hi i dont drink much but when i do it really interferes with my bowel. I can be constipated for a week and then over the next few weeks it will start to get back to nomal. Anyone else experience this or know why it happens?

thank you

I think several thing may happen when drinking alcohol.

First it can interfere (kills) with the friendly bacteria that helps you digest food resulting in food that is not adequately digested.

Alcohol affects the function of your liver so you may not put out enough bile salts to digest fats. So, this is another digestion problem.

Alcohol also depletes your system of some minerals especially magnesium that is required for muscles to function properly. Your intestines operate by muscle action --contractions that is called peristalsis.

It is well documented that 1 alcohol drink increases the amount of magnesium in your urine 5 times the very next time you urinate.
So, if it not replaced your intestines don't work very well.

It is estimate that 75% of people lack magnesium in their diet already -- so alcohol just makes it worse-- even though magnesium is suppose to be in alot of foods.

So, where are you getting your magnesium from after drinking alcohol? You may consider taking a Magnesium supplement.

These are things I know about -- but I will now do some research about it since you brought this subject up.

Thank you --- Harry

Aw thanks alot for your reply Harry, you really do know alot of good information, I would of never have guessed that this would be the cause, only thing I could think of putting it down to was dehydration. Thanks :)