There are several factors that contribute to an upset stomach, including alcohol. Alcohol increases stomach acids, which cause food to get broken down.
KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA — One of the most common causes of an upset stomach is alcohol. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, which breaks down food.
Because it has a low pH, this acid can cause damage to the rest of the body. But the lining of the stomach can only withstand so much acid at one time, so drinking alcohol can actually cause more acid production than necessary.
So what exactly causes an upset stomach? Here are a few possible causes and some helpful tips.
Alcoholic gastritis is a condition caused by chronic alcohol abuse. The stomach lining is irritated by excessive amounts of alcohol and causes inflammation.
Over time, the symptoms may become less frequent and less severe, but the underlying cause may be a underlying condition.
In addition to alcohol, other causes of gastritis can include infection, stress, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions. For the most severe cases, a prescription medication may be necessary.
Alcohol also contains enzymes that break down food. These enzymes are necessary for proper digestion. Without these enzymes, the food will not absorb nutrients from the food.
Alcohol also causes the body’s digestive tract to become inflamed and reduce the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Alcohol can slow digestion and cause nausea and vomiting.
Furthermore, alcohol contains substances like grapes, yeast, wheat, and wood derivatives. Alcoholic beverages can even cause heartburn or gastrointestinal irritation.
A combination of alcohol and acetaminophen can cause a dangerous hangover. While they both relieve pain, these drugs can be harmful to the liver.
In addition, certain pain relievers may irritate the stomach lining and increase acid secretion. For this reason, over-the-counter medicines are not recommended.
However, they can help you recover faster and reduce hangovers. If you are suffering from an upset stomach caused by alcohol, it is important to practice good drinking habits to avoid stomach discomfort.
Avoiding soda and bubbly drinks is another effective way to ease your digestive system. The carbonation found in soda and beer is a known irritant that can cause diarrhea.
The alcohol itself contains many FODMAPSs, which are fermentable sugars. These sugars can also upset your digestion and cause diarrhea, so it’s best to avoid them.
A simple rule of thumb is to replace those drinks with other types of alcohol.
Another way to minimize the pain caused by alcohol is to drink plenty of water. When you are dehydrated, you cannot absorb enough water through your system, which causes an upset stomach.
Drink plenty of water and eat a lot of water-rich fruits and vegetables. You can also take antacid tablets. These tablets will neutralize the acid and make you feel better after a drink.
If you do end up with a severe stomach ache, you should take a nap or avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
Inappropriate drinking of alcohol can also lead to a condition called alcoholic gastritis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal tears.
As the symptoms worsen, the irritated intestine tries to absorb undigested food.
In addition, drinking alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting. If this happens too often, you should consult your health care provider to prevent further damage.