Alcohol and Constipation: Here’s What You Need to Know

Constipation affects millions worldwide, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. While diet, physical activity, and medication are common contributors, the impact of alcohol on constipation is less discussed but significantly influential.

Understanding Constipation

Constipation involves having fewer than three bowel movements per week, leading to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. This condition can cause discomfort, bloating, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

How Does Alcohol Cause Constipation?

Alcohol affects the digestive system in several ways that can lead to constipation, including:

• Dehydration and Its Effects on the Colon: Alcohol has diuretic properties, which increase fluid excretion and can lead to dehydration. The colon absorbs more water from waste in a dehydrated state, making stools harder and more difficult to pass. To mitigate this, it’s crucial to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or electrolyte-rich beverages.
• Impact on Peristalsis: Alcohol can slow down the muscle contractions in the colon known as peristalsis, which helps move stool toward the rectum. This slowdown can result in slow-transit constipation, where stool movement is delayed and additional water is absorbed from the stool, making it even harder.
• Gastrointestinal Irritation and Inflammation: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation which can disrupt the normal function of the stomach and intestines. This can alter the gut microbiome and exacerbate constipation.

Managing Alcohol-Induced Constipation

Addressing constipation that arises from alcohol consumption involves a combination of dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and mindful drinking practices. Here are detailed strategies to help mitigate this issue:

• Stay Hydrated: Alcohol has diuretic properties that increase urine production and lead to rapid fluid loss, which contributes to dehydration. To combat this, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. This helps maintain hydration levels and assists the colon in retaining enough water to keep stools soft and manageable. Consider hydrating beverages that replenish electrolytes, such as coconut water or electrolyte-infused waters, especially after heavy drinking.
• Moderate Alcohol Intake: Regular heavy drinking can disrupt the digestive system and lead to constipation. By moderating your alcohol intake, you can reduce its impact on your digestive health. This doesn’t necessarily mean abstaining completely, but considering the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. For instance, setting a limit of one or two drinks per occasion and ensuring several alcohol-free days per week can significantly help manage and prevent constipation.
• Diet Rich in Fiber: A high-fiber diet is essential for bowel health and regularity. Fiber increases the bulk and softens stools, making them easier to pass. Include a variety of fiber-rich foods in your diet such as whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils, and chickpeas), vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens), and fruits (apples, berries, and pears). Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. See more about what foods are helpful to eat when detoxing or struggling from excessive alcohol use. 
• Regular Physical Activity: Exercise is another vital aspect of preventing and managing constipation. Physical activity helps accelerate the movement of food through the digestive tract and can stimulate intestinal contractions, enhancing stool movement. Even moderate activities like walking, yoga, or swimming for 30 minutes a day can be beneficial.
• Mindful Drinking: Being mindful about alcohol consumption involves paying attention to the types of alcoholic beverages you consume and their effects on your body. Some alcoholic drinks, especially those high in sugar or mixed with carbonated beverages, may exacerbate constipation more than others. Tracking how different drinks affect your bowel movements can help you make better choices.
• Seek Professional Advice: If constipation becomes a persistent problem despite these measures, it may be necessary to consider reducing alcohol intake substantially or abstaining altogether. Consult with a healthcare provider to get tailored advice based on your specific health needs. This is particularly important if you experience severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, significant changes in bowel habits, or constipation that doesn’t resolve with basic interventions.

Additional Management Tips:

• Probiotics: Incorporating probiotics into your diet can also aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and can be disrupted by excessive alcohol consumption. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented products.
• Avoid Constipation Triggers: Besides alcohol, other dietary elements can contribute to constipation, such as excessive consumption of dairy products, red meat, fried foods, and sweets. Reducing intake of these foods can help alleviate constipation.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the GI Tract

Chronic alcohol consumption can have profound effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Long-term alcohol use can cause gastritis and ulcers, leading to stomach pain, nausea, and potentially serious complications like internal bleeding.
• Liver Damage: Alcohol can progress from fatty liver to more severe conditions like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, severely impacting liver function.
• Pancreatic Damage: Excessive alcohol use can lead to pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe abdominal pain and digestive issues.
• Increased Risk of GI Cancers: Chronic alcohol use increases the risk of developing several types of GI cancers, including those of the esophagus, liver, and colon.

Preventing Constipation From Alcohol

Preventing alcohol-related constipation involves staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, and limiting alcohol intake. Regular exercise and mindful drinking can also help maintain digestive health.

FAQs

• What should I do if I am constipated after drinking alcohol? Increase your fluid and fiber intake. If problems persist, consult a healthcare provider.
• Can drinking less reduce frequent constipation? Yes, reducing alcohol can help minimize its dehydrating effects and promote regular bowel movements.
• When should I see a doctor for constipation from drinking? If constipation persists despite home remedies, or if you experience severe pain, blood in stools, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical advice.

Understanding the relationship between alcohol and constipation is key to maintaining digestive health and well-being. By making informed choices about alcohol consumption and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can help prevent constipation and its complications.

Resources:

1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/constipation/concerned-about-constipation#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20constipation,-Some%20people%20worry&text=For%20some%2C%20it%20can%20mean,Difficult%20time%20passing%20stools
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you#causes
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-and-constipation
4. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/water-a-fluid-way-to-manage-constipation
5. https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/alcohol-and-gut-health/#:~:text=Moderation%20Guidelines&text=Follow%20Recommended%20Limits%3A%20The%20Centers,of%20gut%2Drelated%20health%20issues.
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
7. https://joinmonument.com/resources/best-foods-during-alcohol-detox/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826790/
9. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/alcohol-related-liver-disease
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826792/

About the Author

Monument is an online platform dedicated to helping individuals cut back or quit drinking alcohol through evidence-based treatment and compassionate care. We connect our members to an anonymous community, therapist-moderated support groups, and a comprehensive collection of resources to provide the support and information they deserve. For those seeking medical treatment, Monument introduces members to licensed physicians and specialized therapists who work together to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique goals. Our services are not only research-based but also affordable and accessible, ensuring that a healthy relationship with alcohol is attainable and celebrated by all. Monument is proud to be contracted with major health care payers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna, making our services in-network and available to a wide range of individuals seeking support. Monument's clinical operations are overseen by a well-experienced medical team comprising leading experts in the field of addiction medicine. Our medical team is led by Dr. Abe Malkin, MD MBA who's team has an extensive background in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and are dedicated to providing the highest quality care. At Monument, we understand that each individual's journey with alcohol is unique. That's why we offer a holistic approach to treatment that includes. FDA-Approved Medications: Prescribed by our licensed physicians, these medications help reduce cravings and support sobriety or moderation. We only prescribe effective, non-controlled medications. Specialized Therapy: Our therapists are experts in addiction treatment and provide personalized counseling to address the underlying causes of unhealthy drinking behaviors. Support Groups: Led by professional therapists, our support groups offer a safe space for members to share their experiences, gain insights, and build a supportive community. Resources and Tools: We provide access to a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and self-assessment tools to help members stay informed and motivated on their journey.