According to experts, alcohol has the potential to leave a trail of damage throughout the entire digestive system. This can affect both the structure and function of digestive cells, and can result in infections, ulcers, diarrhoea and a reduced ability to absorb nutrients.
Alcohol can be absorbed into the blood from all parts of the digestive tract, but this happens fastest just after alcohol leaves the stomach, in the small intestine. Acute alcohol intake can cause damage to the cells in the small intestine causing them to bleed or form blisters. As little as one beverage with high alcohol content can be enough to cause bleeding in the upper small intestine.
Acute and chronic alcohol consumption can make the cells in the small intestine ‘leaky’ to toxic substances. The gut immune system is also affected, as alcohol can cause inflammation, which can cause injury to organs and increase the risk of infection. An overgrowth of nasty bacteria can also be present in the small intestine of people who drink alcohol consistently at hazardous levels.
Alcohol use can mean that nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, vitamins and trace minerals are poorly absorbed. Common vitamins and minerals that could be affected include folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and fat soluble nutrients such as vitamins A,D and E, and the mineral calcium.
Some other side effects of alcohol use include diarrhoea, and an increased risk of lactose intolerance, which can cause bloating and gas production. The good news is that some of this damage can be undone after several weeks by ceasing alcohol consumption.
References available upon request