The effect of alcohol on the stomach, drinking alcohol for gastritis

Home>Articles>Alcohol and gastritis: is it possible and what kind to drink if you have a chronic disease?

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• Alcohol for gastritis in the acute stage
• Alcohol for gastritis of the stomach in remission
• How much and what kind of alcohol is possible for gastritis
• Alcoholic gastritis: what is it?
• Conclusions and recommendations for alcohol lovers

Gastritis is such a common disease that patients often stop paying attention to it. They are sure that they do not die from this disease, and it is almost impossible to get rid of it. They continue to live, abusing alcohol, forgetting about food restrictions. It would be better to find out whether you can drink alcohol with gastritis and what happens in the stomach when ethanol gets there.

Helicobacter pylori is the main causative agent of the disease, although there are other causes. The disease occurs in different forms. Acute gastritis is accompanied by digestive disorders and attacks of heartburn. The pathology, which has become chronic, practically does not manifest itself, and with prolonged remissions, general relief occurs. In order not to harm yourself, you need to know the effect of alcohol on gastritis and follow the recommendations of doctors.

Content:

1. What is alcoholic gastritis, its types and causes
2. Symptoms and clinical picture
3. Diagnosis of the disease
4. Is it possible to drink alcohol with gastritis: destroying myths
5. What alcohol can you drink if you have gastritis?
6. General recommendations and treatment

Drinking alcohol during gastritis can provoke an exacerbation . During the acute period of the disease, you must stop drinking, and during the remission stage, you must strictly control the amount you drink. If you experience pain in the epigastric region after drinking alcohol, consult a narcologist immediately.

When did remission occur?

Increasingly, patients begin to find out whether it is possible to drink alcohol with gastritis as soon as they enter the stage of remission. You need to understand that the absence of pain and other characteristic manifestations does not indicate complete recovery and cannot give the patient carte blanche to start drinking.

The effect of alcohol on gastritis negatively manifested even during remission. The peculiarity of this effect is that when alcohol gets inside, it begins to provoke abundant secretion of gastric juice. The consequence is an increased formation of hydrochloric acid, which causes severe irritation of the mucous membrane.

Ethanol enters the blood through the walls of the stomach. As a result, the patient quickly begins to get drunk. This process, called resorption, can occur over several hours. It takes several days for the body to recover after such a libation. Throughout this period, ethanol continues to have a negative effect on the human body.

The situation worsens due to the fact that the patient, being under the influence of alcohol, stops following a diet , starting to eat fatty and spicy foods. All this has a detrimental effect on the stomach.

Alcoholic drinks have the ability to dull sensitivity while a person is under the influence of alcohol. It is for this reason that there is a misconception that alcohol can relieve pain from gastritis. In reality, a person does not experience suffering only while he is under the influence of intoxication. Already a couple of hours after this, ethanol begins to have a detrimental effect, leading to severe exacerbation. It is impossible to stop the suffering, because taking painkillers in this state is not recommended.

What is alcoholic gastritis, its types and causes

The disease is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by alcohol abuse. It manifests itself in the form of erosions on the mucous wall, they periodically bleed and cause discomfort.

Gastritis after alcohol occurs:

1. acute (after a single intake of a large amount of alcohol, may be accompanied by poisoning, heartburn);
2. chronic (ethanol gradually leads to pathological changes in the walls, constant inflammation).

The superficial form occurs in almost a third of patients suffering from alcoholism.

The causative agent of the pathology is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. In the chronic stage and during the period of remission, the patient feels well, almost nothing bothers him. But ethanol that gets inside damages the walls of the mucous membrane. The severity of the burn will depend on the strength of the drink and the snack chosen (if any).

The treatment regimen for inflammation includes antibiotics, and they should absolutely not be combined with alcohol. This leads to serious complications - from vomiting to internal bleeding.

The causative agent of the disease

Gastritis begins to develop due to Helicobacter pylori . This is a bacterium that is the main causative agent of this disease. This microorganism has pathogenic properties that cause inflammation of the mucous membrane on the walls of the stomach.

Doctors distinguish several forms of this disease, each of which manifests itself in its own way. For example, during the acute stage of the disease, the patient experiences indigestion, accompanied by almost constant heartburn . In addition, he is overcome by painful attacks of pain and constant nausea .

In the chronic form, the classic symptoms are not so pronounced. Moreover, during remission, the patient may feel completely healthy, but will not be able to get rid of the painful symptoms that will still appear from time to time.

