2. Chronic Alcohol Consumption: The Silent Eroder
You probably know that too much alcohol isn’t great for your liver, but did you ever stop to think about what it’s doing to your stomach? The impact is more severe than you’d imagine. Alcohol has a corrosive effect on the stomach lining, slowly eroding it over time. For people who drink excessively, this could be the missing piece in the gastritis puzzle.
The severity of the impact also varies with the type of alcohol consumed. Stronger spirits tend to be more damaging, rapidly increasing stomach acidity. Here’s a point to ponder—people who consume alcohol on an empty stomach are at a higher risk of developing gastritis. Why? Because there’s no food to act as a buffer against the harsh liquid.
But let’s clear up a common misconception—gastritis due to alcohol isn’t exclusive to heavy drinkers. Even social drinkers are not immune. Occasional binge-drinking episodes can cause acute gastritis, resulting in symptoms that appear suddenly and are quite severe.
This form of gastritis can cause more than just stomach discomfort. Think about the cascade of events that happen within the body after consuming alcohol. The inflammation can lead to bleeding and ulcers, which is a whole other level of concern. Long-term effects might not surface immediately, but they are far-reaching.
In terms of treatment, the course of action varies widely. Some individuals might need medication to control stomach acid, while others may need to undergo detoxification. But it underscores the broader point that drinking habits cannot be separated from overall stomach health. (2)
