Surprisingly Common Treatments And Activities That Damage Digestive Health

Smoking And Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption both have adverse impacts on digestive health. Tobacco use increases the patient's risk of inflammatory bowel disease, and patients who smoke are twice as likely to develop Crohn's disease compared to non-smokers. In a 2013 study, researchers found smoking cessation increased the diversity of participant's gut bacteria and also increased the subject's levels of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Patients trying to quit smoking should ask their doctor about smoking cessation courses and support groups, and they might want to consider taking medication to reduce nicotine cravings as well. Patients who have alcohol use disorders appear to be at a higher risk of digestive issues compared to individuals without these disorders.

For example, a 2012 study of forty-one patients with alcohol use disorders and ten individuals without alcohol issues discovered twenty-seven percent of the participants with alcohol use disorders had imbalances in gut bacteria. None of the participants in the control group were found to have these imbalances. To protect digestive health and gut bacteria levels, patients are encouraged to limit alcohol consumption to no more than three drinks per week. Individuals who believe they might have an alcohol use disorder are advised to see their primary care doctor for information about medications, support groups, and treatment centers that may be beneficial.