How To Stop Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol? [5 Effective Ways]

Diarrhea could be a common side effect that may occur after consuming alcohol. Its severity may range from mild to intense, depending on the serving size of alcohol consumed.

Alcohol may cause disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. The onset of diarrhea could be immediate or delayed, depending on your tolerance.

Diarrhea from binge drinking alcohol may cause internal inflammation, leaving you restless with discomfort and pain.

Taking simple steps when you face diarrhea distress could help you provide some comfort and ease your symptoms.

This article provides valuable information about the causes and risk factors of alcohol-induced diarrhea. It also offers practical tips and recommendations to avoid diarrhea after drinking alcohol.

How Does Alcohol Affect The Digestive System?

• Harmful Gut Bacteria

  Alcohol may alter the balance of bacteria in the gut. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption could decrease the levels of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. It might promote the growth of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Enterococcus.

  This imbalance in gut bacteria could lead to inflammation, intestinal permeability, and impaired digestion.

  Alcohol-induced changes in gut bacteria could reduce short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which is responsible for breaking down food. It may further compromise colon health, potentially inducing diarrhea.

• Excessive Sugar Intake

  Many alcoholic drinks contain high sugar levels. Cocktails, sweet wines, and flavored liquors could overwhelm the body’s ability to process and absorb sugar effectively, leading to digestive disturbances such as loose stools. Poor absorption of sugar in the small intestine could lead to increased sugar concentration in the colon. As a result, the colon could draw in water to dilute the sugar, which might cause diarrhea.

• Disrupt Water Absorption

  Alcohol may sometimes act as a diuretic, leading to increased fluid loss through urination and diarrhea. This fluid loss could disrupt the body’s water balance and disrupt water absorption in the intestines. Excessive alcohol consumption might cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. This electrolyte imbalance may affect the body’s ability to absorb water effectively, potentially leading to bowel movement changes and dehydration.

• Reaction to a Specific Type of Alcohol

  People with gluten intolerance may experience gastrointestinal reactions when consuming beer, which contains gluten. Signs of such gastrointestinal distress may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gassiness. Compounds like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium found in wines could trigger adverse reactions in some people, leading to digestive discomfort and diarrhea.

• Stomach Inflammation

  Alcohol consumption may irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation and cell damage. This inflammation could lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Alcohol may also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which could further contribute to stomach inflammation and increased production of stomach acid. Increased stomach acidity may cause some people heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. For people with gastritis or ulcers, the consumption of alcohol could worsen the inflammation and lead to more severe symptoms, including diarrhea.

Who Are At Risk Of Experiencing Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol

People with bowel diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease are at a higher risk of experiencing diarrhea after consuming alcohol.

Bowel diseases could affect the absorption and digestion of nutrients in the intestines. Alcohol consumption can worsen this, impairing food absorption and resulting in diarrhea.

Some research indicates that sleep deprivation could make the digestive system more sensitive to alcohol’s effects. It might suggest that those who pull all-nighters or work night shifts have a higher likelihood of experiencing diarrhea after drinking alcohol.

Prevention Of Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol

Here are some strategies that could help prevent alcohol-induced diarrhea:

Measure	Explanation
Limit or avoid caffeine	Caffeinated and carbonated drinks can worsen diarrhea.
Stay hydrated	Consuming water and other fluids can prevent dehydration.
Stick to bland foods.	Easily digestible foods like bananas, crackers, and toast can be helpful.
Use anti-diarrheal medication as directed	Medications like Loperamide (Imodium) can help slow or stop diarrhea.
Practice moderation in alcohol consumption	Drinking in moderation can reduce the severity of symptoms.

How To Address Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?

1. Follow BRAT Diet

   The BRAT ( bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) meal strategy comprises easily digestible foods. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and gentle on the stomach.

   Bananas are a good source of potassium, which could help replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea. They are also easy to digest and may help firm up loose stools.

   Rice can help bulk up stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Applesauce is gentle on the stomach and provides a source of fiber, which could help regulate digestion. Toast, made from white bread, is easy to digest and could relieve an upset stomach.

   However, adhering to a BRAT diet long-term could raise the risk of nutrient deficiencies and lead to fatigue and low energy levels. The BRAT diet is restrictive as it might limit the intake of vital nutrients like protein, fiber, or healthy fats.

