Does Alcohol Cause Inflammation?

Alcohol is consumed by a significant portion of the global population, with the CDC reporting that more than half of U.S. adults drink. While moderate drinking is considered acceptable in many cultures, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health risks, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, in particular, plays a key role in the development of chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Continue reading to explore how alcohol influences inflammation in the body, its overall impact on health, and practical strategies to help reduce inflammation for long-term well-being.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural biological response of the body's immune system. Bacteria, infection, damage to cells from an injury, or exposure to toxic compounds can cause inflammation.

Inflammation can be acute and short-term or chronic and long-term. Symptoms of acute inflammation are also referred to as the cardinal signs of inflammation and include redness, swelling, pain, and fevers.

Acute inflammation is protective and part of the body's defense mechanisms against harm. It helps the body start the healing process and recover. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can lead to tissue damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Does alcohol cause inflammation?

Though some of the mechanisms are still unclear, alcohol causes inflammation in the body. When alcohol, or ethanol, is digested by the body, it breaks down into a compound called acetaldehyde, which participates in the production of inflammatory byproducts and free radicals. The free radicals are highly reactive and can contribute to oxidative stress, while acetaldehyde reacts with certain proteins and forms adducts with pro-inflammatory properties. The body can recognize some adducts as foreign, potentially triggering an immune response.

These byproducts of alcohol metabolism can cause damage to tissues and organs, and chronic alcohol consumption can include damage to the liver. Since some alcohol can also be metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract before reaching the liver, alcohol can also contribute to inflammation in the gut.

Does the type of alcohol matter?

The health effects of alcohol may depend on how a type of alcohol is made, such as via fermentation or distillation. Fermented beverages, like wine and beer, can contain polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Red wine contains more polyphenols, followed by white wine and beer. However, amounts of polyphenols are quite low in any alcohol choice, and no amount of alcohol is considered beneficial or safe for health, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, drinks darker in color, such as red wine and brandy, have higher amounts of congeners (alcohol impurities), which are also associated with increased inflammation.

One study reported that moderate wine drinkers had lower markers of inflammation than beer drinkers, but liquor and spirit drinkers were not included for comparison. Distilled liquors and spirits contain negligible amounts of polyphenols and much higher alcohol content than most beers and wines. Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between different types of alcohol and inflammation.

The type of alcohol may not matter as much as the frequency and how much alcohol is consumed, as alcohol has known health risks, and heavy use is associated with many diseases. For example, while some research suggests that certain types of alcohol have protective heart benefits, the WHO estimates that 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease were related to alcohol consumption in 2019.

What is the impact of inflammation on health?

The inflammation caused by alcohol consumption has effects on health, ranging from more minor and acute effects, like alcohol hangovers, to more severe effects resulting from regular and heavy alcohol consumption, such as chronic inflammation leading to liver damage or liver disease.

Hangovers

Hangovers are negative mental and physical symptoms that start when blood alcohol concentration approaches zero after alcohol consumption. They can occur with any amount of alcohol at any time and may, in part, be caused by an inflammatory response. Congeners, substances within alcohol produced during the fermentation or distillation process, may factor into inflammation, as higher amounts are found in red wine and dark liquors like brandy and may be associated with stronger hangovers.

Liver damage and disease

Regular and heavy alcohol consumption has a higher risk of contributing to chronic inflammation that can lead to chronic diseases and health conditions. As mentioned above, the production of acetaldehyde in alcohol metabolism can contribute to liver damage and disease. Acetaldehyde can bind to lipids, protein, and DNA to form substances that generate an immune response that can lead to liver damage and inflammation in the liver.

Alcohol-related steatosis, a condition where fat builds up in liver cells, occurs in chronic heavy drinkers. This condition increases the risk of liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and fibrosis but is also affected by other factors, like smoking and genetics. Fibrosis is a healing response to damage, such as from heavy long-term drinking. The chronic inflammation and scar tissue from this process can eventually change the shape of the liver and alter blood flow.

Cancer risk

Alcohol-related liver disease also activates an inflammatory response that is associated with increased cancer risk, though more research is needed to understand exactly how this occurs. Cirrhosis also increases the risk of liver cancer. A common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, and around 30% of this type of cancer is related to alcohol. Notably, eliminating alcohol consumption can stop liver damage from worsening or even reverse some or all of the damage if the damage isn't too severe already.

Gut issues

Since alcohol is absorbed in the intestines before it reaches the liver, alcohol use also affects the gut. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, interruptions in the microbiome, and interferences with the mucosal layer, which can all affect immune health.

Strategies for reducing inflammation

Here, we will discuss methods to lower inflammation and enhance well-being.

Reduce alcohol consumption

Along with helping to improve overall health, decreasing or eliminating alcohol intake may help reduce inflammation. While working to stop drinking alcohol as often or completely, decreasing alcohol to only the maximum recommended amount per day would be a good place to start. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines recommend that men drink no more than two drinks per day on days when alcohol is consumed and women drink one drink or less per day. One drink is about 12 ounces of 5% alcohol beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits or liquor.

Follow a healthy diet

Though there isn't a specific evidence-based anti-inflammatory diet to follow, a diet rich in antioxidants and whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, may help reduce inflammation. Diets high in processed foods or added sugars, refined grains, trans fats, and salt may increase inflammation in the body. Avoid highly processed foods and choose minimally processed ingredients and foods most of the time.

Exercise

Obesity and excess visceral adipose tissue are linked to inflammation, but regular physical activity may help reduce inflammation while potentially helping to manage weight. If you don't already have a regular exercise routine, daily gentle exercise such as walking is a great place to start. Stress also impacts inflammation and overall health.

Decrease stress

Stress is linked to inflammation in the brain and throughout the body. To reduce stress, try breathing exercises, meditation, talking with a trusted friend or family member, or spending more time in nature. If you have severe stress and need help lowering your stress levels, consider consulting a counselor or therapist.

Take NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly known as NSAIDs, can help reduce inflammation. For issues with chronic inflammation, consult a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dose or discuss how long it's safe to take an NSAID medication.

Final word

Drinking alcohol triggers inflammation in the body, whether participating in one night of drinking or more long-term, heavy use. Chronic heavy drinking can cause alcohol-related inflammation, chronic diseases, and health issues. Reduce the recommended maximum amounts of alcohol per day or eliminate alcohol intake altogether for the greatest health benefits. If you need help with an alcohol addiction or drinking problem, consult a healthcare provider to determine the best next steps.