As the jingle bells ring and New Year celebrations fill calendars, alcohol consumption often increases during the holiday season. While many associate post-party discomfort with headaches or fatigue, doctors report a parallel rise in gastrointestinal complaints too, including abdominal pain, acidity, indigestion, loose stools, and even vomiting of blood.
According to Dr. D. Chandra Sekhar Reddy, MD, DM (Gastroenterology), Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Therapeutic Endoscopist, Yashoda hospitals, Hyderabad, they frequently see a noticeable spike in digestive complaints following holidays marked by heavy food and alcohol intake.
“We do see an increase in gastrointestinal problems after holidays,” Dr. Reddy said during a phone interview with MedBound Times.
Dr. Reddy explains that post-holiday digestive issues most often present as:
Abdominal pain, commonly linked to gastritis
Indigestion and acidity
Loose stools or diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Vomiting of blood in severe cases
Acute pancreatitis following binge drinking
Many of these symptoms stem from how alcohol directly irritates the digestive tract and alters gut function.
Alcohol affects the gut in multiple ways:
Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product that stimulates excessive acid secretion in the stomach. This can damage the protective gastric lining, leading to gastritis and upper abdominal pain.
Alcohol reduces pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the food pipe, worsening acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Dr. Reddy notes that alcohol can disturb the balance of gut bacteria, a condition known as dysbiosis, which may result in diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.
Repeated forceful vomiting after heavy drinking can cause tears at the lower end of the esophagus due to retching, leading to vomiting of blood, a condition medically referred to as Mallory–Weiss tear.
Alcohol and sugary mixers pull water into the intestines due to the excess carbohydrate and salt content, increasing fluid loss and contributing to dehydration, which further worsens digestive symptoms.
According to Dr. Reddy, certain groups are more prone to alcohol-related gastrointestinal complications:
Older adults, due to reduced digestive capacity
People with obesity, often already affected by acid reflux and GERD
Individuals with comorbidities like diabetes, who may have slowed gut motility will be already suffering from GERD
Patients with liver disease
Those with chronic pancreatitis or asthma
“In obese individuals, alcohol further worsens gastroesophageal reflux. In diabetes, slowed gut movement increases susceptibility to reflux, dysbiosis, and loose stools,” Dr. Reddy explained.
Dr. Reddy especially stressed about the major misconception among the public is that sugary drinks and cocktails are less harmful than liquor. He also reminded that alcohol-related gut irritation is amplified when combined with fat-rich festive foods such as:
Fried items
Red meat
Prawns and shellfish
Sweets, chocolates, and ice creams
Sugary cocktails and soft drinks
These foods delay stomach emptying and increase acid secretion, adding further strain on the stomach, pancreas, and liver. The main point is, he said to keep both food and alcohol in moderation.
Dr. Reddy advises seeking medical care if post-drinking symptoms include:
Severe or persistent upper abdominal pain
Vomiting blood
Uncontrolled diarrhea
Weakness, dizziness, or signs of dehydration
“These symptoms should not be ignored and need immediate medical evaluation,” he said.
For digestive recovery after alcohol intake, Dr. Reddy recommends:
Adequate hydration with water, coconut water, and buttermilk
High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, salads, and green leafy vegetables and salads
Avoiding binge drinking
Limiting fatty and heavy meals
Avoiding sugary mixers, cocktails, and soft drinks
Spacing meals and alcohol intake
Alcohol-related digestive stress can also affect mood and sleep, contributing to what many describe as “hangxiety”, a combination of restlessness, discomfort, and low energy linked partly to gut imbalance and dehydration.
Holiday celebrations may be brief, but their impact on the gut can linger. Medical experts emphasize that alcohol does more than cause hangovers, it irritates the stomach lining, disrupts gut bacteria, weakens digestive barriers, and increases dehydration, especially when paired with rich festive meals.
Understanding these effects can help individuals recognize symptoms early and take steps to protect digestive health during the festive season.