Does Liquor Make You Constipated: Causes Fixes and Tips

Does liquor make you constipated? Find out the causes, fixes, and expert-approved tips for better digestion and gut health after drinking al...

Does liquor make you constipated? Find out the causes, fixes, and expert-approved tips for better digestion and gut health after drinking alcohol.

We know, the question might have a simple answer in your head already – duh, yes. But if you want to know what’s behind it, what you can do about it, and how to avoid feeling so sluggish the day after a long night of drinking, keep reading.

In this article, we’ll reveal the truth about liquor and your digestive system. We’ll tell you what causes constipation after drinking, what science has to say about it, and what you can do to feel better (fast). So, keep reading, whether you’re a social drinker or a weekend warrior, and you’ll learn how alcohol impacts your bowels and how to keep them healthy.

Does Liquor Make You Constipated?

The Short Answer

Yes, it’s true that liquor can lead to constipation. If you’ve felt like your bowels have slowed down or you’re backed up after a night of drinking, it’s not just in your head. In fact, many studies and doctors agree that alcohol, especially when consumed in large amounts, can slow down your digestive process and cause constipation.

The key word there is slow down. While it’s true that drinking too much can mess with your digestive system and regularity, this doesn’t mean that having a single drink will inevitably lead to constipation (or bloating or diarrhea).

Why Does Liquor Cause Constipation?

1. Dehydration from Alcohol

Dehydration from alcohol is one of the most significant reasons liquor leads to constipation. After all, liquor is a diuretic which means it makes you urinate more and remove more liquid from your body than you put back in.

This means less water in your colon which, in turn, leads to the harder, drier stools that take a while to come out.

Slower-moving food in your intestines
Interrupted balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut

Research Insight:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Drinking alcohol can throw off electrolyte levels and cause a slowing of the intestines.”

Furthermore, not drinking enough water while you’re drinking alcohol only exacerbates this issue.

2. Impact on Digestive Muscle Contractions

Alcohol also causes changes in the nerves and muscles that push waste through your colon. This condition, also known as alcohol-induced motility dysfunction, results in food taking longer to digest and the stools being harder to pass.

It’s also a fact that some types of liquor are even more constipation-prone. Zero-fiber alcohols like whiskey or vodka also lead to irregular bowel movements and more gut issues.

3. Changes in Gut Microbiome

The microbiome is the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract, and most of it is good. There are trillions of helpful bacteria in your digestive tract that help control and digest the food you eat and flush out your system.

The problem is that too much alcohol also throws off this balance, killing off the good bacteria and feeding the bad bacteria in your gut microbiome.

On the other hand, research shows a healthy gut microbiome leads to regular bowel movements and fewer GI issues.

Who Is Most at Risk?

1. Heavy Drinkers

Daily drinkers and binge drinkers on the weekends have a much higher chance of constipation. It’s because of their higher alcohol intake and the cumulative effects of dehydration and bad food choices.

2. Low-Fiber Diet Consumers

If you’re a fan of alcohol but don’t include fiber in your diet regularly, you’re more prone to constipation. In addition, some people have a habit of eating meat-heavy dinners followed by liquor. However, both of these increase digestive sluggishness.

3. People with Pre-existing GI Conditions

Do you have a pre-existing GI condition like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), GERD, or chronic constipation? If yes, alcohol can aggravate this condition.

The thing is that most studies on alcohol-induced constipation show a higher risk factor for people who already have a GI condition.

The same way alcohol can make your hangover worse, it can increase your other symptoms.

What Type of Liquor Is the Worst?

Beer vs. Wine vs. Spirits

Beer:

Beer has some carbs, and in small amounts it can even have a mild laxative effect. But at the same time, excessive beer drinking still leads to dehydration and constipation. While we said that the hard stuff is worse, don’t use beer as an excuse.

Wine:

Wine, on the other hand, has tannins which may slow down digestion for some.

Hard liquors:

Hard liquors like whiskey, rum, and gin, in general, cause dehydration more quickly and more severely.

Note:

Sugary mixers or cocktails with soda and artificial flavors also make your gut issues worse. They irritate your stomach lining and contribute to constipation.

Fixes – How to Prevent and Relieve Constipation After Drinking

1. Hydrate Before, During, and After Drinking

As mentioned, alcohol is a diuretic that increases urination, which results in dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and constipation.

In addition, drinking lots of water can help prevent liquor-related constipation. Aim to drink at least one glass of water for each alcoholic beverage.

Tip: Add electrolyte solutions or coconut water to your water intake to replenish your body’s electrolytes lost through urination.

2. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

A high-fiber diet is essential in regulating bowel movements.

Best High-Fiber Foods:

Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Whole grains (oats, brown rice)
Fruits (apples, berries, pears)
Beans and lentils
Chia seeds and flaxseeds

3. Avoid Greasy and Processed Foods

Drinking is usually accompanied by heavy meals. Unfortunately, processed and greasy foods also slow down digestion and contribute to constipation.

Choose light meals with natural fiber and healthy fats instead.

4. Get Moving

Exercise is a natural way to stimulate your digestive tract. Even a 20-minute walk after a drinking session can help keep your system from slowing down.

5. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Helping to restore your gut flora with probiotics may also improve stool consistency and frequency.

Study Insight:

Probiotic therapy decreased constipation symptoms by 0% to 30% in adults, with a moderate quality of evidence

Natural Remedies and Supplements

1. Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium helps relax the muscles of your intestines and pull water into your colon, which can help with constipation.

2. Herbal Teas

Herbs like senna, peppermint, and ginger can also support digestion.

Caution: Herbal laxatives should only be used occasionally and under the supervision of a doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.

When to Seek Medical Help

Constipation is typically temporary and normal after a heavy drinking session. However, if any of these signs apply to you, it’s time to visit a doctor.

You haven’t had a bowel movement in more than 3 days
You feel severe bloating or pain
You see blood in your stool
OTCs don’t work

While constipation is common and normal after drinking, long-lasting constipation may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Conclusion: Balance Is Key

Does liquor make you constipated? As we’ve seen, the answer is yes. Liquor and alcohol in general, may lead to constipation.

But this doesn’t have to happen to you. If you want to keep your digestive system healthy and happy and support your gut while you drink, you need to understand how alcohol affects your digestion.

By following the tips in this guide – staying hydrated, choosing the right foods, and taking care of your gut – you can enjoy your drinks without feeling so sluggish after.

Call to Action

Enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverages without suffering the next day? Well, you can start by being more aware of what your body needs and how to support it. Share this guide with a friend that could benefit from it, and subscribe to our newsletter for more health and digestion tips!

FAQs

Why does liquor make you constipated?

Liquor dehydrates your body, upsets your gut bacteria, and slows down bowel motility, all of which can lead to constipation.

How long does alcohol-related constipation last?

It can last between 1 and 3 days, depending on how dehydrated you are, your diet, and gut health. Drinking more water and eating more fiber can help you overcome this condition.