Alcohol and Gut Trouble

Let’s be honest – a cheeky glass of wine now and then feels harmless, right? In fact, with all the social joy that comes with it, a drink or two can even feel like self-care. But if your tummy tends to be more temperamental than terrific, you might want to know what that glass is really doing to your gut.  Read on to learn more about the link between alcohol and gut trouble.

Here’s the truth: alcohol can be sneaky. It slides into your weekly routine and before you know it, Friday night drinks become Thursday through to Sunday habits. And if you’re dealing with bloating, IBS, or general digestive drama, that’s when things can really kick off.

So what actually happens when alcohol hits your gut?

1. Sleep gets messed up 😴

Even a small amount can ruin your deep sleep. And less sleep = more stress, more cravings, and a more reactive gut.

2. Hydration goes out the window 💧

You’re probably drinking less water, and alcohol itself dehydrates you further. Hello dry mouth, dull skin, and sluggish digestion.

3. No gym motivation tomorrow 🛋️

That glass of vino zaps your energy and motivation to exercise – and that has a domino effect on blood sugar, mood, and metabolism.

4. Blood sugar rollercoaster 🎢

Alcohol messes with your blood sugar levels – leaving you craving carbs, sugar, and all the things that make your gut feel worse.

5. Mood = meh 😒

Sleep loss + cravings + bloating = one grumpy you.

Over time, the combo of disrupted sleep, poor hydration, cravings, and inactivity can lead to unwanted weight gain – including fat build-up around the liver. And that just amplifies any damage alcohol is already doing to your gut lining.

If you’re worried about your gut health, I’d highly recommend downloading my online course The Ultimate Gut Health Programme to help support your digestive system, whilst avoiding triggering symptoms.

It’d be impossible to include all you need to know in one blog, but the programme will have all you need to know to ensure you’re soothing your digestive system, whilst eating delicious and filling foods.

So how exactly does alcohol affect digestion?

🚫 Damages the lining of your digestive tract

This can reduce how well you absorb nutrients.

💨 Causes bloating and gas

Yes, even after just a drink or two.

🩺 Increases risk of stomach ulcers

Especially if you’re drinking heavily or frequently.

Who’s most affected?

People with sensitive guts are the first to feel the effects. If you’ve got:

• Coeliac disease

• IBS

• Crohn’s/IBD
  …then even small amounts of alcohol may cause big trouble.

The takeaway?

Even small amounts of alcohol can play havoc with your digestion – especially if your gut’s already struggling. But knowledge is power, and knowing how it affects you is the first step in taking back control.