Effect on the kidneys

Alcohol affects the hormone balance in the kidneys. Alcohol consumption inhibits the production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH, formerly vasopressin). The hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and fulfils regulatory tasks in the water balance.

ADH has an antidiuretic effect. This means that it causes water to be reabsorbed in the kidneys via water channels (aquaporins). This means that the body loses as little water as possible with the urine.

However, alcohol now inhibits the release of ADH. The consequence is that more water is excreted via the kidneys. This also explains why you often have to go to the toilet when you drink alcohol. This effect of alcohol on the kidneys can lead to dehydration (loss of water). This explains the pronounced thirst that many people experience the day after drinking, the so-called “after thirst”.

Effect on the gastrointestinal tract

About a quarter of the alcohol enters the blood through the stomach lining, the majority through the small intestine. Initially, the alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract leads to increased blood circulation. More products are formed in the stomach and intestinal walls, such as digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid, which is present in large quantities in the gastric juice.

In the medium term this leads to hyperacidity in the stomach. If alcohol is consumed in large quantities over a long period of time, the acidosis can cause complications. The body consumes the available minerals in large quantities and eventually falls back on the mineral depots in the bones to cover its needs.If the bone metabolism is severely impaired, osteoporosis can develop.

In the long term, alcohol consumption strongly irritates the stomach lining and high quantities of gastric acid are produced. This often leads to acute inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis). If you do not change your lifestyle and continue to drink alcohol regularly, the inflammation of the stomach lining can become chronic.

Chronic gastritis increases the risk of developing a stomach ulcer. Other parts of the intestine can also become inflamed. Acute intestinal inflammation can cause characteristic gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to utilize food is impaired in the long term.

Nausea after alcohol consumption
Inflammation of the intestine