Diarrhoea and Alcohol: What to Do the Morning After a Big Night Out

The Hedonistlabs laboratories


Picture yourself at a lively party, the music is pumping, and laughter fills the air. You're having a great time, sipping your favourite drinks, celebrating life. Fast forward to the next morning, and the scene is completely different. You wake up with a pounding headache, feeling dehydrated and queasy. Sound familiar? It's the all-too-common consequence of a night of indulgence, commonly known as a hangover.

A hangover often comes with various symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and dehydration, along with a change in mood. However, a less-discussed but common symptom is diarrhoea.
Research shows that around 20% of people with a hangover experience diarrhoea. Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased motility and impaired digestion.

Alcohol's Impact on the Digestive System:

According to a study published in the 'Journal of Gastroenterology', alcohol can disrupt the intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and diarrhoea.*

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance:

Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urination and leads to dehydration. This imbalance affects the gastrointestinal system, often resulting in diarrhoea (Source: 'Annals of Internal Medicine').

Moderation is the key to drinking alcohol. If you have diarrhoea the morning after a heavy night, remember to drink water regularly to make up for the fluid you've lost, and to eat lightly. If symptoms persist, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.