Ever wondered why a fun night out can sometimes end with a not-so-fun stomach ache?
You’re not alone.
Many of us have experienced that uncomfortable, gnawing pain after indulging in a night of heavy alcohol consumption.
But why does this happen, and more importantly, what can we do about it? Let’s dive in and explore the reasons behind alcohol-induced stomach pain and how mindful drinking can be a game-changer.
The Science Behind Your Stomach Pain
Stomach pain from drinking can be the result of multiple organs reacting to alcohol. Understanding how alcohol impacts your digestion is the first step to reducing and eliminating that post-drinking tummy ache.
How Alcohol Affects the Stomach
Alcohol, while a staple in social settings, is essentially a toxin that your body works hard to metabolize. Once it hits your stomach, alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and increased acid production. This can result in that all-too-familiar burning sensation.
The Role of Acidity
Increased stomach acidity is a direct ticket to pain town. Alcohol can cause your stomach to produce more acid than usual, which can lead to gastritis or even ulcers over time. It’s a delicate balance disrupted by those extra drinks.
Common Reasons for Stomach Pain Post-Drinking
Gastritis and Ulcers
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, and in severe cases, ulcers. These conditions are painful and can be exacerbated by drinking.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more and can lead to dehydration. This dehydration affects your stomach’s mucous membrane, making it more susceptible to irritation.
Keep Track Of Your Pain Points and Drinking Triggers
If you’re experiencing stomach pains after drinking, here are some symptoms to look out for that could indicate more serious issues. It’s also important to identify your drinking triggers and reflect on your why so that you can make more mindful decisions in the future.
Common Drinking Triggers
In a survey of Sunnyside members, some of the most common drinking triggers were related to stress, boredom and social pressure.
If you find yourself habitually reaching for a drink following a feeling of emotional or social pressure, consider delaying a drink as long as possible and replacing your desire for a drink with a healthier habit.
Read More: Do You Know Why You Drink? Here’s How to Identify Your Triggers
Read More: 30+ Hacks To Crush Your Drinking Triggers
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating are red flags. These symptoms indicate that your stomach is not happy with your alcohol intake. Alcohol impacts your liver and kidneys, as well as can cause hormonal issues particularly with women.
Read More: 15 Signs Your Body is Telling You You’re Drinking Too Much
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist or you find blood in your vomit or stool, it’s time to see a doctor. Better safe than sorry.
The Healing Power of Mindful Drinking on Your Stomach
The best way to address stomach pain after drinking is taking intentional and preventative steps. Mindful drinking is a great way to build healthier drinking habits and prioritize your health.
Understanding Mindful Drinking
Mindful drinking means being aware of why and how much alcohol you consume. It’s about enjoying your drink without overdoing it. It also means planning and tracking your consumption in order to develop better habits around your drinking behavior.
Understanding what your limits are, or even which alcohol impacts you worse are just some examples of being mindful.
Sunnyside offers a free 15-day trial to help you develop better habits around your drinking. Take the 3-min quiz to create your personal plan and learn more about how you can cut back and feel more in control of your drinking.
Read more: Where do you fall on the alcohol spectrum
Strategies for Mindful Drinking
There are many approaches and strategies to become mindful with drinking. Here are just a few examples to help you get started. Again, using the Sunnyside app is a great way to learn more actionable tips and strategies and many people reduce their consumption by 30% in just 30 days.
Limiting Intake: Decide on a drink limit before you start and stick to it.
Choosing Quality Over Quantity: Savor a good drink instead of gulping down several mediocre ones.
Pairing Food with Alcohol: Eating slows the absorption of alcohol, reducing its impact on your stomach.
Make a Plan and Track your Drinks: Apps like Sunnyside are made to help keep you accountable and provide support to drink less as well as helpful resources and community engagement.
Read more: Mindful Drinking 101: How to Prioritize Your Health and Still Enjoy Drinking
Stay Hydrated: Water is key, both before and after drinking. Also, choosing lighter alcoholic beverages and avoiding mixing types can help prevent stomach pain.
Read more: 7 Ways to Stay Super Hydrated When You Choose to Drink Alcohol
Conclusion
Understanding why your stomach reacts badly to alcohol and adopting mindful drinking practices can significantly improve your social experiences and overall health. It’s about making informed choices and listening to your body’s signals. Cheers to healthier, happier drinking!
FAQs
Hydrating and taking antacids can provide quick relief. Rest and avoiding further alcohol consumption are also crucial.
Yes, drinking water can help dilute stomach acid and reduce irritation.
It can lead to reduced alcohol intake, which lowers the risk of chronic diseases and improves mental and physical health. Sunnyside is the best option for mindful drinking.
Lighter, less acidic beverages are generally easier on the stomach. However, individual tolerance varies.
While tolerance to alcohol’s effects can increase, it doesn’t prevent damage to the stomach lining or reduce pain.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-stomach-pain
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/alcohol/stomach-pain
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcoholic-gastritis-overview
