Guest Author - Sharon Lasitter

While one or two glasses of alcohol per day, particularly red wine, can lend several health benefits, alcohol abuse can have damaging effects on the stomach and intestines. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the stomach lining, bypassing the series of digestive functions that other beverages go through for absorption. Men and women absorb alcohol at different rates, as women have less stomach enzyme (dehydrogenase) which metabolizes alcohol prior to its entering the bloodstream.

How does alcohol affect the stomach and esophagus?
The stomach is coated by a thick mucosal lining, which protects the stomach tissues from its own hydrochloric acid production. Small or moderate amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated in most people. However, over use of alcohol can increase the production of this acid, causing GERD or gastritis (inflammation of the mucosal stomach lining.) Gastritis causes nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or aching, and a sense of fullness. Long term abuse of alcohol can lead to the underproduction of stomach acid, or hypochloridia . Exposed stomach tissues due to alcohol abuse can become vulnerable to tearing and lead to internal bleeding.

Besides acid reflux, alcohol abuse can lead to chronic vomiting and dry heaves, which puts extra stress on the esophagus. This can cause tearing of the mucus membranes, leading to serious internal bleeding, called Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

If certain conditions such as chronic GERD, acid reflux or gastritis are already present, alcohol can exacerbate the issue. Because alcohol is a relaxant, it affects the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) by making it weak or loose and therefore allowing stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and eventually, esophageal damage.

How does alcohol affect the intestines?
The sedative affect of alcohol also affects the motility of the intestines, slowing down the digestive process. This means that undigested food sits in the stomach (delayed gastric emptying,) causing bloating and gas. Normal intestinal motility becomes more relaxed, and the result is diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous and lead to severe loss of electrolytes and malnutrition.

How does alcohol abuse affect the liver?
Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver kills about 26,000 people per year. Since the liver is the body’s filtration system, it breaks alcohol down so that it may be eliminated from your body. With alcoholic cirrhosis, the normal cells of the liver die, and are replaced with scar tissue. This process blocks the liver from breaking down proteins as well as halting other essential liver functions.

Alcohol abuse and Alternative Medicine
TMC (Traditional Chinese Medicine) offers effective treatments for people with alcohol abuse issues. Genita Petralli H.H.P., N.C., M.H. has created a video series on the root cause of alcoholism. Dr. Satish Baja gives insight into naturopathic treatments for alcohol abuse. I am adding the links to their sites below, under “Related Links.” If you feel you may have an alcohol addiction, please contact a qualified health care practitioner.


*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.