Why Does Yangmei Wine Cause Gastrointestinal Discomfort?

Generally, the causes of gastrointestinal discomfort from drinking bayberry wine include alcohol irritation, acidity irritation from bayberries, high sugar content, allergic reactions, and improper drinking methods. Details are as follows:

1. Alcohol irritation: Bayberry wine contains alcohol of a certain concentration. Alcohol directly irritates the gastric mucosa, causing congestion, edema, and even inflammation. Long-term or excessive consumption of bayberry wine may also lead to gastric mucosal erosion and ulcers, resulting in gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Acidity irritation from bayberries: Bayberries themselves are acidic fruits containing considerable amounts of fruit acid. During the brewing process of bayberry wine, fruit acid dissolves into the wine. After consumption, these acidic substances stimulate gastric acid secretion; excessive gastric acid secretion may lead to stomach discomfort, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

3. High sugar content: To improve the taste of bayberry wine, large amounts of sugar are often added during production. Excessive sugar can increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, easily causing indigestion. Additionally, a high-sugar environment may promote the growth of intestinal bacteria, affecting the balance of normal intestinal flora and leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction.

4. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to bayberries or alcohol. Allergic reactions may manifest not only as skin itching and rashes but may also involve the gastrointestinal tract, causing allergic inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Improper drinking methods: Drinking bayberry wine too quickly, consuming excessive amounts, or drinking on an empty stomach can more easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort. When the stomach is empty, there is no food to act as a buffer, allowing alcohol and acidic substances from the bayberries to directly contact the gastric mucosa, causing greater irritation to the stomach.

When consuming bayberry wine, it should be done in moderation to avoid excessive intake, especially for individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, who should consume it with caution.

References:

[1] Sun Changhao. Nutrition and Food Hygiene [M]. 9th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.

[2] Zhao Lin. Food Incompatibility and Safe Diet [M]. Beijing: People's Military Medical Press, 2007.