What happens if you drink too much wine?

Dec 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Drinking too much wine can generally lead to gastrointestinal damage, neurological discomfort, increased liver burden, cardiovascular abnormalities, and metabolic disorders. Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa, promoting excessive secretion of gastric acid. Long-term excessive consumption can disrupt the protective barrier of the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis and gastric ulcers, manifesting as stomach pain, acid reflux, nausea, and other symptoms. In severe cases, vomiting blood may occur.

Drinking too much wine generally leads to gastrointestinal damage, neurological discomfort, increased liver burden, cardiovascular abnormalities, and metabolic disorders. The details are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal damage: Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa and increases gastric acid secretion. Long-term excessive consumption can disrupt the protective barrier of the stomach lining, leading to gastritis and gastric ulcers. Symptoms include stomach pain, acid reflux, and nausea; in severe cases, vomiting blood may occur.

2. Neurological discomfort: Excessive alcohol intake suppresses central nervous system function, causing dizziness, headaches, and slowed reaction times. Chronic use may lead to memory decline, difficulty concentrating, disrupted normal metabolism of nerve cells, and reduced cognitive function.

3. Increased liver burden: The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Excessive drinking keeps the liver constantly engaged in detoxification, which over time can damage liver cells, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease. This may progress to more serious conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

4. Cardiovascular abnormalities: Short-term heavy drinking can cause sudden increases in blood pressure and rapid heart rate, increasing strain on the heart. Long-term excessive consumption may damage vascular endothelium and accelerate atherosclerosis, raising the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases.

5. Metabolic disturbances: Alcohol is high in calories, and excessive consumption can result in calorie overload, with surplus energy converted into fat deposits that contribute to weight gain. It may also interfere with glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, increasing the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome.

Wine consumption should be strictly controlled in terms of quantity to avoid overconsumption. If persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, or similar symptoms occur, adjust drinking habits promptly and seek medical evaluation.

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