Symptoms and clinical picture of gastritis after alcohol

The patient has:

1. Nausea and vomiting on an empty stomach. There is almost no food in the vomit; it is scanty and liquid.
2. Constant heaviness and pain in the epigastrium, a feeling of “sucking in the pit of the stomach.”
3. The feeling of fullness comes quickly after eating. The abdomen feels full.
4. Heartburn.
5. Giving up breakfast and early meals is not a desire.
6. Strange, unusual food preferences .
7. Bowel problems - constipation is more common than diarrhea.

An unusual symptom is a craving for very sweet tea. It helps patients gain a feeling of fullness with loss of appetite and slightly reduce abdominal pain.

Moreover, many unpleasant phenomena disappear after drinking a strong drink. This is a kind of “hangover for the stomach.” This is because ethanol dulls pain sensitivity. But after the person sobers up, the pain will only intensify . This is where all the myths come from that alcohol is good for gastritis, as it helps to cope with stomach pain.

Diagnosis of the disease

To make a diagnosis, the doctor:

1. Collects complaints, questions the patient in order to get a complete picture of the onset and course of the pathology.
2. Performs endoscopic diagnostics, followed by biopsy if necessary.

Depending on the results obtained, the following may be prescribed:

• Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (assesses the function of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and identifies other diseases).
• Intragastric pH-metry.
• X-ray examination - according to the doctor's decision.
• Blood, urine and stool tests.

Is it possible to drink alcohol with gastritis: destroying myths

Many myths
are spreading among ordinary people .
For example, it is believed that alcohol has the ability to overcome gastrointestinal disorders. Or as if ethanol helps to disinfect everything inside and kill pathogenic harmful bacteria. It's an illusion. Drinking only leads to an increase in the amount of hydrochloric acid and further damages the tissue in the existing lesion. When persuading people to drink alcohol if they have gastritis, they say that there will be no complications if you immediately take Enterosorbent or a drug like Omez. This is also a mistaken opinion - it does not help .

Drunkards choose high-calorie, fatty snacks and believe that the food mixes with alcohol, forms a lump and does not damage the wall. This is true, but only partly. The snack only slightly softens the effect of ethanol. After drinking a glass of vodka on an empty stomach, a person pours it onto the open wound of the damaged mucous membrane.

Alcohol and bowel diseases

How long does it take for alcohol to leave the body?

When alcohol enters the body, it affects all internal organs, especially the stomach, intestines and liver.
Many people suffering from constipation and other intestinal problems believe that a certain dose of alcohol can help with intestinal stagnation. However, this traditional method of treatment often only makes the situation worse. Some types of alcohol can indeed help relax the intestines, but the vast majority have the opposite negative effect. Any drink containing ethyl alcohol negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and intestines. Ethanol is absorbed into the walls of the stomach and intestines, poisoning it and disrupting the metabolism of the entire body. The breakdown of alcohol also leads to poor absorption of nutrients and dehydration.

Constant and prolonged consumption of alcohol causes natural chemical burns to the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The incoming food ceases to be properly digested and enters the intestines entirely. This is how stagnation and constipation are formed.

How does alcohol affect the gastrointestinal tract?

In chronic alcoholism, disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract take on a pathological character. As long as a person drinks, the intestines will slowly atrophy. Even if we take into account the option, if the alcoholic is completely cured of his illness, it will no longer be possible to restore stool and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The influence of alcohol affects all intestinal functions, disrupting processes such as:

1. Absorption of useful substances, such as protein and its compounds, as well as all B vitamins! That is why it is recommended to take this particular group of vitamins during withdrawal symptoms or a hangover;
2. Permeability of the intestinal walls. Burns to the mucous membrane affect the entire intestinal tract.
3. Absorption of folic acid and other beneficial vitamins and salts.

In addition to the intestines, ethanol also negatively affects the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. The walls of blood vessels are destroyed, and the capillaries become clogged. Blood circulation is disrupted and the amount of water in the blood drops. Due to insufficient blood circulation, different parts of the body suffer from a lack of oxygen, the intestinal muscles contract and chronic constipation appears.

Any dose of alcohol will definitely affect the body’s performance - don’t think that it will bypass you! Its toxic effects severely poison all organs and tissues of the body.

Against the background of regular consumption of ethyl alcohol, diseases such as gastritis and ulcers, cirrhosis and liver damage, pancreatitis and pancreatic necrosis, necrosis (including intestinal walls), and disruption of the body's glands can develop.

