GI experts break down exactly why alcohol can trigger diarrhea, fecal urgency, and other unpleasant side effects.
It may feel embarrassing, but dont worry youre not alone in your struggles.
Alcohol definitely makes you poop its no surprise, saidDr.
Sunana Sohi, a board-certified gastroenterologist withGastroenterology Health Partnersin Louisville.
Its the bodys normal reaction to alcohol.
James H. Tabibian,a board-certified gastroenterologist at Adventist Health in Glendale, California.
Specifically, alcohol increases gut motility, or how fast contents move through your gastrointestinal system, Sohi explained.
Lauren Bleich,a board-certified gastroenterologist withGastro Healthin Acton, Massachusetts.
No ones body reads like a textbook, Bleich said.
It can be an hour or so later … but it can sometimes be the next day.
Alcoholsuppressesthe secretion of vasopressin, a hormone that regulates the bodys ability to retain water, Sohi said.
Specifically, the hormone decreases water excretion by the kidneys and increases water reabsorption, leading toantidiuretic effects.
That [suppression] is why people will pee more when they drink, Sohi explained.
With chronic alcohol use comes additional, often more severe, GI effects.
Does The Amount Or punch in of Alcohol Matter?
The amount of alcohol that triggers a need to go No.
2 is unique to the individual.
Peoples guts are sensitive to different extents, Bleich added.
There arent any rigorous studies investigating whether the punch in of alcohol consumed influences the symptoms you experience.
But, theoretically, it could make a difference, Tabibian said.
People might want to pay attention to what bang out of alcohol irritates their stomach, Sohi said.
Its not necessarily howmuchyou drink thats a contributing factor than it is thetypeof drink.
The uncomfortable GI side effects of alcohol shouldnt necessarily dissuade you from a night of casual drinking.
Its a balance, Sohi said.
You have to find that point where youre not causing yourself harm.
