Are There Probiotic Benefits From Alcohol?
Looking into the affects of alcohol.
Alcohol is fermented with live probiotic microbes. Humans have been making and drinking alcohol for about 13,000 years. (Mannaa et al., 2021; Penn Museum, n.d.) But is it good for you? I’ve been seeing a few different posts on Instagram about the negative aspects of alcohol and wanted to look deeper into it. I have brewed hundreds of gallons of beer and wine over the years and always thought the homebrew was better than what is found in grocery stores. News articles have been touting the benefits of wine for decades. Is that false? Are there any health benefits from alcohol, or is it best to avoid it?
Alcohol is commonly consumed in social gatherings and as a component of cultural customs. Although moderate alcohol use may provide certain advantages, excessive or chronic intake of alcohol can have detrimental effects on several physiological processes, especially the digestive system. The effect of alcohol on the absorption of nutrients in the intestines is a vital aspect of maintaining good health since alcohol can significantly hinder the body's capacity to absorb necessary nutrients. (Butts et al., 2023)
Alcohol and the gut
The intestinal mucosa, which refers to the inner lining of the intestines, has a crucial function in the absorption of nutrients. Excessive alcohol intake can harm the lining of this organ. One of the primary issues is the disruption of the intestinal barrier, leading to what is often called "leaky gut." This syndrome enhances the permeability of the intestinal lining, enabling damaging chemicals to enter the bloodstream, thus initiating inflammation and disrupting the effective assimilation of nutrients. In addition, long-term alcohol drinking can lead to villous atrophy, a condition in which the villi in the small intestine, which are tiny finger-like projections that enhance food absorption by increasing the surface area, become flattened. The decrease in surface area greatly hampers the intestine's capacity to absorb vital nutrients. (Butts et al., 2023)
Alcohol also disturbs the gut microbiota, which refers to the population of bacteria living in the intestines that play a vital role in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Alcohol intake can cause dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which is characterized by a reduction in helpful bacteria and an elevation in dangerous bacteria. This imbalance disrupts the process of digestion and the absorption of nutrients, resulting in gastrointestinal discomfort and deficiencies in essential nutrients. (Bishehsari et al., 2017) Also, a gut microbiota that works well makes helpful substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that keep the intestinal barrier strong and make it easier for nutrients to be absorbed. (Bokoliya et al., 2023). Alcohol-induced dysbiosis hampers the formation of these chemicals, leading to a decline in nutrient absorption and harming the health of the gut.
Alcohol and Nutrition
Various nutrients are absorbed in different segments of the intestines, and alcohol can disrupt the absorption of multiple vital vitamins and minerals. Alcohol hinders the uptake of folate (vitamin B9), resulting in deficits linked to anemia, compromised immunological function, and heightened susceptibility to birth abnormalities. Additionally, it disrupts the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1), resulting in the development of disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe neurological ailment. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Moreover, alcohol can harm the lining of the stomach, leading to a decrease in the creation of intrinsic factor, a crucial protein required to absorb vitamin B12. This might potentially result in anemia and neurological problems. Alcohol also hampers fat metabolism, diminishing the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), resulting in deficits that impact eyesight, bone health, antioxidant function, and blood coagulation. In addition, alcohol hinders the assimilation of vital minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium, leading to weakening bones, an impaired immune system, and neurological issues. (Butts et al., 2023)
The effect of alcohol on nutritional absorption is also associated with the disruption of digestive enzymes, which are essential for the breakdown of food into absorbable nutrients. Prolonged alcohol intake can result in pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas that impairs its capacity to generate enzymes essential for the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Insufficient enzyme synthesis hampers breaking down and absorbing nutrients, especially lipids and proteins. Alcohol can harm the liver, causing a decrease in bile synthesis, which is necessary for digesting fat. This can result in poor absorption of fat and deficits in vitamins soluble in fat. (Apte et al., 1997)
Alcohol and Hormones
Hormones are essential for controlling several digestive processes, such as the absorption of nutrients. Alcohol can interfere with these hormones, leading to further problems with nutritional absorption and general metabolic function. Alcohol can impact hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and influencing the metabolism of nutrients. Interference with these hormones can hinder the body's capacity to effectively use absorbed nutrients, which may result in metabolic diseases like diabetes. Moreover, alcohol can alter gastrointestinal motility, either speeding up or slowing down the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract, negatively affecting the absorption of nutrients. (Rachdaoui & Sarkar, 2013)
Appetite Suppression
Due to alcohol's significant influence on the absorption and metabolism of nutrients, long-term drinking can result in malnutrition, which is defined as insufficient intake or utilization of vital nutrients. Alcohol provides "empty" calories—energy without essential nutrients. Substituting nutrient-rich foods with alcohol in one's diet can cause a decline in overall nutritional intake, leading to malnutrition and related health issues. In addition, alcohol has the ability to inhibit appetite, resulting in decreased food consumption and worsening the likelihood of experiencing vitamin deficiencies.
Conclusion
Ultimately, alcohol has a significant impact on the absorption of nutrients in the intestines, resulting in primarily negative consequences, particularly when used chronically or excessively. Alcohol can cause substantial nutrient deficits and health problems by harming the intestinal lining, disturbing gut bacteria, hindering the absorption of certain nutrients, interfering with digestive enzymes, and changing hormone control. To ensure proper nutrient absorption and general health, it is essential to be cautious of alcohol use and contemplate lowering or abstaining from it entirely. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate correlation between alcohol use and the absorption of nutrients can empower individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their overall health and well-being.
It is probably not surprising that alcohol is not good for you. It is an addictive substance and is associated with several health issues. The negatives outweigh the benefits. Yet, people continue consuming it. If you are looking for fermented drinks, look to ones without alcohol, such as kombucha or kefir, where their benefits are manifold.
References
Apte, M. V., Wilson, J. S., & Korsten, M. A. (1997). Alcohol-Related Pancreatic Damage: Mechanisms and Treatment. Alcohol Health and Research World, 21(1), 13-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826792/
Bishehsari, F., Magno, E., Swanson, G., Desai, V., Voigt, R. M., Forsyth, C. B., & Keshavarzian, A. (2017). Alcohol and Gut-Derived Inflammation. Alcohol Research : Current Reviews, 38(2), 163-171. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513683/
Bokoliya, S. C., Russell, J., Dorsett, Y., Panier, H., Singh, V., Daddi, L., Yuan, H., Dedon, L. R., Liu, Z., Barson, J. R., Covault, J., Bubier, J. A., & Zhou, Y. (2023). Short-chain-fatty acid valerate reduces voluntary alcohol intake in male mice. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3496323/v1
Butts, M., Sundaram, V. L., Murughiyan, U., Borthakur, A., & Singh, S. (2023). The Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Intestinal Nutrient Absorption: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071571
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 4). Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22687-wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
Mannaa, M., Han, G., Seo, S., & Park, I. (2021). Evolution of Food Fermentation Processes and the Use of Multi-Omics in Deciphering the Roles of the Microbiota. Foods, 10(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112861
Penn.Museum. (n.d.). The Earliest Alcoholic Beverage in the World. https://www.penn.museum/research/project.php?pid=12
Rachdaoui, N., & Sarkar, D. K. (2013). Effects of Alcohol on the Endocrine System. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 42(3), 593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2013.05.008