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Alcohol & Gastrointestinal Problems

The consumption of alcohol (ethanol) can have many effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. With the potential to develop into acute and chronic health issues, alcohol can interfere with the structure and function of all parts of the GI system.

  1. The Facts

    • The GI tract is the exact location where alcohol begins to breakdown and is absorbed into the bloodstream after being consumed.

    Mucosa Alterations

    • The gastric mucosa that lines the upper portion of the GI tract can be metabolically and functionally altered by the direct contact of ethanol.

    Mucosal Damage

    • Alterations of the mucosa can produce acute problems, such as lesions in the small intestine or stomach, and chronic problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding (due to the lesions) and diarrhea.

    Toxins

    • When the mucosa is injured and weakened by long-term contact with ethanol, it allows larger molecules such as bacterial toxins and endotoxin to permeate the lining, enter the bloodstream or lymph (important part of immune system), and reach the liver and other organs.

    Impaired Digestion

    • When the mucosa in the GI tract is functionally altered, normal digestion of nutrients is disturbed, and their assimilation in the human body is impaired, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition (often seen in alcoholics).

    Esophageal Damage

    • Acute consumption of ethanol can negatively affect the ability of the esophagus to act spontaneously (motility), thus impairing its ability to control gastric reflux. Over time this can develop into reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).

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