7 disturbing ways alcohol takes a toll on your health

The first thing that comes to the mind of party animals is the booze. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the day, you need to be careful and not overdo drinking.

Wondering why? Well, alcohol can wreak havoc on your gut health, for one, and there are countless other reasons why drinking in moderation is recommended.

You might not think about it while raising that champagne flute, but alcohol has the power to throw a wild party in your gut. The balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut can be disrupted, leading to digestive issues, bloating, and an overall unhappy tummy.

Ever experienced that burning sensation creeping up your chest after a night of revelry? Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to sneak into places it should not be. Yes, there is a name to it: acid reflux. Your gut is sending an SOS, and it is not a happy message.

While it is no secret that alcohol can be dehydrating, your gut also bears the brunt of this moisture-sucking villain. Dehydration can slow down digestion, leaving you with a sluggish gut that is not in the mood for a smooth operation.

The pancreas, a crucial player in digestion, takes a beating when you are on a drinking spree. Alcohol can inflame the pancreas, disrupting its ability to produce digestive enzymes. This can lead to malabsorption issues, leaving your gut struggling to extract nutrients from your food.

Picture this: Your gut lining is like a well-constructed fortress, selectively allowing nutrients to pass through. Alcohol, however, can poke holes in this fortress, causing what is known as leaky gut syndrome. Now, undigested food particles and toxins can escape into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and a host of gut issues.

Your gut is a master at absorbing nutrients, but alcohol throws a wrench in the works. It interferes with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, leaving your body malnourished despite the feast you consumed the night before.

For those with sensitive stomachs, alcohol can be the unwelcome guest that triggers irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The bloating, cramping, and unpredictable bathroom visits are no party favors from your gut.

It is not about ditching the celebrations altogether but rather making informed choices. Hydrate between those cocktails, opt for snacks that do not take a toll on your gut, and, most importantly, listen to your body. Your gut is the real MVP, and it deserves some love and care even after the wildest of parties. As we bid adieu to the revelry and usher in a new year, let us also raise a glass to gut health.

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