Have you ever experienced stomach aches after drinking alcohol? You are not alone! Heavy and daily consumption of alcohol can lead to such conditions.
But we cannot blame alcohol alone; there are chances that some health condition or drug/medication can interact with alcohol and can generate pain in your stomach.
So, if you enjoyed your last night's party and are now dealing with stomach pain, here you will know how to cure stomach aches after drinking alcohol so it won't worsen your health. Let's explore!
What Causes Stomach Ache After Drinking Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol can affect your body in many ways, which is why there are different causes of stomach ache after drinking alcohol. Let’s uncover:
i). Gastrointestinal Diseases:
This cause is also known as alcohol gastritis, which affects the stomach and intestines lining if you consume alcohol excessively. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or, in severe cases, it can lead to bleeding.
Further, it can also cause your digestion to slow down and increase the level of fatty substances present in your stomach, liver, and pancreas secretions, which all cause stomach aches.
ii). Gut Imbalance:
The gut consists of good bacteria that help to boost digestion. Excess alcohol can destroy them or imbalance the gut and produce bad bacteria that break down the protective wall inside the intestines and cause inflammation and digestive issues, resulting in stomach pain.
iii). Stomach Ulcer:
A stomach ulcer is a health condition that destroys the mucosal lining by developing sores in the stomach lining.
It can further cause abdominal pain or bloating, changes in weight, vomiting blood, and black stools, mainly caused by NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It can also lead to gastrointestinal tract (UGI) bleeding or gastric cancer.
iv). Food Allergies or Sensitivities:
Sometimes, people prone to food allergies or sensitivities can experience stomach aches if alcohol is cross-contaminated with food such as dairy products or spicy food.
v). Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
This health condition mostly affects diabetic people. When alcohol breaks down in the liver, it produces lactic acid and stops releasing glucose or lowers blood sugar production, which can further lead to sweating, hunger, fatigue, and shakiness.
vi). Drug Interactions:
Drinking alcohol over any medicine such as antidepressants, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, etc., can lead to interactions, which can be dangerous for overall health and cause stomach ache, which may further lead to nausea or vomiting.
vii). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
GRED is a chronic digestive condition that affects the lower part of the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation of the esophagus.
These symptoms increase on drinking alcohol, which causes stomach aches and can damage esophageal mucosa.
How To Cure Stomach Ache After Drinking Alcohol?
If you want to enjoy alcohol still and also want to know the methods of how to cure stomach ache after drinking alcohol, then follow the guidelines below:
1. Boost Yourself With Carbohydrates.
The first option to try is to feed yourself with some carbs. Alcohol consumption can disturb your blood sugar level and affect the level of glucose.
So, having snacks full of carbohydrates and sugar, like toast, crackers, honey, or chicken soup, can avoid irritability, fatigue, or weakness. All these snacks can help you to increase your blood sugar level, boost your energy, and console your stomach.
Additionally, you can get some protein, vitamins, and minerals if you consider eating celery and carrots. However, eat slowly to avoid further stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea.
2. Drink Lots of Water.
If you are dealing with stomach pain after a night of drinking alcohol, then it is essential to make yourself well-hydrated the next morning.
Alcohol dehydrates the body by suppressing certain hormones and makes you urinate more, which makes your mouth dry and causes headaches.
According to the American Council on Exercise, California Pete McCall, drinking water not only helps to replenish necessary fluids but also helps the bloodstream and circulatory system.
This aims to carry nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and flush the wastes that accumulate due to excessive alcohol consumption from the body. It is also suggested to drink water after drinking alcohol before sleep to avoid stomach booze.
3. Sip Sports Drinks.
Another tip on how to cure stomach aches after drinking alcohol is to drink some sports drinks like Gatorade, Pedialyte, and Powerade, which contain sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes.
These drinks help you to restore lost fluid and lost nutrients. Another way is to buy some electrolyte tablets that easily dissolve in water and help you to rehydrate.
After drinking, if you feel vomiting or nausea, just add some salt to your electrolyte drink. According to research, electrolyte-rich beverages can help to remain hydrated, maintain blood sugar and sodium levels that contribute to cure stomach pain.
4. Boost Yourself With Vitamin B and C.
To flush out the stomach ache from drinking alcohol, try vitamin B, which helps boost energy levels and keeps your immune system strong.
You can also consider a vitamin B6 tablet of 10mg on the night you are planning to drink alcohol to avoid a hangover.
When you wake up the next morning, you can consume eggs, which offer lean protein, to remove the effects of alcohol.
You can also consider taking vitamin C. According to research, if you have a weaker immune system, the consumption of alcohol can negatively affect your body.
So, to protect yourself from alcohol-related illness, consume vitamin C such as broccoli, red bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, etc.
5. Try Antacids Medications.
Alcohol can increase stomach acid production, which causes stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion. So, to avoid such illnesses, consider taking OTC medications, namely antacids, that are helpful to balance the stomach acid by controlling the secretion of acid and decreasing the pH level of your stomach.
