The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract

Regardless of the type and dose of beverage involved, alcohol facilitates t he development of gastroesophageal reflux disease by reducing the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal motility. Fermented and no ndistilled alcoholic beverages increase gastrin levels and acid secretion. Succinic and maleic acid contained in certain alcoholic drinks also stimula te acid secretion. Low alcohol doses accelerate gastric emptying, whereas h igh doses delay emptying and slow bowel motility. Alcohol facilitates the d evelopment of superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis-though i t has not been shown to cause peptic ulcer. Alcoholic beverages, fundamenta lly wine, have important bactericidal effects upon Helicobacter pylori and enteropathogenic bacteria. The main alcohol-related intestinal alterations are diarrhea and malabsorption, with recovery after restoring a normal diet . Alcohol facilitates the development of oropharyngeal, esophageal, gastric , and colon cancer. Initial research suggests that wine may be comparativel y less carcinogenic. (C) 2000 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.