Many Drinks A Day, Keeps Good Gut Health Away
The study of the relationship between the bacterias found in the gut and alcohol usage are in the works. Published on January 30, 2024, in The New York Times, an article titled “How Does Alcohol Affect The Gut Microbiome,” by Alice Callahan explores multiple studies discussing whether or not the mass consumption of alcohol could be negatively affecting your gut health. Callahan (2024) discusses the results across the studies while providing an explanation in simple terms to be understandable to the general public.
Through several scholarly articles, Callahan (2024) emphasizes on the importance of microbes in the gut because of its role in digestion, immune, and intestinal health. Gastroenterologist, Dr. Hsu found in a few studies that individuals who abuse alcohol have dysbiosis which heightens the risk of inflammation and diseases. Dysbiosis causes an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, which can diminish the gut lining, causing toxins to break into the bloodstream and enter the liver. In a study of microbiomes, 71 people aged 18-25 who did not abuse alcohol, had their microbiomes tested. The result demonstrated a close relationship of binge drinking and higher alcohol cravings. Of all the studies, none have been able to sufficiently prove dysbiosis caused by alcohol in humans. Although federal guidelines suggest two or less drinks a day for men and one for women, there’s a lack of research on why this specific amount affects microbiome health. In two studies, those who did not drink or drank in low levels had diversity in their microbiomes; an indication of good gut health. In two studies, where people were being treated for alcohol use disorder, it was found that their gut microbes improved by showing signs of recovery and less of a weak gut lining within two to three weeks. This was alongside better eating habits. Even though there are various findings, in general, alcohol has caused acid reflux, stomach lining inflammation, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and heightened the risk of many cancers. A common resolution could be found which is cutting back on alcohol.
It is apparent that the author’s audience is the general public. One of the studies included in the article is “Colonic microbiome is altered in alcoholism,” by Mutlu, Ece A et Al. in 2012. The purpose of this study was to find a correlation between colonic microbiome and alcoholism. The medical condition “dysbiosis” is brought up frequently throughout the studies and article, to combat confusion Callahan defines it at the start of her writing. Callahan (2024) states that dysbiosis is having “an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut.” This is one of the many times in the article that she uses more familiar language. Another example being the use of “happy” and “unhappy” to describe microbes. Usage of outside opinions were seen throughout the article of doctors and sciences of all studies, however no personal stories were used. The author was unbiased in her writing; she included studies that showed sufficient and insufficient evidence of the effect of alcohol on microbiomes.
In conclusion, the difference in the NY Times article and the journal article were largely noticeable. Both explained the point of the study and the findings, however, Callahan (2024) did so in a palatable manner.
References
Callahan A. 2024 Jan 30. How Does Alcohol Affect the Gut Microbiome? The New York Times. [accessed 2024 Feb 6]. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/well/eat/alcohol-gut-health-microbiome.html.
Mutlu EA, Gillevet PM, Rangwala H, Sikaroodi M, Naqvi A, Engen PA, Kwasny M, Lau CK, Keshavarzian A. 2012. Colonic microbiome is altered in alcoholism. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 302(9):G966–G978. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00380.2011.
