Drinking and Digestive Drama: What's Happening Inside You?

Alcohol doesn't just cause a headache or dry mouth the next day. It can also lead to urgent bathroom trips, a problem sometimes called "booze butt."

How Alcohol Affects Your Gut

Doctors say alcohol can:

• Irritate the digestive tract
• Change gut bacteria
• Mess with how the intestines absorb water

Expert Insights

Dr. Leybelis Padilla, a gut expert, explains that alcohol can make stools loose. It speeds up digestion, so there's less time for water to be absorbed. This can result in watery stools.

Dr. Jason Korenblit, another gut specialist, adds that alcohol affects every part of the gut. It can:

• Worsen heartburn
• Increase stomach acid
• Make the gut barrier weaker

Who's at Risk?

Not everyone has digestive issues after drinking. Factors like:

• How much and how fast you drink
• Certain digestive conditions or genetic traits

Drinks That Cause More Problems

Some drinks are more likely to cause issues:

• Mixed drinks
• Wine
• Beer

These often contain:

• Sugars
• Sugar alcohols

Beer and sparkling drinks can cause:

• Bloating
• Heartburn

Tips to Reduce Digestive Issues

Doctors suggest:

• Eating before drinking
• Limiting intake
• Staying hydrated
• Not mixing alcohol with caffeine
• Being cautious with certain medications

When to Seek Medical Attention

If symptoms last more than a few days or are severe, it's important to seek medical attention.