You can consider antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Tums, to help relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort. However, before taking such medication, always consult your doctor, as they may contain compounds like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate.
6. Wisely Use Painkillers.
Are you considering painkillers for your stomach ache after drinking alcohol? Wait! It can worsen your pain. Well, most people consider taking ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen for their pain, but it can irritate the stomach lining and also increase the risk of ulcers when taken after alcohol.
Although they help in relieving the pain, they can be harmful if not taken in moderation with the combination of alcohol.
So, it is advised that if you are also using painkillers, choose them wisely and consume them in small doses. Instead of Advil, consider acetaminophen (Tylenol) to avoid excess strain on your stomach.
7. Avoid Foods That Trigger Acute Gastritis.
Stomach pain after drinking alcohol can be due to acute gastritis. Avoiding foods that trigger alcoholic gastritis should be helpful to prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Alcohol already increases acid secretion in the stomach; eating such foods can increase acid production and irritate the stomach lining.
Avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot sauces, fatty and fried foods such as fatty cuts of meat, heavily processed foods, caffeine, and acidic food such as oranges or tomatoes.
Instead, eat meals that are simple to digest to maintain your digestive power. You can also get help from your dietician and prepare a list of which foods you can eat or avoid to prevent stomach aches after drinking alcohol.
8. Try Ginger to Ease Ache.
Another tip is to use ginger to ease the stomach ache after drinking alcohol. Many doctors believe that ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory home remedy that contains gingerol and zingerone compounds, which are greatly helpful in relieving upset stomach after drinking alcohol.
Additionally, ginger also relieves symptoms like nausea, bloating, gas, and indigestion that may occur after drinking alcohol.
You can try ginger in the form of ginger tea, ginger supplement, or raw ginger to settle your stomach and ease your discomfort.
9. Rest to Restore Circadian Rhythm.
One of the easiest ways how to cure stomach aches after drinking alcohol is to rest to restore your circadian rhythm.
Drinking excess alcohol can make you fall asleep faster, but it also disrupts your sleep and interferes with your body's natural circadian rhythm. If circadian rhythm does not function properly, it can cause indigestion, leading to stomach ache.
So, to avoid such conditions, hydrate yourself well, eat a meal after drinking alcohol, and rest to heal and repair damage caused by alcohol consumption by breaking down and absorbing nutrients from food to settle stomach aches.
10. Visit Your Healthcare Provider.
Unfortunately, if nothing works for you, the last option is to visit your doctor if the stomach ache persists. The long-lasting and persistent pain after drinking alcohol can be due to any underlying health condition, such as gastritis, ulcers, GERD, or pancreatitis.
Your doctor will evaluate and diagnose any of the exact causes of stomach pain and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms of stomach ache.
How To Prevent Stomach Ache After Drinking Alcohol?
To enjoy drinking without any hamper inside your stomach, try the below prevention tips:
- Moderate Drinking: Drinking alcohol in moderation is good for your health and safety. Sipping less alcohol can make you feel enjoyed and also prevent stomach aches and hangovers.
- Keep Drinking Water: Next, keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after drinking alcohol to reduce the risk of hangovers and stomach acid production, which can further lead to stomach aches.
- Eat Before Drinking: Eating protein, high-carb food, or healthy fat before drinking prevents alcohol reactions inside your stomach.
- Drink Slow: To enjoy alcohol and prevent stomach ache, consume only one glass of alcohol in an hour. The slow pace will help you from intoxication and hangover.
- Relax: The body needs time to recover. So rest and avoid heavy work. Try a warm bath to reduce your body stress.
Conclusion
When it comes to health and wealth, reading these important methods is very crucial. If you have alcoholism, whether you drink frequently or sometimes, you might experience stomach pain and irritability sensation inside your GI.
So, follow these easy steps to relieve your stomach pain and irritability. Integrating these tips can reduce your stomach ache and get rid of a hangover.
When it comes to overall well-being, knowing the cause and solutions can work wonders for you. If your stomach ache is unbearable, consult the doctor immediately.
Finally, we are wrapping up this article with a positive note: Stop drinking alcohol that can be good for you and your health. If you aren't able to quit, then there are many alcohol rehab centers where you can get help from them.
FAQs
1. What can one do if stomach pain after drinking alcohol?
Ans: The immediate solution to get instant relief is to drink antacids. It will reduce heartburn and indigestion.
2. What shall I take for stomach pain after drinking alcohol?
Ans: The best thing is to consume BRAT food such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are easily digestible and helpful to reduce stomach pain.
3. When you have a hangover, can lemon be good?
Ans: Yes, lemon can be good because it is rich in antioxidants. When you have a hangover, it helps a lot. It neutralizes the pH level; alcohol is easily filtered out from the body.
4. Why is my stomach affected more after alcohol?
Ans: Drinking alcohol can urge the burning sensation in the GI and stomach that increases the acid level, which leads to stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
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