes stomach upset. Alcohol will also speed up your digestion, in an unhealthy way; not allowing your colon to absorb water quick enough for your body to absorb any food nutrients.
So, how does it happen..
Drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol makes its way to your stomach lining, where it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Because the alcohol travels through so quickly, it damages the stomach lining and causes the stomach to produce an increased amount of acid, and speeds up your digestion; causing diarrhea.
Sugar and carbs. Alcohol contains huge amounts of sugar and carbs, depending what drink you are opting for. This can irritate your stomach, leading to diarrhea.
Harmful bacteria. Drinking too much alcohol can reduce good bacteria, and produce too much bad bacteria, causing gut imbalances.
How to avoid diarrhea after drinking
- The best advice would be to not drink at all, or drink in moderation. Drinking can form part of a habit, you can try drinking non alcoholic drinks or just a soft drink.
- If you can’t give up alcohol then try to avoid sugary cocktails, wine and beer that is high in carbs. Opt for quality clear spirits as this can be a cleaner form of alcohol.
- Eat a balanced and hearty meal prior to drinking, this will allow your body to absorb the alcohol and protect your stomach lining from damage.
- Drink water in between drinks to stay hydrated. This can also help prevent headaches and sickness symptoms the next day.
How to get rid of the diarrhea after drinking
So, by the time you read this, it’s likely too late and you’ve already drank way too much, most probably sat in bed wishing it never happened, and your likely planning your ‘drink-free’ plans for the rest of the month. (Of course, that’s until the weekend arrives again).
Here are some top tips for dealing with the diarrhea after drinking the night before:
- Eat a good breakfast– bland and easy to digest foods are key here, this will stabilise your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels can cause further sickness, fatigue and weakness.
- Avoid high fibre foods – fibre increases the water in your colon, and can make diarrhoea worse. Try sticking to bananas and white bread until you feel better
- Avoid high fat foods – High-fat foods speed up your digestion, this will make it worse. Easier said than done, but stay away from those McDonald’s breakfasts if you want to feel better anytime soon.
- Ginger – Ginger is excellent for your stomach and balancing your bacteria. Try a ginger herbal tea to reduce sickness.
- Keep hydrated – Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, ensure you drink extra water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid more alcohol – Yes in theory, drinking through a hangover may reduce some of the symptoms, however, a hangover only exists because the alcohol is withdrawing from your system. You are only prolonging the issue!
- Take probiotics – Drinking alcohol can affect the good bacteria in your gut, and you need good bacteria for your body to function healthily. Taking probiotics can help restore your gut health.
- Get plenty of sleep – when you drink, your sleep quality is massively interrupted. A lack of sleep can cause further headaches and fatigue.
- Try these tips to reduce symptoms of acid reflux.