Alcohol and Bloating

A distended or bloated stomach is a common abdominal problem that can be caused due to consumption of alcohol. Bloating after drinking alcohol is caused due to various reasons, mainly due to the ingredients contained in alcohol and the food consumed before or while drinking alcohol. It's not just the stomach, alcohol even causes the face, especially cheeks to swell.

Why Does Alcohol Bloat the Stomach?

A major reason behind alcohol-related bloating is the consumption of alcohol in large quantities (binge drinking) and after a long gap of time. The toxins and wheat or grain ingredients that alcoholic beverages contain, can cause the rapid loss of electrolytes from the body. The stomach tends to bloat because of the accumulation of sulfur-bearing gases in the gut wall. These gases even cause pain and abdominal discomfort that lasts for two or more days. The toxins also cause the face to bloat, along with swollen lips and puffy eyelids. Drinking alcohol can also impair the digestive system's ability to digest complex foods properly, which in turn, leads to the development of gas in the abdomen, causing bloating.

Remedies for Alcohol Bloating

Curing bloating due to alcohol is similar to curing a hangover but the cures need to be followed for a longer time to get rid of the bloating thoroughly.

• Eat well before consuming alcohol. An empty stomach will only add to the formation of gas.
• Avoid binge drinking. Not only does this encourage bloating, it also leads to other health problems.
• Take a break from alcohol and drink some water in between as it helps in getting rid of bloating. Water reduces the production of gas in the stomach.
• Over-the-counter medication like Beano, Alka Seltzer and Midol tablets, can be helpful in relieving excessive bloating and the discomfort associated with it.
• Exercising or walking for a while, can help relieve bloating. Certain yoga exercises and postures are also known to be effective.
• Avoid eating foods like broccoli, cabbage and wheat and grain products, that are known to cause bloating.
• Acupressure points on the little finger are known to effectively reduce alcohol bloating. Hold and press the tip of the little finger on each hand for around five minutes, thrice a day for this purpose.
• Soaking yourself in a tub of lukewarm water and epsom salt will help deal with the gas and bloating.
• Avoid swallowing air by chewing gum, smoking and consuming aerated beverages.

Now that you know about the relation between alcohol and bloating, make sure you prevent the condition by following the preventive measures mentioned above. Alcohol bloating can lead to decreased attractiveness in physical appearance and can also lead to the development of various other health problems and disorders. Therefore, it should be consumed in limited amounts to avoid hangovers, bloating and other associated problems.