Search resultsThe effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract
Title
The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2000
Authors
Journal
American Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume
95
Issue
12
Pagination
3374 - 3382
Date published
2000
ISBN
00029270 (ISSN)
Keywords
alcohol, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholic Beverages, atrophic gastritis, Bacterial Infections, carcinogenicity, colon cancer, diarrhea, Digestive System Neoplasms, esophagus cancer, esophagus motility, gastrin, gastrin release, Gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal disease, Gastrointestinal Motility, Helicobacter pylori, human, Humans, Intestinal Absorption, lower esophagus sphincter pressure, malabsorption, maleic acid, oropharynx cancer, Peptic Ulcer, priority journal, review, stomach acid secretion, stomach cancer, stomach emptying, succinic acid, wine
Abstract
Regardless of the type and dose of beverage involved, alcohol facilitates the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease by reducing the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal motility. Fermented and nondistilled alcoholic beverages increase gastrin levels and acid secretion. Succinic and maleic acid contained in certain alcoholic drinks also stimulate acid secretion. Low alcohol doses accelerate gastric emptying, whereas high doses delay emptying and slow bowel motility. Alcohol facilitates the development of superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis - though it has not been shown to cause peptic ulcer. Alcoholic beverages, fundamentally wine, have important bactericidal effects upon Helicobacter pylori and enteropathogenic bacteria. The main alcohol-related intestinal alterations are diarrhea and malabsorption, with recovery after restoring a normal diet. Alcohol facilitates the development of oropharyngeal, esophageal, gastric, and colon cancer. Initial research suggests that wine may be comparatively less carcinogenic. (C) 2000 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.