What Alcohol Does to Your Digestive System: Is That Drink Worth It?

Alcohol is one of the most misused drugs in the United States today, and according to research, it might even be better if we forewent alcohol altogether. Drinking alcohol is a personal choice, but everyone should be aware of the effects alcohol has on the body. So, if you’re wondering what does alcohol do to your body, what is the highest risk of alcohol use, or how much alcohol is safe to drink daily, you’ve come to the right place.

Note: These facts and figures are not designed to elicit fear, only to inform – this way, you and your family can make educated decisions about the consumption of alcohol in your home.

What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?

How Does Alcohol Affect the Upper Digestive System?

Alcohol has a number of effects on the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine; and they are cumulative.

Esophagus: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. It can also increase your risk of esophageal cancer. 

Stomach: Ethyl alcohol can increase stomach acid production, which can further complicate and cause heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers. It can also damage the lining of the stomach, leading to gastritis.

Small intestine: Alcoholic drinks can also kill off healthy gut bacteria and interfere with the absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition. It can also damage the cells lining the small intestine, leading to leaky gut syndrome.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Lower Digestive System?

Alcohol also impacts the lower digestive system, including:

Inflammation. Unsurprisingly, alcoholic beverages can irritate the lining of the digestive system and intestines, causing widespread inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Ulcers. Alcohol consumption, combined with smoking, can increase the risk of developing ulcers, which are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or intestines.

Cancer. You might also already know that alcohol is also a risk factor for several types of cancer, including colon cancer and rectal cancer.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Liver?

Many people forget that alcohol is a toxin that can damage the liver in a number of ways. It can cause the liver to produce more fat, which can lead to fatty liver disease. It can also damage liver cells and cause inflammation. Over time, this damage can lead to scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can be life-threatening and can require a liver transplant.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland located in the upper abdomen that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. Alcohol can damage the pancreas in a number of ways, including:

Mild-Moderate Inflammation: Several alcoholic drinks can irritate the pancreas and cause inflammation. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty digesting food.

Severe Inflammation / Pancreatitis: Alcohol can also cause pancreatitis, a serious condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening if not treated.

Diabetes: Ethyl alcohol can also damage the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy, leading to pre-diabetes, and if left unchecked, T2DM (diabetes mellitus). This pathway is further complicated by alcohol’s ability to damage other cells’ sensitivity to glucose.

Cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, too, a type of cancer that is often fatal.

What Is the Highest Risk of Alcohol Use?

Given the above information, risks range from simple inflammation to full-blown life-threatening cancer. Depending on how much you drink, some or none of these might be an issue. If you think you might have trouble monitoring and limiting your alcohol intake, finding an accountability partner or seeking help might be the right move.

How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink Daily?

If you decide to drink alcohol, it is important to drink in moderation. Some people choose to drink no alcohol, while others may partake a couple times a week. Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women drink no more than one drink per day and men drink no more than two drinks per day. If you have any concerns about the effects of alcohol on your health, talk to your doctor.