Understanding why your stomach may burn when you drink alcohol is necessary to identify potential health issues and take appropriate measures. Therefore, this article will discuss the leading causes of stomach burn from alcohol and some tips and lifestyle changes to help alleviate the discomfort.
How Are Alcohol And Stomach Burn Linked?
Some people have alcohol intolerance that inhibits the body from digesting alcohol.
This undigested alcohol in the body can irritate your digestive tract and worsen the lining of your intestines and stomach. It leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling in the soft tissue of the stomach.
Besides stomach pain, excess intake of alcohol may lead to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues.
10 Ways In Which Alcohol Causes Stomach Burn
Stomach burn triggers vary from one person to another. Alcohol is one of the common triggers. It may contribute to stomach or abdominal pain in several ways.
1. Affecting Stomach Acid
Alcohol can cause the stomach to produce more acid. Due to this, the tissues become more sensitive to acid, resulting in stomach burn.
2. Gastritis
Heavy drinking causes inflammation of the stomach lining. The common signs of gastritis are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The only way to prevent the condition from aggravating or recurring is to stop consuming alcohol.
3. Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers are exposed sores that develop in the intestinal or stomach lining. Drinking alcohol can worsen ulcers and cause burning pain in the stomach.
Signs of a stomach ulcer are:
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- vomiting blood
- changes in weight
- passing black stools
4. Alcohol Intolerance
People who are sensitive to alcohol, their bodies cannot metabolize alcohol properly. They may develop symptoms such as stomach burning, vomiting, and nausea.
5. Acid reflux
Another reason how alcohol can lead to stomach pain is acid reflux. This condition happens when stomach acids go back into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus and causing a burning sensation in the stomach and chest. Some alcoholic drinks are safer if you have acid reflux.
6. Dehydration
Dehydration is a significant reason behind stomach burning, and drinking a diuretic substance like alcohol can increase urine production and lead to dehydration.
7. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
A person with AUD finds it tough to control alcohol consumption. Alcohol misuse or binge drinking may cause stomach pain more often.
8. Drug Interactions
Some over-the-counter medications that treat arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, and pain react with alcohol and may cause serious side effects, including stomach burn, ulcers, and bleeding.
9. Impacting Food Choices
Alcohol plays a vital role in affecting the judgment of a person. After consuming alcoholic drinks, people are more likely to eat late at night, eat more than usual, and eat foods that disagree with them. All these can lead to stomach burn.
10. Drinking Carbonated Or Sugary Beverages
People who drink citrus, sugar-loaded, or carbonated alcoholic drinks can lead to heartburn.
Signs Of Stomach Burn From Alcohol
The signs of stomach burn from alcohol include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, and bloating.
How To Prevent Stomach Burn From Alcohol
Here are some ways to prevent stomach burn from alcohol:
- Drink in moderation
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
- Avoid drinking alcohol frequently and in high amounts
- Avoid drinking sugary drinks and carbonated beverages. Choose light beers or wines over high-sugar and carbonated drinks such as vodka or gin.
- Avoid mixing different types of alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach burn.
- Alternate between non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid medications that worsen symptoms
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress levels
Natural remedies can also help soothe your stomach, reduce/neutralize stomach acid and relieve alcohol-induced stomach burn. Below are a few remedies to help you get back to feeling better!
- Stay adequately hydrated. Drinking a glass of water before and after drinking alcohol helps lower the amount of alcohol that reaches your stomach.
- Drink Ginger tea
- Drink diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (1:4 ratio) before or after meals.
- Drink Chamomile Tea before going to bed
- Drink diluted Baking Soda to help neutralize stomach acid.
- Probiotics like a cup of plain yogurt with meals to reduce inflammation caused by alcohol
- Licorice tea
- Drink Peppermint tea or peppermint capsules
- Consume high-fiber food to reduce gas and bloating, contributing to stomach burn.
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits that meet the body’s nutritional needs and lessen inflammation.
- Avoid foods that irritate your stomach.
- People suffering from acid reflux should avoid eating right before bedtime
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals
- Properly chew your food
- As alcohol can disturb your sleep cycle, ensure you sleep at least 7 to 8 hours each night. It will help reduce inflammation and quick recovery from stomach burn.
Following the proper diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies, you can manage alcohol-induced stomach discomfort and relish your drinks without the unpleasant side effects of stomach burn.
When To See A Doctor?
Excess use of alcohol can change your gut microbiota and result in further complications. If you frequently experience abdominal pain after consuming alcohol, you should speak with a healthcare professional. It could happen if you are drinking more than the safe limits. A doctor may help you limit your alcohol intake or manage AUD.
Conclusion
Stomach burns after drinking alcohol can happen for several reasons, such as acid reflux, alcohol intolerance, and gastritis.
Consuming alcohol in moderation and following a healthy diet will help reduce the signs of stomach burn and maintain good digestive health.
If you experience severe and frequent stomach burns after drinking alcohol, you must consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
