What Causes Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?
May 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Alcohol consumption is a common trigger for acute diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis. Diarrhea following alcohol intake is often related to the patient’s constitution or gastrointestinal function. For instance, individuals with a preexisting history of gastrointestinal dysfunction or a “cold” (hypofunctional) constitution may develop diarrhea after consuming large quantities of alcohol—or alcohol combined with food—rapidly. A final possible cause is colitis.
In daily life, consuming alcohol rapidly or in large quantities—especially when combined with food—is the most common cause of diarrhea.
Why does diarrhea occur after drinking alcohol?
Alcohol consumption is a common trigger for acute diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis. Diarrhea following alcohol intake is often related to an individual’s constitution or gastrointestinal function. For instance, individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal dysfunction or a “cold” (yin-dominant) constitution may develop diarrhea after consuming large amounts of alcohol—or consuming it too quickly—along with food. Another possible cause is colitis; patients with colitis are particularly prone to diarrhea after drinking alcohol. Symptoms typically include increased bowel movement frequency, loose stools, or even watery diarrhea. Additional systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, and loss of appetite may also occur.
Diarrhea after drinking alcohol may also occur in individuals who drink heavily over prolonged periods—a habit highly detrimental to health, especially to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Damage to these organs can itself lead to diarrhea. Additionally, inappropriate food combinations—such as pairing alcohol with seafood or barbecued foods during summer, or consuming unhygienic food—can easily trigger diarrhea.
In daily life, excessive alcohol consumption is not recommended. Instead, drinking ample plain water is beneficial for overall health.
