What Alcohol Does to Your Digestive System: Is That Drink Worth It?
Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances in the United States. Emerging research suggests it may be best to avoid alcohol altogether for optimal health. Drinking is a personal choice, but understanding the effects of alcohol on your body can help you make informed decisions.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Upper Digestive System?
Esophagus: Alcohol irritates the esophageal lining, increasing the risk of heartburn and esophageal cancer (Vanella et al., 2019).
Stomach: Alcohol increases stomach acid production, potentially leading to gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer (Na & Lee, 2017).
Small Intestine: Alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome and damages intestinal cells, leading to malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and increased intestinal permeability (Tsuruya et al., 2016).
How Does Alcohol Affect the Lower Digestive System?
Inflammation: Alcohol triggers inflammation in the intestines, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation (Choi et al., 2017).
Ulcers: Combined with smoking, alcohol increases the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Cancer: Alcohol use raises the risk of colorectal and rectal cancer.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Liver?
Alcohol is toxic to the liver and contributes to:
Fatty liver disease
Inflammation and hepatitis
Liver cell damage and cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening (Rehm & Shield, 2020).
How Does Alcohol Affect the Pancreas?
Mild to Severe Inflammation: Alcohol can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Diabetes: Damage to insulin-producing cells increases diabetes risk.
Cancer: Alcohol use is linked to pancreatic cancer, often with a poor prognosis (Vanella et al., 2019).
What Is the Highest Risk of Alcohol Use?
Risks range from mild inflammation to life-threatening cancers. The cumulative effects depend on how much and how often you drink.
How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink Daily?
The CDC recommends:
Women: No more than one drink per day
Men: No more than two drinks per day
However, research shows that even light drinking can increase cancer risk (Choi et al., 2017).
If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, consult your healthcare provider.
Works Cited
Vanella, G., et al. (2019). Alcohol and gastrointestinal cancers..
Na, H., & Lee, J. (2017). Molecular Basis of Alcohol-Related Gastric and Colon Cancer.
Tsuruya, A., et al. (2016). Ecophysiological Consequences of Alcoholism on Human Gut Microbiota.
Choi, Y. J., et al. (2017). Relationship Between Drinking Alcohol and Gastrointestinal Cancers.
Rehm, J., & Shield, K. (2020). Alcohol Use and Cancers of the Gastrointestinal Tract.