{"id":14,"date":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=14"},"modified":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","slug":"3-ways-dry-january-might-mess-with-your-poop-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=14","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways Dry January Might Mess With Your Poop Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-page mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content article-content expert-content right-rail__offset lock-journey\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-key-takeaway theme-key-takeaway\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Alcohol can cause diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues.<\/li>\n<li>People who stop drinking for Dry January may notice their bathroom habits change.<\/li>\n<li>If you experience constipation during Dry January, experts recommend drinking enough water and eating more fiber.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Dry January, not drinking alcohol during the first month of the year, can lead to positive health effects. But it could also change your bowel habits, since drinking can affect how\u2014and how often\u2014you poop. Here are the changes you might experience.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"1\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-iframe mntl-block opinion-stage \"><iframe id=\"mntl-sc-block-iframe__uri_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-iframe__uri mntl-block lazyloadwait\" allow=\"encrypted-media 'src'\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.opinionstage.com\/api\/v2\/widgets\/1e2481f9-2c43-46aa-baf0-d28583477edd\/iframe\" scrolling=\"auto\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" frameborder=\"0\" title=\"what is your poop saying\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native \" style=\"--native-ad-height: auto\" data-right-rail-index=\"1\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native__adunit_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native__adunit mm-ads-gpt-dynamic-adunit mm-ads-gpt-adunit scads-to-load gpt native js-immediate-ad js-immediate-ad-loaded\">\n<div id=\"native\" class=\"wrapper\" data-type=\"native\" data-pos=\"native\" data-priority=\"4\" data-sizes=\"[[1, 3],&quot;fluid&quot;]\" data-rtb=\"false\" data-wait-for-third-party=\"false\" data-targeting=\"{}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-1-diarrhea\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1. Diarrhea <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cAlcohol impacts the gut in multiple ways,\u201d Rabia De Latour, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, told Verywell. \u201cIf you\u2019re talking about bowel movements, it can cause diarrhea in certain people.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Diarrhea is commonly seen among people with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/alcoholism-7643004\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">alcohol use disorder<\/a>.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"3\"><\/span> This could be due to alcohol\u2019s effects on the stomach lining.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cWhat alcohol does really well is it breaks down protein, and your whole (gastrointestinal) lining is made of protein,\u201d Akhil Anand, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction at Cleveland Clinic, told Verywell.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" class=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed__container digioh-inline-unit digioh-inline-unit--sc\" data-guid=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" data-title=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-explainer theme-explainer\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">How Dry January Started<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<p>The Dry January initiative began in the United Kingdom in 2013 and spread to other countries. In the United States, it&#8217;s based at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dryjanuaryusa.org\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meharry Medical College<\/a> in Nashville. Studies from different countries suggest 60% or more of the people who try a temporary alcohol abstinence campaign (TAAC) like Dry January are successful in finishing it.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"9\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-2-constipation-or-relief-from-it\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2. Constipation (or Relief From It) <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For other people, abstinence may lead to constipation\u2014or relieve it. \u201cAlcohol messes with your bowel movements, causing both constipation and diarrhea,\u201d Sethi Saurabh, MD, a gastroenterologist based in Fremont, California, told Verywell. \u201cIt throws off the fluid balance in your intestines, and that\u2019s why you might face these issues.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Alcohol can cause you to poop more or less frequently, and it can change the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/healthy-and-unhealthy-stool-89211\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">consistency of your stool<\/a>. For some, observing Dry January may resolve bowel issues. \u201cDuring Dry January, you might notice your bathroom routine improving as your body gets used to less alcohol,\u201d Sethi said.&nbsp;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> One reason that alcohol can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-do-when-you-have-hard-stools-4140259\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">constipation<\/a> is that it can cause dehydration, De Latour explained. \u201cWe see that in people who might be really dehydrated as a result of drinking too much because (alcohol) is also a diuretic, so people pee a lot when drinking alcohol,\u201d she said.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-3-dysbiosis\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 3. Dysbiosis <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Drinking can also cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-intestinal-dysbiosis-1945045\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span data-tts=\"true\" class=\"processed-tts\"><span data-tooltip-trigger=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">dysbiosis<\/span><button class=\"tts-button\" aria-label=\"Pronounce this term\" data-tooltip=\"Pronounce This\" data-tooltip-position-x=\"left\" data-tooltip-position-y=\"top\"><svg class=\"icon icon-volume\"><use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#icon-volume\"><\/use><\/svg><\/button><\/span><\/a>, meaning it can mess up the balance of good bacteria in the gut. It also can alter your gut permeability, De Latour said.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"4\"><\/span> This &#8220;leaky gut&#8221; can lead to inflammation and other health issues.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"14\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Bowel changes can affect people who haven\u2019t been drinking that long, as well as those who tend to drink heavily often. \u201cYour bathroom routine can shift in the short-term from drinking, but if you\u2019re a regular heavy drinker, it\u2019s more likely to consistently alter your bowel habits,\u201d Sethi explained.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Your bathroom habits may become healthier when you stop drinking\u2014even temporarily. You may see decreased levels of inflammation in as little as three weeks.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"15\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_2-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-explainer theme-explainer\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Dry January and Alcohol Use Disorder<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<p>Dry January is not intended for people with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>heavy alcohol use&nbsp;as:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"13\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week for men<\/li>\n<li>Consuming four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week for women<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rather, Dry January may most benefit people who drink a little too much or too often (more than two drinks daily for men and one drink daily for women).<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"6\"><\/span><span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"2\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-what-to-do-if-youre-constipated-during-dry-january\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What to Do If You\u2019re Constipated During Dry January <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you start feeling constipated during Dry January, you may need to examine any dietary changes you\u2019ve recently made. Steps to manage bowel changes include:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"7\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Drinking enough water<\/li>\n<li>Eating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/high-fiber-foods-8760027\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">high-fiber diet<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Getting more exercise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ultimately, though, pausing or quitting alcohol will only help your bowels (and the rest of your body), De Latour explained. Some benefits can include improved hydration and reduced inflammation.