Alcohol is a common component of innumerable meals, celebrations, and social occasions, whether you enjoy a glass of wine on occasion or mark the start of the weekend with a few cocktails.
In reality, 54.9 percent of individuals in the United States reported drinking alcohol in the previous month, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2019.While moderate red wine drinking has long been linked to cardiovascular benefits, and many individuals use alcohol to relax, there are substantial hazards associated with alcohol consumption.
According to Alicia Galvin, MEd, RD, LD, IFNCP, Sovereign Laboratories' resident dietitian, alcohol may be a factor in major gastrointestinal health problems.
Galvin explains, "Alcohol can trigger acid reflux." "The lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus to the stomach, relaxes when you drink alcohol. Acid from the stomach can more easily make its way up into the esophagus, causing heartburn."
If you consume alcohol regularly, heartburn may develop a more persistent problem, raising your cancer risk.
"Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is a cancer of the esophagus that affects people with GERD. People who have more frequent symptoms appear to be at a higher risk "According to statistics from the American Cancer Society.
Reflux that is not treated for a long time can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of Cancer over time. While the vast majority of people who develop Barrett's esophagus will not get Cancer, the American Cancer Society states that "those with Barrett's esophagus are at a substantially higher risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus than people without this illness." Barrett's esophagus can lead to dysplasia, a cellular abnormality associated with an increased risk of Cancer.
According to a study published in the journal Cancer in 2021, acid reflux was linked to a twofold increase in the risk of esophageal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas among a cohort of 490,605 individuals who took part in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.
However, according to Galvin, acid reflux isn't the only gastrointestinal problem that alcohol can cause. "Alcohol reduces food absorption and enhances toxin transport through intestinal membranes in the small intestine. This could contribute to the liver and other organs developing alcohol-related consequences "According to Galvin, alcohol intake can decrease intestinal muscle action, which can lead to diarrhea, as well as stimulate the growth of gram-negative bacteria, which can increase intestinal permeability.
If you must drink, do so in moderation and consult your doctor if acid reflux or other gastrointestinal symptoms occur.