Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Diarrhea is a side effect of drinking alcoholic beverages. The risk of it occurring after drinking increases based on the type and amount of alcohol consumed.
For most people, experiencing diarrhea after drinking is merely an unpleasant side effect of drinking too much alcohol. However, it can be dangerous if it leads to dehydration or is recurrent enough to damage the digestive system.
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Alcohol can disrupt gastrointestinal function, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and an increased likelihood of overeating, which can contribute to weight gain over time.
For most people, even a small amount of alcohol can trigger:
An excessive amount of alcohol changes the composition of the gut by killing healthy bacteria and allowing unhealthy bacteria to grow.
Alcohol also negatively impacts the central nervous system by interfering with neurotransmitter signaling and impairing cognitive function. It contributes to poor decision-making and increased caloric intake.
There are a few reasons why you experience diarrhea after you drink alcohol:
Alcohol enters the bloodstream moments after you take a sip. You’ll be able to feel its effects within minutes.
Most alcohol absorption occurs during digestion, irritating the stomach and intestines and increasing acid production.
The effects worsen if you drink on an empty stomach, so you get intoxicated much faster if you haven't eaten before drinking.
Sugar triggers an osmotic effect in the gut, increasing water and electrolyte secretion and resulting in loose bowel movements.
Studies show that most people who consume 40 to 80 grams or more of sugar daily develop diarrhea.
Even a healthy person who consumes alcohol moderately can experience diarrhea after drinking because alcohol negatively impacts the digestive system.
Inflammation causes the stomach to produce more acid, which results in diarrhea. It speeds up the digestion process and damages the gut’s healthy bacteria.
Gluten-related allergic reactions can be triggered by particular alcohol. If a gluten-sensitive person consumes alcohol containing gluten, it will trigger a response that can result in diarrhea.
Alcohol adversely affects the gut microbiota by disrupting the equilibrium between beneficial and harmful bacteria, resulting in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Additionally, certain types of alcohol and excessive consumption can induce water retention in the gut, leading to loose stools and complications in fermentation processes. This worsens the already present negative effects on gut health and digestion.
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Usually, diarrhea after drinking is not an alarming issue. A few days of self-care resolves most cases. However, if diarrhea persists, it can lead to serious problems, especially dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
Untreated dehydration can become a life-threatening condition that can lead to liver problems.
Together with unchecked alcohol consumption, other liver conditions may develop, such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
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After drinking alcohol, most people experience alcohol-induced diarrhea with a more sensitive digestive tract for 1 to 3 days. Should you experience persistent symptoms for more than that, the safest thing to do is consult your doctor.
If you binge drink or suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), you may be at higher risk of experiencing chronic diarrhea.
You have an increased risk of experiencing alcohol-related diarrhea due to the following risk factors:
Binge drinking, drinking on an empty stomach, irregular sleep schedules, and an unhealthy diet all put you at risk of developing diarrhea.
Regular heavy drinking is also associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer, such as stomach and esophageal cancer.
Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty processing alcohol. This difficulty can occur when they have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Diarrhea is an immediate consequence of alcohol intolerance, likely related to the body’s response to the toxic acetaldehyde buildup.
You will likely develop diarrhea after drinking if you have a pre-existing gastrointestinal or bladder health issue.
This is especially true for people with sensitive digestive systems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease.
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder caused by an immune reaction to gliadin. Gliadin is a gluten protein in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats.
Oats are often contaminated with gluten if processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley.
Someone with celiac disease who consumes alcohol or other triggering foods will experience bloating, inflammation, and the small intestine's lining destruction.
It makes their bodies less capable of absorbing nutrients and minerals. One of the symptoms of celiac disease is diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It may affect all parts of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but it commonly affects the small intestine.
In addition to diarrhea due to alcohol intake, someone with Crohn’s can have a higher risk of developing ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Most people do not experience severe complications from IBS, but it is a recurring cause of discomfort and inconvenience.
