How to Get Rid of Alcohol Bloating

How to Get Rid of Alcohol Bloating

How to Get Rid of Alcohol Bloating

So, you’ve had a fun night out with friends, sipping on your favorite drinks, but now you feel a bit bloated. And you pop the million-dollar question – why does my stomach bloat after drinking alcohol?

When you sip that delightful cocktail, little do you know that a fermentation party kicks in in your belly.

But, worry not, as this post will address how your body processes alcohol, why you get bloated, and what you should do to avoid alcohol bloating.

So, grab a coffee and enjoy this informative journey.

Understanding alcohol bloating

How your digestive system processes alcohol

First things first, let’s break down how your body receives alcohol in its system.

Once alcohol hits your stomach, a whirlwind of activities kicks off. It is absorbed by the lining of the small intestine into the veins that collect blood from the stomach, transporting it to the liver.

The liver then steps up to the plate by releasing two enzymes – alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) – which break down alcohol into metabolites that can be eliminated.

Here’s the deal – your liver can only handle so much at a time. Ideally, your liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde at a rate of 0.015 g/ 100 ml/ hour.

This makes for reducing your BAC levels by 0.015 per hour. Nothing can speed up this detoxification process.

So, when you’re throwing back drinks like there’s no tomorrow, you risk overwhelming your liver.

What causes alcohol bloating?

Alcohol is a sneaky dehydrator! It is a diuretic.

As your liver works its magic, it’s also sending signals to your kidneys to start flushing out excess fluids.

Therefore, as you keep on drinking more alcohol without enough water, more fluids are expelled through the renal system leaving you dehydrated.

This explains why you’re always running to the restroom more frequently after a round of drinks.

But where does the tummy gas come from?

Well, alcohol ferments as it gets broken down in your digestive tract. Think of it like having a tiny brewery in your gut.

This fermentation frenzy, with the help of the liver enzymes, turns acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which is inactive. It is this crucial process that, if not metabolized completely, causes one to have a hangover.

Eventually, the acetic acid is broken down into carbon dioxide and water, hence the bloating.

How to reduce alcohol bloating

Now that we’ve addressed your mystery question – why does my stomach bloat after drinking alcohol – let’s look at some tips that will help deflate your bloated belly.

1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Drinking plenty of water can not only prevent bloating but also relieve it. Water helps in flushing out toxins from your body.

Essentially, when you’re well hydrated, your kidneys have an easier and cleaner job in detoxifying your body leaving no room for accumulation of gases.

2. Drink peppermint tea

Peppermint tea isn’t just a breath freshener, it’s also great for soothing an upset stomach and reducing bloating.

A warm cup of peppermint tea after a drinking session can ease discomfort and promote digestion.

3. Activated charcoal

Yup! Activated charcoal supplements are a lifesaver when it comes to relieving bloating. Studies have shown charcoal, when blended with simethicone, relieves bloating by breaking apart gas bubbles for easier absorption and passing.

These little black pills work like a magic eraser for bloating.

4. Fennel seeds

Chewing on some fennel seeds or brewing a cup of fennel tea does help alleviate bloating and aid digestion.

This relief is attributable to fennel compounds that relax the muscles in the digestive tract, making it easier for gas to pass through and reduce bloating.

5. Light exercise

A little exercise goes a long way. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous but simple movements such as walking or stretching can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

Even better, it’s a great distraction from the discomfort you are experiencing and a mood booster after a night of indulgence.

6. Medical interventions

While the above interventions are equally effective in relieving alcohol bloating, medications can provide fast relief by targeting excess acid production in the digestive tract.

The following medications are not just good for heartburn, they’re also relief champions in alcohol bloating:

1. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs such as Protonix and Nexium work by reducing the production of stomach acid thereby alleviating bloating.

2. H2 blockers

H2 blockers like Pepcid AC by blocking the action of histamine on the cells of the stomach lining. They also significantly reduce acid production and relieve bloating.

3. Antacids

As their name suggests, antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid to provide fast relief from bloating and heartburn.

How long does alcohol bloating last?

Normally, alcohol bloating is just a temporary inconvenience. But there are times when you’re torn between whether the post-party bloat is at par or if it’s lasted longer than it should.

