Alcohol is a highly addictive and widely consumed substance that affects the health of millions of people globally. It wreaks havoc upon the gut health also.
Alcohol can erode protective mucous layer of the stomach, causing ulcers and inflammation. It can also cause acid reflux leading to heartburn and chest pain.
Alcohol is known to be toxic to cells lining the intestine. Excess consumption can lead to ulcer formation and increase gut motility.
Long-term alcohol consumption reduces the absorption of nutrients from food such as proteins, vitamins and minerals leading to malnutrition.
Alcohol can cause a fall in the population of good microbes living in our gut and rise in bad bacteria. This can lead to gut problems and other health conditions.
Drinking over long periods is linked with an increased risk of developing cancer in various organs and glands of digestive system - stomach, colon, liver and pancreas.