Diarrhea can be symptomatic of many things, and one of them is a hangover. Sometimes, diarrhea can be so severe that you have to see a doctor or visit a hangover clinic like Hangover Hospital Key West.
Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol is a potent chemical and gets absorbed into the bloodstream immediately after you drink it. The alcohol absorption rate in the stomach slows down if there is food in the stomach. Once the body starts digesting the food, it will be directed to the small intestines. The alcohol in the stomach will be absorbed alongside the food in the small intestines before being expelled into the large intestines.
Most alcohol exits the body via the urine and stool, but it still has a severe effect on the digestive system, leading to diarrhea. These effects will include:
- Increased inflammation
- Bacterial imbalance
- Reduced water absorption and
- Faster digestion
Additional risk factors that could lead to diarrhea are lifestyle choices and other gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS that could increase the chances of having diarrhea when you have a hangover. Hangover diarrhea often does not last long; hence it is easy to feel reprieve soon after your diarrhea begins.
The best part is that there are cures for hangover diarrhea, including:
Stop Drinking
It may sound obvious to you, but it is not too many. If you do get hangover diarrhea, you should stop drinking immediately. Cut out alcohol entirely until your digestive system returns to its normal state.
The best thing to do is to avoid most processed liquids as they may have some alcohol content. Drinking beverages like tea and coffee will be fine. However, it is best only to drink water until you have a solid bowel movement.
If you do stop drinking, hangover diarrhea should pass within a few days at most.
Eat and Drink Easily Digestible Foods and Liquids
Another cure for hangover diarrhea is to eat foods that your body will easily digest. Doing so will help calm your stomach, which will help it return to normal. Some foods that are easy to digest include bananas, eggs, rice, chicken, and toast. Not only are these foods easily digestible, but they are also nutritious, which helps stop diarrhea.
You should avoid dairy and dairy products after having hangover diarrhea. Foods high in fat and fiber will also put more stress on the digestive system making it difficult to recover. The fluids you drink after hangover diarrhea can also make the condition better or worse. You will have lost plenty of water via urine and diarrhea, so you should replace it as soon as you can.
Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths will help restore your water levels and prevent dehydration.
When To See a Doctor
If your diarrhea gets worse, you could go to a pharmacist and ask for some over-the-counter medication which will help absorb water and make your stool solid. Probiotics may also help restore bacterial balance in your digestive tract.
If you drink excessively, be prepared to face the consequences like hangover diarrhea. The above methods should help you address your diarrhea swiftly. However, if it persists, contact your doctor.