Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores how binge drinking affects the digestive system.
“The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes binge drinking as consuming enough alcohol to raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or more,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“For most people, this level is reached after about four drinks for women and five drinks for men within roughly two hours.”
While binge drinking increases the risks of alcohol poisoning, mental health issues, weight gain and heart problems, its impact on digestive health is profound and warrants a closer look.
Irritation and Inflammation
Drinking large quantities of alcohol can irritate the lining of your digestive tract, leading to inflammation. This can cause conditions like gastritis, where the stomach lining becomes inflamed, resulting in stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If gastritis becomes chronic, it can increase the risk of ulcers and even stomach cancer.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Alcohol can weaken the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), a muscle that prevents stomach acid from leaking back into the oesophagus. When the LES is relaxed, stomach acid can escape into the oesophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Frequent episodes of acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition that requires long-term management.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is crucial in aiding digestion and managing blood sugar levels. Binge drinking can trigger acute pancreatitis, a sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas marked by intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If these acute episodes happen repeatedly, they can develop into chronic pancreatitis, potentially causing permanent damage to the pancreas.
Liver Disease
The liver works hard to filter toxins from your blood, produce essential proteins, and regulate various metabolic processes. It is also the organ primarily responsible for metabolising alcohol. Chronic binge drinking can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Increased Risk of Digestive Cancers
Drinking alcohol is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, and rectum. Binge drinking makes this risk even higher because it exposes digestive tissues to high levels of alcohol repeatedly.
Impact on Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota comprises billions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and general health. Binge drinking can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. It is also linked to other health problems, such as autoimmune diseases, obesity, and mental health disorders.
Malabsorption and Nutrient Deficiencies
Chronic binge drinking can impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Alcohol interferes with absorbing essential vitamins and minerals, including B, C, D, calcium, and magnesium. This can lead to deficiencies that affect various bodily functions. For instance, vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can cause neurological problems, while a lack of calcium can lead to bone density loss and osteoporosis.
Preventing the Digestive Health Effects of Binge Drinking
Moderation and Mindful Drinking
The best way to avoid the adverse effects of binge drinking on your digestive health is to drink in moderation. Moderate drinking means up to one drink a day for women and up to two for men.
Staying Hydrated
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more and can cause dehydration. To counter this, drinking water between alcoholic drinks and staying hydrated can help reduce some of alcohol’s immediate effects on your digestive system.
Eating Before and While Drinking
Eating food before and while drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, reducing the intensity of its effects on your digestive system. Food helps to buffer and dilute the alcohol, giving your body more time to metabolise it. By eating, you can also avoid sudden spikes in blood alcohol levels, leading to less severe hangovers and fewer harmful effects on your digestive health.
Seeking Help and Support
For individuals who struggle with controlling their drinking, seeking help is crucial. Support groups, counselling, and medical interventions can provide the necessary tools and support to manage alcohol consumption and improve overall health.
Conclusion
Binge drinking poses significant risks to digestive health, from immediate effects like gastritis and acid reflux to long-term consequences such as liver disease, digestive cancers, and nutrient deficiencies. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of moderation and mindful drinking. Individuals can protect their digestive health and overall well-being by making informed choices and seeking support when needed.