How Beer Affects Your Body

Legacy Healing Center Blog

Beer is one of the world’s most enjoyed beverages, but its impact on the body goes far beyond a fun night. While having a beer now and then might seem harmless, it’s important to understand how it can influence your health. Legacy Healing Center answers common questions about the effects of beer on the body and highlights important factors to consider before drinking beer.

Does Beer Affect Blood Pressure?

Yes, beer can affect your blood pressure. Occasional, moderate drinking can temporarily raise blood pressure since alcohol causes blood vessels to tighten, making it harder for blood to flow. Chronic heavy drinking is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure (hypertension). Regular, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to sustained increases in blood pressure, which can damage your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys over time.

In fact, research published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension highlights that even small amounts of regular alcohol consumption—such as one drink per day—can contribute to a gradual increase in blood pressure over time.

The analysis, which reviewed data from nearly 20,000 adults across the U.S., Korea, and Japan, found that systolic blood pressure rose by 1.25 mmHg over five years in individuals consuming roughly 12 grams of alcohol daily; even moderate drinking can have measurable effects on blood pressure. 1>For context, normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic (upper number) measurement of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic (lower number) measurement of less than 80 mmHg.²

Additionally, as an alcoholic beverage that contains calories and carbs, beer can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess, which is another risk factor for high blood pressure. If you’re consuming beer in moderate amounts, the effect on blood pressure is usually less pronounced. However, if you already have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions, be cautious about your alcohol consumption.

Can Beer Mess With Your Cholesterol?

Moderate drinking may slightly raise “good” HDL cholesterol, which benefits heart health. However, excessive consumption can significantly increase “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which contribute to clogged arteries and heightened risks of conditions like stroke, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, where it’s converted into cholesterol and triglycerides, meaning the more you drink, the higher these levels can climb.

To minimize health risks, experts recommend limiting alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women, as defined by standard drink sizes:

12 ounces of beer
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of spirits³

Why Does Beer Make You Feel Bloated?

Bloating after drinking beer is a common complaint due to its carbonation, which introduces gassy bubbles, making your stomach feel tight and uncomfortable. The fermentation process also produces byproducts like carbon dioxide and organic acids, which can irritate the digestive system and cause excess gas.

People with delicate digestive systems and sensitivities to certain ingredients like gluten or fructose often feel the effects more strongly, as beer is high in carbohydrates, which can ferment in the gut and contribute to bloating. The sodium content in beer can cause water retention and alcohol itself can slow down digestion, both of which also cause bloating.

Can Beer Upset Your Stomach?

Yes, beer can cause stomach issues like diarrhea and heartburn. The alcohol in beer irritates the stomach lining, which can speed up digestion and result in loose stools. It can also relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to rise and cause heartburn. These effects are more noticeable when drinking on an empty stomach or in large amounts.

Does Beer Cause Inflammation?

Yes, inflammation is another way beer affects your body. Alcohol increases certain chemicals in the immune system that can trigger inflammation in various tissues, including the gut. Beer can also irritate the stomach lining, worsen conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, and contribute to joint inflammation due to its purine content.

Additionally, alcohol can suppress the immune system, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation. In moderation, the inflammatory effects of beer are typically less significant, but heavy drinking can lead to more severe and long-term health issues like joint pain, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

Can Beer Dehydrate You?

Despite its liquid form, yes, beer can leave you dehydrated. Alcohol in beer causes the body to release more fluids by increasing urination, resulting in dehydration. While drinking water alongside beer can help, relying on beer for hydration is not a good idea. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and other unpleasant side effects.

Does Beer Affect Hormones and Sleep?

Yes, beer can interfere with hormone levels and disrupt sleep quality, primarily due to its alcohol content. Regular or heavy drinking has been shown to:

Lower testosterone levels in both men and women, leading to issues such as reduced libido, muscle mass loss, and mood changes
Raise estrogen levels, promoting the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells
Increase cortisol levels, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and disruptions to sleep

While beer may initially promote relaxation and sleepiness, it ultimately disrupts sleep quality by affecting REM sleep and causing frequent awakenings. If you’re looking to improve both hormonal health and sleep quality, it’s advisable to moderate alcohol consumption and avoid drinking close to bedtime.

Does Beer Thin Your Blood?

Beer can have a mild blood-thinning effect, which means it slows the ability of blood to clot, increasing the risk of bleeding, especially if someone is injured or undergoing surgery. However, excessive drinking increases the risk of uncontrolled bleeding and should be avoided, especially for those on blood-thinning medications. Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about how alcohol might interact with your condition.

Does Beer Affect Kidney Stones?

Beer can both help and hurt when it comes to kidney stones. Small amounts of beer help flush the kidneys by increasing urine production. However, drinking too much can dehydrate the body, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Staying hydrated with water is the best way to protect your kidney health.

Beer and Addiction Risks

Regular beer consumption can lead to dependence over time. What often starts as casual drinking can develop into a habit that is hard to break. At Legacy Healing Center, we offer specialized alcohol rehab for those struggling with addiction. Our programs focus on helping people regain control of their health and lives.

Finding Help for Alcohol Dependency

If drinking beer is starting to take a toll on your health, it might be time to seek professional addiction therapy services. Legacy Healing Center provides compassionate care for people facing addiction. Our rehab programs are designed to help you break free from alcohol dependency and start fresh. Contact us today to learn more and begin your journey to recovery.

Make Changes with Legacy Addiction Rehab Centers

Learning how beer affects the body involves becoming familiar with everything from digestion and hydration to cholesterol and hormone levels. While occasional drinking might not seem harmful, overindulging can lead to serious health problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, Legacy Healing Center is here to help. Reach out to us today, and visit our blog for more tips and resources on health and recovery.

Sources:

Even just 1 alcoholic drink a day may increase blood pressure. www.heart.org. July 31, 2023. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/07/31/even-just-1-alcoholic-drink-a-day-may-increase-blood-pressure.
Understanding blood pressure readings. www.heart.org. December 18, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings.
Cleveland Clinic. Does alcohol affect cholesterol? Cleveland Clinic. March 3, 2022. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-alcohol-affect-cholesterol.