Gastroenterologist explains 5 harmful effects of alcohol on your digestive system

Even a few drinks can quietly harm your gut. Here’s how alcohol inflames your digestive system and weakens immunity, according to experts. (Image: Pexels)

Alcohol is something many people enjoy, at parties, dinners, or to unwind after a long day. It’s socially accepted and often seen as harmless in moderation. But what many don’t realise is that alcohol can slowly upset your digestive system, even if you don’t feel the effects right away.

Your gut plays a key role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping your immune system strong. But when alcohol enters the system, it begins to interfere with how your gut works. "Even small amounts may irritate your gut lining, cause bloating or reflux, and throw off healthy bacteria. Over time, this can lead to poor digestion and long-term discomfort", Dr Surakshith T K, Senior Consultant – Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Fortis Escorts, Okhla, told Moneycontrol.

 Dr Surakshith suggests 5 harmful effects of alcohol on your digestive system:

It weakens your immune system: Your intestine isn’t just a food tube—it’s lined with a mucosal barrier that filters toxins and absorbs nutrients. Alcohol irritates and inflames this barrier. "Alcohol inflames this mucosal lining. This weakens the intestinal wall and hampers nutrient absorption", says Dr Surakshith.  This can trigger “leaky gut syndrome”, allowing harmful substances to slip into the bloodstream and provoke widespread inflammation, he adds.

It disrupts your gut’s bacteria balance: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria—some good, some not so much. Alcohol tips the scale in favour of the bad guys.
“Alcohol encourages the growth of harmful bacteria while depleting the good ones,” says Dr Surakshith. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can cause bloating, diarrhoea, and long-term issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also keeps your immune system on high alert, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation.

Also Read: IBS explained: How to heal your gut with simple diet and lifestyle changes

It fuels acid reflux: That burning sensation in your chest after a few drinks? Not a coincidence. “Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter,” explains Dr Surakshith. That’s the muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When it relaxes too much, acid flows upward—causing reflux, heartburn, and eventually GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

It increases gastric acid production: To make matters worse, alcohol stimulates your stomach to produce more acid than usual. That means double trouble: more acid, and a weaker barrier to stop it.This combination raises the risk of ulcers, indigestion, and long-term erosion of the digestive tract lining.

It creates a domino effect: Even if the next-day hangover fades, the damage doesn’t stop there. From nutrient deficiencies to weakened immunity and mood disorders, the gut’s imbalance affects the whole body.

Moderation is important and gut-saving. “Stay hydrated, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and support your gut with healthy food,” advises Dr Surakshith. "Because your gut isn’t just a background organ—it’s the foundation of your well-being. And yes, every drink really does count", he says.

Also Read: Alcohol harms the liver by first breaking down gut protection, says study

FAQs on how alcohol harms the digestive system:

How does alcohol affect the gut lining?
Alcohol irritates and inflames the gut lining, weakening the intestinal wall and hampering nutrient absorption.

Can alcohol disrupt the balance of gut bacteria?
Yes, alcohol encourages the growth of harmful bacteria while depleting beneficial ones, causing an imbalance known as dysbiosis.

What causes the burning sensation in the chest after drinking alcohol?
Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow upward, causing reflux and heartburn.

Does alcohol increase stomach acid production?
Alcohol stimulates the stomach to produce more acid than usual, increasing the risk of ulcers and indigestion.

What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the digestive system?
Alcohol can lead to poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, weakened immunity, mood disorders, and chronic inflammation.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.