Various factors come into play when determining how long a bloat should last. They include:

  1. Frequency of alcohol consumption.
  2. Amount of alcohol consumed in a session.
  3. Individual metabolism.
  4. Underlying problems, such as gastritis.

Alcohol bloating should last just as long as alcohol stays in your system. So, between a few hours to a day, you should be feeling relieved as your body metabolizes the booze and passes out excess gas.

However, if bloating persists for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, it might be a sign of chronic gastritis.

At this point, medical intervention is imperative.

When does alcohol bloating need medical attention?

Despite the harmless nature of the discomfort, there are times when it’s a sign of an underlying issue.

The following conditions of alcohol bloating warrant seeking medical attention:

  • If bloating persists for an extended period or if it’s accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, or fever.
  • If you are alcohol intolerant or allergic, requiring medical management.
  • If you might have combined certain medications with alcohol, leading to unusual symptoms or exacerbated bloating.

When it comes to determining if your bloating is normal or lingering too long, your gut instincts are your best guide.

If your gut tells you something is off, it is worth paying attention to.

Alcoholic gastritis

This pesky condition is the inflammation of the stomach lining which can be caused by spicy foods, smoking, stress, and – you guessed right – heavy drinking!

Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and erode the delicate mucous lining of your stomach leading to inflammation – hence its name, alcoholic gastritis.

When your stomach is inflamed, it doesn’t function as it should resulting in an uncomfortable fullness and distension.

Symptoms of alcoholic gastritis

  • Burning ache in your stomach that gets better or worsens after you eat.
  • Middle upper abdominal pain.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Bloating that gets worse as you eat.
  • Hemorrhage in the stomach, which is detected through blood in feces or vomit.
  • Fatigue.

Does alcohol bloating contribute to alcohol breath?

Here’s the scoop – alcohol bloating and alcohol breath are like two peas in a pod. They go hand in hand.

Alcohol slows down digestion, which means the drinks you had hours ago might still be seated in your stomach, releasing distinctive odors through your breath.

Additionally, when you have excess gas in your digestive tract, that gas has to escape somehow.

So, when you burp, you’re not just releasing bloated air, you’re also expelling alcohol vapors from your tummy. The two make a killer combination of some potent alcohol breath.

How to prevent alcohol bloating

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure.

Taking proactive steps to prevent alcohol bloating in the first place can save you the discomfort and inconvenience down the road.

Below are some hacks that will allow you to sip and socialize with ease, without the worry of a gassy stomach.

1. Hydrate

You’ve heard it before, we’ll say it again – hydration is key. Sipping on water between your alcohol shots and drinks helps your body flush out toxins. It’s like giving your body an extra rinse cycle.

2. Choose wisely

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, not all have the same composition.

A tip from the Young Henrys Head Distiller, Carla Daunton, recommended distilled drinks rather than fermented ones as they are unlikely to cause gas build-up.

Also, you’re more likely to sip the spirits slower than you would a beer, hopefully getting a smaller amount of alcohol in your body.

Ideally, gin, vodka, and tequila should be your go-to options. But if you’re an avid wine drinker, go for red as it’s low on sugar. Your stomach will thank you for the break!

3. Consider snacking

Before diving headfirst into the drinks menu, nibble down some snacks to line your stomach and slow down alcohol absorption.

Protein-rich foods such as nuts or cheese help stabilize your blood-sugar levels and prevent bloating.

Think of it like building a fortress to protect your belly from alcoholic warfare.

4. Avoid carbonated drinks

Stay off fizzy drinks that introduce extra gas in your digestive system, exacerbating bloating and discomfort.

Always keep it simple by sticking to non-carbonated options and instead opt for water or herbal tea.

Key Takeaway

So, there you have it – the lowdown on alcohol bloating and ways of mitigating it. While it may feel like you’re stuck in bloating purgatory, it is just a short-lived inconvenience.

At the end of the day, or night, it is crucial to drink responsibly and listen to your body.

Remember, your health is worth prioritizing – even if it means saying goodbye to those wild nights of heavy drinking.

Scroll to Top