Why Does Alcohol Make Me Bloated Or Gassy? Digestion Explained (And What To Do)

Have you ever noticed that you might have felt uncomfortable after a night out with drinks? Well, you are not alone. Many people actually feel bloated or gassy after a night out with drinks due to the effects of the drink on the gastrointestinal system and digestion. But why does this happen? How can we prevent or minimise this? We are sure you have these questions on your mind, hence we at unsobered decided deep dive into this problem and bring you the best solutions. 

Why Does Alcohol Make One Feel Bloated Or Gassy

Alcohol actually causes gas and bloating because of its effects on the digestive system. These effects tend to disrupt normal digestion and create inflammation, according to an official website of the United States government. 

When alcohol is consumed, the body prioritizes metabolism to eliminate alcohol over digesting other nutrients, leading to irritation in the lining of the stomach and incomplete digestion. This irritation causes inflammation that increases acid production, which in the end results in bloating and gas formation. 

Also, many alcoholic drinks contain high levels of carbonation and sugar, which again contribute to gas production in the stomach. The bubbles from carbonation add extra gas that is trapped in the gut, making you feel bloated and gassy. 

Alcohol makes you pee more, which leads to dehydration in your body. As soon as the body senses that it is low on water, it holds on to the water in other places, like your belly, which makes you look bloated. 

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol makes one gain weight because of the calories present in it, which again makes one feel bloated. 

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What To Do When You Feel Bloated

Stay Hydrated

Make sure to drink a good amount of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. As alcohol leads to dehydration in the body, drinking water will help you stay hydrated and also flush out toxins. 

Drink Slowly

Sipping on your drinks slowly can help the body to take its time to process the liquid better, which in turn reduces bloating. 

No Carbonated Drink

Make sure that you skip fizzy carbonated drinks or mixers like beer, champagne, and others, as the bubbles in them can make your stomach gassy. Instead, opt for non-carbonated options to keep your tummy calm. 

Eat Healthy food

Opting for food options that are heavy and greasy can cause your body more harm when paired with alcohol. With light and healthy meals, your digestive system will get a break. 

No Sugary Mixers

Do not add sugary mixers to your drink, as they may promote the production of gas. Opt for natural juices, water, or soda water without sugar that can easily keep your gut balanced. 

Avoid Smoking

Do not smoke while drinking, as this habit may irritate your gut lining and lead to gas and bloating. 

Manage Alcohol Intake

Keep a tap on your alcohol consumption habits, quantity, and patterns. Try and stick to the recommended daily consumption by the doctor. 

Exercise Regularly 

When you exercise regularly, the physical activities help in moving the gas away from your stomach, leading to no bloating or gassy feeling. It can easily speed up your digestion and reduce puffiness. 

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Summing Up

Take your health seriously and start making informed choices about your alcohol consumption to avoid bloating or any other problems. Make sure you enjoy your social life, but never at the risk of your health.