2. Consume Meal Before Drinking

   Eating a meal before drinking alcohol could slow down the alcohol absorption into the digestive system.

   A full stomach might help decrease the intensity of alcohol’s effects on the body, including the risk of diarrhea. Opting for meals with fruits and vegetables could minimize digestive disturbances.

   Alcohol and salt may have dehydrating properties. Eating foods with a high salt content could increase the diuretic effects of alcohol. Consuming meals with a low salt/sodium content is advised.

3. Consume Probiotics

   Probiotics are live microorganisms that might help support the immune system. Alcohol could interfere with the natural bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive issues, including diarrhea.

   Consuming probiotics could introduce beneficial bacteria into the digestive system, promoting optimal gut health and reducing diarrhea flare-ups.

4. Try Moderate Drinking

   Moderate drinking could have a positive impact on reducing the severity of symptoms experienced after consuming alcohol.

   The CDC recommends restricting alcohol intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men per day.

   To understand the impact of moderate drinking, let’s take a look at the following table:

   Type of Alcohol	Type of Alcohol	Recommended Serving Size
   Beer	Regular	12 ounces
   Wine	Red or White	5 ounces
   Liquor	Distilled	1.5 ounces

   Drinking within these recommended serving sizes could help reduce the risk of experiencing alcohol-induced diarrhea.

5. Proper Hydration

   Adequate hydration could be beneficial for people experiencing diarrhea from alcohol. Alcohol could lead to increased fluid loss through urination and diarrhea. Proper hydration is essential to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes during this process.

   Drinks like coconut water could help restore electrolyte balance. These drinks provide essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, lost through excessive urination and diarrhea.

   A person experiencing alcohol-induced diarrhea should avoid caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks to lower their effects. Consuming clear soups or broths could help replenish lost fluids in the body.

Duration of Alcohol-Induced Diarrhea

Alcohol-induced diarrhea may arise a few hours after drinking alcohol and may persist for a day or two. The duration of alcohol-induced diarrhea could vary depending on several factors. These factors may include the quantity of alcohol consumed, individual health, and the presence of underlying gastrointestinal conditions.

When To See a Healthcare Professional?

It is essential to consult a doctor when experiencing diarrhea for more than 2-3 days. It might be indicative of an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Chronic diarrhea could signify gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption syndromes.

Diarrhea, when accompanied by intense abdominal pain or bloody stool, might be indicative of other underlying medical conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Prolonged diarrhea could sometimes also be a sign of dehydration. Seeking help from a doctor is advised if the symptoms persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Factors Increase the Risk of Experiencing Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?
   Risk factors for experiencing diarrhea after drinking alcohol include binge drinking or consuming alcohol without a balanced meal. People with Irregular sleep patterns and those with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders are at higher risk of experiencing alcohol-induced diarrhea.
2. What Foods Should I Eat if I Have Diarrhea?
   It is advised to consume low-fiber and bland foods when experiencing diarrhea. These food sources may include bananas, plain white rice, oatmeal, or boiled potatoes.
3. What Are the Recommended Treatments for Alcohol-Related Diarrhea?
   Recommended treatments for alcohol-related diarrhea include using anti-diarrheal medications. Seeking medical attention from a doctor is essential if symptoms persist or worsen.
4. How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Diarrhea Typically Last?
   Alcohol-induced diarrhea lasts for a few days and resolves with abstaining from alcohol. If symptoms continue or worsen, consulting a doctor is recommended.
5. What Foods Should I Avoid When Consuming Alcohol?
   Avoid greasy foods, food sources that cause excessive gassiness, and fast foods, as they might worsen your condition. Gassy foods may include beans, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

Conclusion

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol could worsen a person’s overall health, including their digestion. It could disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, cause inflammation in the stomach, and disturb water absorption.

A person might prevent alcohol-induced diarrhea by following a bland diet, having a full stomach before consuming alcohol, and taking probiotics. Severe cases of alcohol-induced diarrhea may need prompt medical attention and anti-diarrheal medications.

The potential discomfort induced by diarrhea could be reduced or avoided by moderating the amount of alcohol a person consumes.

Some behavioral changes and diet improvements could ease diarrhea severance. You should try to focus on improving your quality of life, which could help address diarrhea symptoms after drinking alcohol.