The result of the above diseases can be the formation of constipation and fecal stones. Drinkers often suffer from such complications. But there are some types of alcohol that, on the contrary, promote intestinal function, and only if consumed in moderation. For example, 50 ml of good wine with lunch can also benefit the body. But some people have contraindications to any amount of alcohol, and even this should be avoided.

It’s also worth saying that if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract and stool even without alcohol, then any dose of alcohol is strictly contraindicated!

Remember that health is the most important thing a person has. And taking care of it lies only in your hands. If you see symptoms of developing alcoholism in yourself or a loved one, immediately contact a drug treatment clinic. The highest quality and, most importantly, anonymous assistance will be provided to you only in private institutions. Alcoholism is a serious disease that requires medication and psychotherapy. Any treatment is useless without the expressed motivation of a person’s desire to be cured.

If the addict does not realize his problem, the best solution would be to call a narcologist at home. At home, a visiting narcologist will conduct an initial examination, collect anamnesis, provide drug treatment assistance and advise on further treatment. And most importantly, it will convince the person to start a course of therapy.

What alcohol can you drink if you have gastritis?

Is it okay to drink alcohol if you have gastritis? Yes, but only a small amount and only during the remission stage! And this statement is not a guide to action, but an exception to the rule. It can be difficult to refuse a glass during a feast. But please remember certain rules.

1. Do not snack on very spicy , spicy, or overcooked foods.
2. Drink only good quality drinks.
3. Avoid sparkling wines , champagne, beer, energy drinks and canned cocktails. These liquids greatly increase acidity and lead to erosion.
4. Choose what kind of alcohol you can use for gastritis . You can drink 50 grams of good vodka or 200 grams of dry wine once a month. Please note that once a month.
5. You are allowed to drink high-quality unfiltered beer. But only if there is beer without preservatives from a trusted manufacturer. Dose - one glass of beer (0.5 liters) once a month. It is better to avoid filtered beer.
6. Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. We recommend that you eat first and drink a cheerful drink after the meal. Suitable foods for snacks are natural foods (such as eggs, ham, boiled vegetables).
7. If unfavorable symptoms occur, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor!

General treatment recommendations

If there is inflammation of the stomach lining:

1. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
2. Follow your diet. Meals should be regular. Do not allow long breaks between meals (optimally – 5 times a day with a break of 3 hours).
3. When the disease worsens, eat fish and meat broths. Later you can add soups and liquid cereals. Steamed dishes are healthy. Avoid smoked foods, fried foods, whole milk and fresh baked goods.
4. Take food no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime.
5. After eating, do not lie down in a horizontal position for an hour to avoid food reflux into the esophagus.
6. If necessary, on the recommendation of a doctor, eradicate the bacteria H. pylori .
7. To prevent breakdowns, take a course of psychotherapy .

The prognosis of the disease is favorable. Successful treatment will require the supervision of doctors of different specialties: narcologist, gastroenterologist, psychiatrist, psychologist. The help and support of loved ones is important. The main thing to remember is that a timely visit to a specialist will help you take the necessary measures and return to a healthy, fulfilling life. Take care of yourself and your health.

Possible complications of alcoholic gastritis

Gastritis is often accompanied by a feeling of thirst. This is a fairly characteristic sign. The patient refuses to eat. An aversion to any food may occur. Discomfort, bloating, and heaviness appear in the upper abdomen. Initial symptoms are constipation and diarrhea. Basically they occur in sequence. The lack of drug therapy leads to the development of such complications: cirrhosis, pancreatitis, colitis, cholecystitis.

Hepatitis may develop. At any moment, damage to other organs will occur. Patients with this disease experience sudden weight loss. The patient constantly experiences a feeling of fatigue and weakness. Cholecystitis occurs due to stagnation of bile. This is affected by refusal to eat.

The risk of developing severe consequences can only be reduced by promptly consulting a doctor. In addition, you will need to completely stop drinking alcohol. Medicines restore digestive function. It is important to consider that drug therapy is long-term.

Literature:

1. Diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment / [Trukhan D.I., Tarasova L.V., Filimonov S.N., Viktorova I.A.]. - St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2014. - 157 p.
2. Gastroenterology. Internal diseases: a textbook for students studying in the specialty 06010165 - General Medicine and 06010365 - Pediatrics / D. I. Trukhan, I. A. Viktorova. - St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2013. - 367 p.
3. Diseases of the digestive organs / O. V. Shtygasheva, N. N. Butorin, V. S. Kablukov; Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Khakass State University named after. N. F. Katanova.” — Abakan: Khakass State University named after. N. F. Katanova, 2021. - 311 p.