The impact of alcohol on digestive health

Bismarck, North Dakota – Alcohol use has effects beyond only making you feel tipsy. It may also affect the microbiota in your stomach.

Dietitian Rachel Iverson of Foundation Fitness and Nutrition stated that alcohol use can upset the balance of germs in certain people’s stomachs. This usually poses a challenge for individuals who don’t drink frequently and then alter their habit, as many of us do over the holidays. Iverson stated that although a person’s microbiota is mostly predetermined, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the unfavorable effects you occasionally experience around the holidays.

“If I was really concerned about my gut microbiome, and that was my main focus – that and enjoying the holidays – I would probably eat a high-fiber breakfast, a high-fiber lunch, and make sure there was some type of produce at the party,” Iverson said.

According to Iverson, it’s also a good idea to take a probiotic at the beginning and end of the day and to stay hydrated if you intend to drink.