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is beer good for stomach
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Digestive Health
Question #14030
45 days ago
65

is beer good for stomach - #14030

Pihu

I am really curious about this whole idea of whether beer is good for stomach issues or not. A few weeks ago, I started having these weird stomach aches after eating, like super uncomfortable bloating and just icky feelings. My friend suggested maybe drinking beer could help since it has some kind of yeast in it that’s supposed to be good for digestion? I tried a couple of light beers during dinner and felt like it kinda eased the pain, but then the next day, I woke up with this terrible hangover – didn’t even drink that much! I’ve read some articles saying that beer is good for stomach health because of the carbonation and the fermentation process, but then I come across stuff saying alcohol could screw up your digestive system. I just don’t know who to trust! Is beer good for stomach problems, or is it gonna make everything worse? Like, should I be balancing my nights out with food or is that just a recipe for disaster? And what about those times when it seems to help, but I wake up feeling worse the next day? Confused is an understatement! Trying to figure this out before I end up in more pain or worse. Any thoughts or insights?

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Doctors’ responses

Beer, in moderation, might provide some people with temporary relief from mild digestive discomfort because of its carbonation, which can sometimes help with bloating. The yeast and certain components found in beer are fermented, which might aid digestion to a limited extent, particularly in people who have healthy guts. However, it’s important to consider a few factors. Alcohol, even in beer, can irritate the gut lining and exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, especially if consumed in larger amounts. Your symptoms of bloating and pain after eating could signal conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, or other digestive disorders, and alcohol could potentially worsen these by increasing acid production and affecting the gut microbiome. As for the hangover after drinking just light beers, it could be a sign that even small amounts of alcohol might be affecting you more than typical, perhaps due to dehydration, interaction with gut health, or even individual tolerance variations. To address your discomfort without risking additional problems that beer might cause, start by observing and possibly modifying your diet. Avoid triggers like high-fat meals, spicy foods, and excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can all aggravate digestion. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might also help alleviate the bloating. Drinking plenty of water, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber can also promote digestive health. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you’re concerned about underlying digestive health issues, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if you need further tests or specific treatment to address any potential gut-related conditions. It’s essential to prioritize strategies that are more sustainable for your overall well-being without relying on alcohol, which could mask symptoms rather than address the root cause.

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