Why Am I Constipated After Giving Up Alcohol? 2025

If you drink specific types of alcohol, you’re more likely to experience constipation. For example, let’s say you consume a drink that has 20% or more alcohol content. In this scenario, your gut muscles may slow down, which makes it more difficult for food to be pushed through. On the other hand, 1.5 ounces of gin or tequila can contain around 40% alcohol. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to liver damage, which can further exacerbate digestive issues and constipation.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion, and an imbalance can lead to various digestive issues, including constipation. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have the opposite effect and actually worsen constipation. Before we delve into the topic of wine and constipation, let’s first understand what constipation actually is. Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as a low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.

The Connection between Red Wine and Constipation

Individuals with pre-existing bowel conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, may find that their symptoms are exacerbated through withdrawal, and accommodating these flare-ups is vital. On the other hand, some experts believe that moderate wine consumption may have overall health benefits, including improved digestion and gut health. However, it is important to note that these benefits are not specific to constipation and should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for the condition. Some potential risks of using wine as a remedy for constipation include dehydration, liver damage, addiction, and gastrointestinal distress.

Data availability

So just be mindful of which kind of dairy you’re putting in your grocery basket. It isn’t a source of fiber so isn’t going to get things moving, and for some people, the milk in it may even add to your GI issues, Williams says. “When you eat red meat, it’s more likely to make you feel full, so you might not eat things that are more fibrous,” Wood says. In addition, red meat is high in fat which takes your body longer to digest. Thusly, these two delicious add-ins are usually a concern for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well those who have constipation. As registered dietitian nutritionist Erin Lisemby Judge, RDN, of Judge Nutrition & Wellness tells Bustle, to improve constipation, make sure you are eating plenty of fiber, but not too much.

What Did This Study Show?

It is important to understand that red wine, like any alcoholic beverage, acts as a diuretic. Diuretics increase urinary output and may lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate constipation. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, including fiber, which is crucial for promoting regular bowel movements.

Therefore, consuming excessive amounts of red wine can potentially worsen constipation rather than relieve it. Alcohol withdrawal can spark a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, from diarrhea and indigestion to excess gas and constipation. These symptoms are typically more pronounced among heavy drinkers and can persist for several days, impacting individual comfort and quality of life. The duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary with mild to moderate cases of alcohol withdrawal typically resolving within a week. However, regardless of severity, close monitoring of bowel movements throughout the withdrawal period is important to prevent potential complications.

This creates an environment conducive to clot formation, particularly in the left atrium. However, alcohol is also a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to produce more urine than normal. This can lead to dehydration, which is one of the main causes of constipation.

Association between daily alcohol intake and constipation prevalence

• Since our stomach lining is damaged, it’s also more permeable, allowing harmful bacteria to travel to different parts of our body in what’s known as leaky gut syndrome.
• Incorporating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly are also important factors in promoting regularity.
• Red wine, made from grapes, is high in bio-active compounds called polyphenols.
• While this substance is legal if you’re 21 years or older, it doesn’t take much for your body to become dependent on alcohol.
• If you do find yourself experiencing constipation after consuming wine, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort.

Lastly, transitioning from regular alcohol consumption to sobriety may disrupt your daily routine, including meal times and bathroom habits. Our bodies thrive on routines, and any significant changes can temporarily affect digestion and bowel movements. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help your body adjust and promote regular bowel movements. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to permanent damage to the digestive tract, frequent bouts of diarrhea, and potentially a condition called leaky gut syndrome. It is not advisable to use wine or any alcoholic beverage as a laxative due to these potential long-term negative consequences. Severe symptoms may present as profound confusion, persistent vomiting, seizures, or signs of delirium tremens, including hallucinations and shaking.

After applying these exclusion criteria, the final valid sample included 14,465 adults (Fig. 1). Red wine contains compounds known as does wine make you constipated polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation in the body. However, alcohol consumption can also lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. In some cases, persistent constipation after giving up alcohol could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastrointestinal disorders can cause chronic constipation. If your constipation persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

In the U.S. alone, about 60 to 70 million people are living with a gastrointestinal disorder, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But it’s not just that GI disorders are common—they can also be very frustrating for folks experiencing them. By staying in constant dialogue with a healthcare provider, those in recovery can navigate the challenges of withdrawal-related constipation with greater ease and confidence.

• Although this study is based on the large-scale NHANES (2005–2010) database, which provides strong representativeness, several limitations should be considered.
• Additionally, wine contains compounds called polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hence, I took it upon myself to conduct some investigation and present my discoveries to you.

Since withdrawal starts within four to six hours after you stop drinking, these symptoms can appear to be part of the withdrawal process and may last for hours. If you experience constipation during the withdrawal process, focus on becoming hydrated. When you drink a lot of alcohol, the substance can affect your mood, brain, and digestive tract. The same is true with the withdrawal symptoms you go through after you stop drinking. “A cup of coffee or caffeinated tea all contain antioxidants and have health benefits, but they are also dehydrating,” Hillary Cecere MS, RDN, registered dietitian, tells Bustle.

Red wine, made from grapes, is high in bio-active compounds called polyphenols. These polyphenols have a prebiotic effect, promoting the growth of good gut bacteria and increasing antimicrobial activity against bad bacteria. A Spanish study found that drinking about 9 ounces of Merlot or low-alcohol red wine altered the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. If you suspect you have a sensitivity to sulfites, limiting your consumption is essential to preventing adverse health effects. While all wine naturally contains small amounts of sulfites, many manufacturers now produce wines without added sulfites, and red wine typically has lower concentrations than white or dessert wine.

Can dehydration worsen constipation?

We aim to raise awareness, offer guidance, and connect people with recovery programs to help them regain control and improve their lives. Seeking help for alcoholism is a brave and crucial step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our dedicated team offers compassionate support, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to navigate your journey to sobriety and wellness. The main factor that determines the type of treatment program someone should enter is the severity of their AUD. If the disorder is relatively minor, outpatient treatment may be recommended. Before treatment begins, you may sit down with specialists to create a comprehensive program that includes behavioral therapy, goal setting, counseling, and aftercare sessions.