5. Alcohol Consumption: A Delicate Dance with the Duodenum
Alcohol, while a social lubricant for many, can have damaging effects on our gastrointestinal health when consumed in excess.
Consuming alcohol, especially in large amounts, irritates and erodes the mucosal lining of the stomach and the duodenum. This erosion makes these areas more susceptible to the corrosive action of stomach acids. While moderate alcohol intake might not lead directly to ulcers, it certainly increases the risk, especially when combined with other risk factors.
The body has several mechanisms to protect the stomach and duodenum from the harmful effects of acid. Alcohol can impair these defense mechanisms, including reducing the production of mucus that acts as a protective barrier. This compromised defense, paired with the direct irritation caused by alcohol, can pave the way for ulcers.
Chronic alcohol consumption can interact with medications, including NSAIDs, enhancing their ulcerogenic potential. The combined effects of alcohol and these drugs can significantly elevate the risk of duodenal ulcers.(5)
