Digestion and Alcohol: What's The Link?

If you have digestive issues, and have a history of regular alcohol consumption, these two things may be related.

I work with many clients who come to me with a desire to quit drinking, or after successfully cutting out alcohol, who have digestive issues they can't seem to get ahold of.

This includes symptoms like:

• Heartburn or acid reflux
• IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
• Constipation
• Loose or urgent bowels
• Bloating
• Or even a diagnosis like Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease or Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Typically, they have seen their primary doctor or even a gastrointestinal doctor and were given things to manage their symptoms, but nothing to uncover the root cause or to determine why they are having these symptoms in the first place. They leave with a recommendation for a laxative or fiber product and told to come back in 6-months.

If you've been there -- I get it!

But there is hope, and it lies within a deeper understanding of the digestive system as a whole. Especially if you're on a sober, sober-curious, or less alcohol journey, there is much that can be done to support and rebalance the gut as part of the process.

Distress in the Digestive System

One pattern I am seeing quite often is low levels of digestive enzymes, which can affect the breakdown of the foods we eat and the absorption of nutrients. This can occur as the result of chronic alcohol use, but can also be due to medication use (like acid reflux medication), and other factors like stress and smoking.

When enzymes or stomach acid levels are out of balance, we may see deficiencies in certain nutrients (like B vitamins, minerals, and vitamin D). 

This enzymes are also needed for the breakdown of protein. Which means even if you're striving to get enough protein, you may actually not be absorbing it!

I have been seeing this in many clients who not only show low digestive enzymes in their gut health tests, but they are also showing major deficiencies in their amino acid levels. Amino acids are important for muscle growth, brain health, neurotransmitter function (like production of mood boosting serotonin and dopamine) and more.

The moral of the story is this: If you experience digestive symptoms, you may benefit from simply trying a digestive enzyme (like the one in my gut health supplement kit), or more testing may be needed to determine the cause of your distress.

Microbiome Imbalances

Another important area that I address as part of my investigation in clients with digestive symptoms is looking at the gut microbiome. This is the delicate balance of bacteria that lives inside of our colon and helps with waste removal, nutrient production, immune system function and more.

You've probably heard about "probiotics", the good bacteria that lives in our gut and can be taken via supplement to help improve digestion.

Well, when it comes to alcohol, it significantly lowers bacterial diversity, reduces probiotic levels, and allows for more stress on the gastrointestinal system as a whole. Therefore, digestive symptoms are very closely linked with alcohol-related dysbiosis (the imbalance of "good" and "bad" bacteria).

In this case, a simple probiotic may help (like the one in my gut health supplement kit), or more testing may need to be done to uncover what's going on at a deeper level.

Test, Don't Guess

One of the things I do with ALL of my one-on-one clients is a stool test. This at-home sample gives a variety of details that we otherwise might not understand.

It tells us more about:

• Digestive enzyme levels
• Probiotic levels
• Pathogenic bacteria levels
• Gluten sensitivity
• Gut-immune function
• And more

You can learn more about testing as part of the Functional Sobriety Academy, now enrolling for May membership. Click here to learn more >>

To summarize, here's how to get started improving your gut health:

1. Try a digestive enzyme

2. Try a probiotic

3. Dive deeper into the gut with testing!

Right now, we're hosting a LIVE launch of my Functional Sobriety Academy, my signature course that dives deep into your health as part of your alcohol-free journey. This includes more information on gut health, stool testing, replenishing nutrients, balancing hormones, and so much more!

My bestselling course is back with LIVE sessions, more content than ever before, access to gut health testing, supplements and more! Save $200 off enrollment now!

Click here to learn more about the Academy >>