It’s possible to manage the symptoms of this condition, and avoiding alcohol is one of its main solutions.
If you have alcohol-induced diarrhea, avoid drinking or eating anything that could upset your stomach until your digestion returns to normal.
Your diarrhea should clear up in a few days if you abstain from consuming the following food and drinks:
Different alcoholic beverages have an increased risk of causing diarrhea. The more concentrated the drink, the more likely it is to cause loose or watery stool.
Here are a few examples:
The composition of the drink can also be a factor. Drinks like beer and sugary cocktails can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
The best way to prevent alcohol-related diarrhea is not to consume alcohol. If you prefer not to abstain completely, you can reduce your risk by drinking slowly and only consuming moderate amounts.
Here are some more tips to prevent and treat alcohol-related diarrhea:
It’s important to never drink on an empty stomach. Food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol and provides a barrier, so alcohol is not as irritating to your digestive tract.
Eating before consuming alcoholic drinks isn’t the only thing you should do. If you have diarrhea, you should eat simple foods that are easy to digest, such as:
In addition, you should avoid high-fat foods, as they impair fat absorption and allow undigested fat to travel to the colon. When this occurs, it causes osmotic diarrhea, leading to loose stool.
Certain fatty foods can also increase gastric acid production, irritating the stomach.
People who get diarrhea after drinking will lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace the water you lost. These liquids include water, broth, tea, and juice.
One way to help prevent alcohol-related diarrhea is by taking fiber supplements. A soluble fiber supplement absorbs water in the bowels and helps your stool firm up before passing.
Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and white rum are more easily digestible than other alcoholic beverages, as they contain fewer congeners and additives. This reduces their likelihood of triggering gastrointestinal symptoms.
These clear spirits may be preferable for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, it's essential to note that even these options should be consumed in moderation.
You can offset the effects of alcohol and diarrhea by replenishing your body’s sodium supply. If you wake up after a night of drinking with a hangover and an unsettled stomach, consider drinking high-sodium drinks such as Gatorade, V8, or Pedialyte to rebalance your body’s electrolyte balance.
Probiotics can help manage diarrhea by restoring the balance of gut microbiota, particularly strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii.
After alcohol consumption, probiotics containing strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have shown potential benefits in restoring gut health. These benefits include:
You can buy probiotic supplements over the counter and take them orally. You can also add natural probiotics to your diet through fermented foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, and sauerkraut.
If you are considering taking probiotics in supplement form, speak with your doctor to determine your dosage.
If necessary, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medications. These include Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and Imodium (loperamide).
Follow the instructions on the box carefully, and do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Although alcohol irritates the bowels, quitting alcohol abruptly can still affect your digestive system due to your body in withdrawal.
During alcohol withdrawal, the sudden cessation of alcohol removes the inhibitory effects alcohol has on the central nervous system. This can lead to increased activity in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting gut motility and function.
Some factors of alcohol withdrawal that can cause diarrhea include the following:
If you experience alcohol-related diarrhea due to staying sober, you may need medical advice to help manage your symptoms during withdrawal.
Most cases of diarrhea will resolve in a few days, especially if you use the above home treatments.
If you have symptoms of dehydration and any of the following, see a doctor immediately:
If you consistently experience diarrhea after alcohol consumption, you should reconsider your drinking habits and contact a healthcare professional.
Alcohol-induced diarrhea is typically harmless and subsides after 1 to 3 days. Knowing how much alcohol you can handle can help you drink in moderation.
However, people are more at risk of alcohol-related diarrhea if they engage in binge drinking, have alcohol intolerance, or have gastrointestinal and bladder diseases.
Reducing your risk of alcohol-induced diarrhea is possible by simply avoiding alcohol consumption, drinking in moderation, or taking OTC and home remedies.
If you have difficulties abstaining from alcohol due to alcohol abuse, contact your healthcare provider to discover which treatment programs can help you stay sober.
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