Alcohol and Inflammation: Understanding the Potential Connection and Its Impact on Health

You might be wondering “Does alcohol cause inflammation in the body? How can I tell if alcohol is behind the inflammation I am feeling?” Most importantly, “How can I decrease and prevent it?”

Alcohol is widely consumed, and many people ask themselves the same questions! Plenty of alcohol consumers want to better understand its effects on the body and even find motivation and guidance to quit drinking overall. 

In this article, we will guide you through the symptoms of alcohol-induced inflammation, its short- and long-term effects, and the most common alcohol-related conditions.

Table of Contents

• Does Alcohol Cause Inflammation?
• What Are the Potential Symptoms of Alcohol Inflammation?
• Short-Term and Long-Term Inflammatory Effects of Drinking
• 3 Alcohol-Related Inflammatory Conditions
• How to Reduce Inflammation While Drinking
• Will Quitting Drinking Reduce Inflammation? 
• Dove Recovery: Here to Support Your Journey to Overall Health and Wellness

Yes! Drinking alcohol can cause inflammation in the whole body. When ingested in small amounts, alcohol is broken down by the liver, and its components can cause inflammation. 

When you drink more than two standard alcoholic drinks, the digestion of alcohol produces free radicals as a by-product. Free radicals further cause inflammation, damaging cells and tissues. 

Since the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract is active in the digestion of alcohol, inflammation is likely to be found in the gut. Alcohol digestion also results in toxins in the gut, which can later diffuse into the bloodstream and damage other parts of the body, including the heart and brain.

In the previous section, we answered the question, does drinking alcohol cause inflammation? — and as we have seen, the answer is yes. Now, let’s dive into some of the most common conditions related to alcohol-induced inflammation. 

• Liver inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) 
• Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) 
• Gastric inflammation (gastritis) 
• Joint or systemic inflammation 
• Skin inflammation
• Behavioral and mood disorders (depression)

Symptoms vary depending on the person and the organ or system that has been more affected. The most common symptoms include: 

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes) 
• Abdominal pain 
• Nausea or even vomiting
• Swollen or tender abdomen 
• Loss of appetite
• Fever 
• Indigestion or heartburn 
• Joint pain or stiffness 
• Redness, heat, and or rashes in the affected areas 

Acute inflammation

Right after drinking alcohol, the body can start to experience a wide variety of immediate effects which can vary depending on the amount consumed, individual tolerance, age, the percentage and type of alcohol, and other factors. 

These are some of the most common immediate effects: 

• Warm sensation or slight flushing as blood vessels dilate
• Increased heart rate 
• Coordination difficulties 
• Slurred speech 
• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Memory impairment 
• Increased stomach acid production 

Chronic inflammation

Consistent alcohol consumption over time can lead to a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may even be deadly, depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed, the duration of drinking, and other factors like genetics and factors that may improve or worsen health conditions. 

The following long-term effects can arise from chronic inflammation induced by alcohol consumption: 

• Liver damage (for example, fatty liver and cirrhosis) 
• Heart problems (high blood pressure) 
• Gastritis, ulcers, or even gastric bleeding 
• Pancreatitis 
• Increased susceptibility to infections 
• Memory problems and brain fog 
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)

#1: Alcoholic Liver Diseases

There are three types of alcohol-associated liver disease: 

• Steatotic (fatty) liver: A fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside the liver cells. This is the most common alcohol-induced liver problem and causes the liver to be abnormally enlarged. 
• Acute hepatitis: This alcohol-associated acute inflammation of the liver is characterized by the presence of the death of liver cells followed by permanent scarring. 
• Cirrhosis: Alcohol-associated cirrhosis leaves scar tissue where working liver tissue was before. This is due to the destruction of normal liver tissue, which may cause the liver to stop working correctly. 

Are you ready to learn how to take control of your health, reduce inflammation, and explore the benefits of quitting alcohol? Join Dove Recovery on this journey to overall wellness!

#2: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the digestive tract. The most common types are: 

• Ulcerative colitis: This condition involves inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the colon and rectum. 
• Crohn’s disease: This condition often involves the deeper layers of the digestive tract, but it most commonly affects the digestive tract. It can also affect the large intestine, and it is less likely to be present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. 

#3: Joint Pain and Rheumatoid Conditions

Alcohol may cause or exacerbate joint pain and rheumatoid conditions because it can lead to the buildup of uric acid in the blood and inflammation. 

Synovial fluid reduces friction between the articular cartilage during movement. Water helps with synovial fluid creation and cartilage support. Since alcohol dehydrates, and cartilages are 80% water, dehydration may result in pain or discomfort in joints. 

There are several ways to reduce inflammation while drinking. The most important tips are to control your alcohol intake to avoid excessive consumption or taper off if quitting abruptly is not an option. Here are some additional suggestions to keep in mind: 

• Staying away from carbonated drinks
• Getting exercise after drinking (and eating) 
• Trying digestive enzymes and/or probiotics to help you break alcoholic drinks and support healthy gut bacteria 

Quitting drinking brings many wonderful benefits to your health! The quickest advantages you will notice are better sleep and less anxiety. Recent studies show that other important benefits are balanced hormones, a stronger immune system, and reduced risks of heart and liver disease and cancer. 

After a month, you can expect your body to normalize liver enzyme levels and blood pressure as well as improve cardiovascular levels which may contribute to weight loss. 

At three months, emotions and mental health also stabilize, allowing a more positive outlook to take over. 

After six months, you may notice major improvements in depression, anxiety, and even sexual function, which can further improve fulfillment in relationships, self-esteem, and confidence. 

If you are ready to embrace these transformations and need support on your journey, Dove Recovery is here to help you! 

Dove Recovery’s experienced professionals, personalized treatments, outpatient partial hospitalization programs, and counseling can provide the support you need to achieve lasting health benefits and deal with potential withdrawal challenges. 

If you are ready to take the next step in reducing alcohol-induced inflammation and improving your overall health, Dove Recovery is here to support you every step of the way! 

Our programs are tailored to your specific needs and journey, and our skilled experts can give you the guidance you need in your journey to quitting alcohol. 

With Dove Recovery’s guidance, you will have the skills and tools necessary to achieve lasting wellness. Reach out to Dove Recovery today and start your journey toward a healthier, more stable, alcohol-free life!