It’s Alcohol Awareness Week – and while it might not sound like the most exciting topic, it’s the perfect moment to pause, tune in, and ask: how’s your gut really feeling?
If you’ve been feeling a bit off – bloated, sluggish, or just not yourself – it might not just be the summer busyness catching up with you. Alcohol could be playing a bigger role than you realise.
Alcohol & Your Gut: What’s Actually Happening?
When you drink, your gut notices. Alcohol doesn’t just stop at your liver. It can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome (that’s the community of trillions of microbes living in your digestive system).
Over time, this can lead to:
- Increased gut inflammation
- Impaired digestion and nutrient absorption
- Greater bloating and discomfort
- Changes to your mood and energy, thanks to the gut-brain axis
In fact, around 90% of your body’s serotonin (a key feel-good chemical) is produced in the gut. So when your gut’s not happy, chances are your mind won’t be either.
The Good News? You Don’t Need to Go Teetotal
This isn’t about giving it all up. It’s about balance.
By becoming more mindful of what you drink – and how often – you give your body (and microbiome) a better chance to recover and rebalance. Pair that with gut-supporting habits, and you’ll start to notice a shift in how you feel.
Try this:
- Swap sugary mixers for kombucha – naturally fermented and full of live cultures
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Support your gut daily with prebiotics and probiotics
- Take a few alcohol-free days each week to give your gut a break
Summer’s a Great Time to Check In
Whether you’re heading to festivals, BBQs, or winding down on the patio, this is about feeling good in your body – not guilty. Supporting your gut means supporting your energy, clarity, and mood too.
So this Alcohol Awareness Week, consider this a gentle nudge to check in with yourself. A few small changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
And if your gut’s been waving a little red flag lately? We’re here to help you get back to balance – no pressure, just real support.
