How to Stop Diarrhoea After Drinking Alcohol

The question of how to stop diarrhoea after drinking alcohol is one that many people commonly ask. This is because, once you have crossed the line with your alcohol limits – you may notice that you start to suffer from some unpleasant side effects.

Alcohol is a stimulant and, therefore, can stimulate all areas of the body. The first thing that is affected is, of course, our brains. The chemicals shift, and we become dehydrated, therefore, our psychology is altered. However, alcohol can also stimulate the digestive system.

So, if you suffer from diarrhoea after drinking alcohol, then you should first learn the causes.

What Causes Diarrhoea After Drinking Alcohol?

So, why does alcohol cause diarrhoea?

There is a strong link between alcohol and its effects on our whole digestive tract. Some people may suffer from indigestion or reflux when consuming alcohol. For others, it may affect the lower abdomen, causing bloating and even diarrhoea.

Alcohol also irritates the intestines and causes the colon muscles to contract rapidly, which can also lead to diarrhoea. It can be an unpleasant and sometimes uncomfortable experience. Some other triggers of diarrhoea when drinking alcohol may be:

• Pre-existing conditions such as IBS or Crohn’s Disease.
• Drinking caffeine before drinking alcohol.

Tips for Preventing Diarrhoea Before Drinking

Although common, diarrhoea whilst consuming alcohol is not normal. It can mean that you’re drinking too much, and therefore your body is struggling to cope. However, if this is not a regular occurrence and you experience diarrhoea without being a heavy drinker, then you can alter your lifestyle to ensure that you do not continue to experience this.

1. Eat a Balanced, Healthy Meal Beforehand

Before consuming alcohol, it is best that you avoid rich and heavy foods. If you have any intolerances, avoid these entirely. Eating a balanced meal that is healthy and rich in nutrients, will help keep your intestines happy and be able to absorb the alcohol.

2. Staying Hydrated

Many people drink alcohol to feel good, therefore, ingesting water to stay hydrated may not seem like your idea of fun. However, hydrating not only helps keep your intestines happy, but it keeps your entire body happy. The alcohol becomes diluted, meaning that you will be doing the responsible thing.

3. No Sugary Alcoholic Drinks

Avoiding sugary drinks will also be of benefit to you. Sugar and carb-laden drinks such as beer, cocktails, and wine can be some of the worst choices for you. Instead, opt for pure spirits.

Managing Diarrhoea During Alcohol Consumption

In order to manage alcohol sensitivity and diarrhoea, you should adopt some simple tips to make life easier.

Limiting your intake and ensuring that you stick to the recommended weekly units, will help you avoid such unfortunate symptoms. However, you could also look into some of the following:

1. Create a Drink Diary

It is wise to create a drink diary in order to help manage your symptoms. If you are unaware of your triggers, then a diary can be very helpful. You can work out what alcohol had caused your diarrhoea and how long the symptoms lasted, including any additional symptoms such as tummy ache, nausea or bloating. This way, you should learn how to stop diarrhoea after drinking alcohol through a process of elimination.

2. Opt For Low Alcohol Options

When you reduce the amount of alcohol units you consume in one drink, it may help to mitigate the risk of diarrhoea. Many bars offer non-alcoholic options or reduced alcohol options. These will be worth trying.

3. Look into Probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that help reduce diarrhoea and constipation. They can improve the amount of good bacteria in the digestive system and can therefore improve symptoms of alcohol-induced diarrhoea. You should speak to your doctor before taking supplements or changing your diet.

Home Treatments to Relieve Diarrhoea

If you would like information on how to stop diarrhoea after drinking alcohol, then we have some home remedies that may help alleviate your troubles. Whilst preventing diarrhoea from alcohol is the best method, you can also look at these tips for relieving diarrhoea symptoms naturally:

• Consuming probiotics (as we previously discussed).
• Ginger tea – this helps calm the stomach nerves and muscles and ensures a calmer, relaxed digestive system.
• Peppermint tea – this is great for relieving stomach aches, cramps and indigestion associated with alcohol-related diarrhoea.
• The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) – will help line the digestive system and create an alkaline environment in the body.
• Plenty of rest – the body heals when we are sleeping, so try to get as much rest as possible
• Hydrate well – a little bit of lemon water can help cleanse the system but should be drunk in moderation.

Seeking Medical Help and Professional Advice

Alcohol-related issues are very unpleasant and can create an uncomfortable situation.

Whilst not drinking at all is the best way to remove these symptoms, if you feel that you are struggling to remove or limit your alcohol intake, then you should speak to a professional. It is vital to know your limits and the way in which your body works. If your diarrhoea persists or worsens, or presents with new symptoms, you should speak to your GP or a medical professional immediately.

If you find that these symptoms have not been alleviated with simple home remedies and solutions, then you may have to speak to a professional to rule out any underlying conditions or potential risks of consuming alcohol. Any other psychological issues related to alcohol consumption should also be broached during this consultation. Remaining healthy and happy is a number one priority, and therefore you should be seeking medical help for alcohol-related diarrhoea.

Find Help with Action Rehab

If you find you are regularly binge drinking and these are when your symptoms are becoming serious, then it may be wise to consider the possibility of addiction. If this is the case, there are numerous ways in which to deal with this and plenty of support available to you.

If you’d like to speak to a friendly professional about this issue, please reach out to us. We are available to chat 24/7 to enquire about the best ways to stay on top of your mental and physical health. Please call us now on 0151 268 6992 or email us: info@action-rehab.com.

Posted on Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 12:14 pm in Alcoholism.