Question:

How can I calm my stomach ache from alcoholic gastritis? And how can I fix my stomach lining to where mucosa won’t come out with diarrhea?

Answer from gastroenterologist Derrick Eichele, MD:

Simply put, alcohol irritates your gut. Regular drinking can cause alcoholic gastritis, which includes symptoms like stomach ache, abdominal pain, hiccups, indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating and nausea. Alcoholic gastritis can be chronic or short-lived.

The most effective way to treat alcoholic gastritis (and stop the stomach aches) is to limit or stop alcohol use.

Three ways to cut back on alcohol:

1. Keep a drink log. Write down the day, time, type of drink and number consumed in a journal or on your phone. Tracking your drinking habits can help you pinpoint likely triggers or when you use alcohol to cope.
2. Avoid alcohol-infused environments. It’s hard to avoid drinking when you’re hanging out at a bar. Suggest meeting for coffee or ice cream instead.
3. Replace alcoholic drinks with booze-free alternatives. Sparkling water, soda, kombucha and juice are all better for your gut than alcohol. You can also find nonalcoholic beer and spirits online.

Alcohol use can cause lasting damage to your gut. Sometimes lifelong management is required, including medications, reparative surgery and avoiding certain irritating foods.