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"12\"><\/span><span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"11\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> To assess the consistency of your stool, De Latour recommended consulting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/bristol-stool-chart-4174964\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Bristol Stool Chart<\/a>, a tool healthcare providers use to determine whether their patients are pooping normally. \u201cThe gold standard is for your stool to be very soft, for it to be a three to four on the Bristol Stool Chart,\u201d she explained.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-takeaway theme-takeaway\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Over-the-Counter Medications<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<p>Some people may benefit from over-the-counter remedies for treating diarrhea or constipation. Laxatives and stool softeners can help with constipation.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"8\"><\/span> Staying hydrated while taking an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/antidiarrheal-medications-1942385\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">antidiarrheal product<\/a> like Imodium (loperamide) or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can help with diarrhea.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> When to See a Healthcare Provider <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> It\u2019s important to remember that certain changes to your bathroom routine should prompt an immediate healthcare visit, regardless of whether or not those changes are related to alcohol consumption.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cYou should seek medical attention for any red flags when it comes to stool,&#8221; De Latour said. These symptoms include:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"10\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Blood in the stool<\/li>\n<li>Abdominal pain that doesn\u2019t resolve after a couple of days<\/li>\n<li>Diarrhea or constipation that doesn\u2019t resolve after a couple of days<\/li>\n<li>Changes in stool consistency that don\u2019t let up (for instance, if your stool becomes very thin)<\/li>\n<li>Having to strain or use much effort when using the bathroom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Try to keep track of your symptoms. The information about your bowel movements can help your healthcare provider arrive at an accurate diagnosis.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--explainer_3-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--explainer health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-explainer theme-explainer\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<p>If you are struggling with alcohol use, remember you are not alone.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/find-help\/national-helpline\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SAMHSA\u2019s National Helpline<\/a>&nbsp;is available 24\/7 to connect people with information and treatment referrals. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for this free, confidential service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-article_1-0\" class=\"comp post-article mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read More:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_5-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">News<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-news-4844929\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_6-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Health News<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sources_1-0\" class=\"comp sources mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">14 Sources<\/span><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon show-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#show-icon\" href=\"#show-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon hide-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#hide-icon\" href=\"#hide-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"source-guidelines_1-0\" class=\"comp source-guidelines mntl-text-block\">Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our <a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\">editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>American Association for Cancer Research. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacr.org\/blog\/2023\/01\/23\/from-dry-january-to-sober-october-cutting-back-on-alcohol\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">From Dry January to Sober October: cutting back on alcohol<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Haber PS, Kortt NC. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.15147\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alcohol use disorder and the gut<\/a>. <em>Addiction<\/em>. 2021;116(3):658-667. doi:10.1111\/add.15147<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-9\">\n<p>Lespine LF, Fran\u00e7ois D, Haesebaert J, Delile JM, Savy M, Naassila M, <em>et al<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41110619\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Determinants of successful completion and short-term benefits associated with temporary alcohol abstinence during Dry January in France: A prospective cohort study<\/a>.<em> Prev Med<\/em>. 2025 Oct 17;202:108428. doi:10.1016\/j.ypmed.2025.108428<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Fairfield B, Schnabl B. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jhepr.2020.100220\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gut dysbiosis as a driver in alcohol-induced liver injury<\/a>. <em>JHEP Rep<\/em>. 2020;3(2):100220. doi:10.1016\/j.jhepr.2020.100220<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-14\">\n<p>Camilleri M. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6790068\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humans<\/a>.<em> Gut<\/em>. 2019 Aug;68(8):1516-1526. doi:10.1136\/gutjnl-2019-318427<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-15\">\n<p>Tyler RE, Vizioli C, Barb JJ, Farokhnia M, Leggio L.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40317574\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Circulating Immune and Endocrine Markers in Currently Drinking and Abstinent Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder and Controls<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>Addict Biol<\/em>. 2025 May;30(5):e70039. doi:10.1111\/adb.70039<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-13\">\n<p>National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohol-health\/overview-alcohol-consumption\/moderate-binge-drinking\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drinking levels defined<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-6\">\n<p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/alcohol\/fact-sheets\/moderate-drinking.htm\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dietary guidelines for alcohol<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Ballard J. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4684010\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What is Dry January?<\/a>&nbsp;<em>Br J Gen Pract<\/em>. 2016;66(642):32.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-7\">\n<p>National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases&nbsp;(NIDDK). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/constipation\/treatment\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treatment for Constipation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-12\">\n<p>Mackus M, Stock AK, Garssen J, Scholey A, Verster JC.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39069212\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alcohol hangover versus dehydration revisited: The effect of drinking water to prevent or alleviate the alcohol hangover<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>Alcohol.<\/em>&nbsp;2024 Dec;121:9-18. doi:10.1016\/j.alcohol.2024.07.006<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-11\">\n<p>Calleja-Conde J, Echeverry-Alzate V, B\u00fchler KM, et al.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijms22147485\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The immune system through the lens of alcohol intake and gut microbiota<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>Int J Mol Sci<\/em>. 2021;22(14):7485. doi:10.3390\/ijms22147485<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-8\">\n<p>American College of Gastroenterology. <a href=\"https:\/\/gi.org\/topics\/constipation-and-defection-problems\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Constipation and Defecation Problems Overview.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-10\">\n<p>Houston Methodist. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonmethodist.org\/blog\/articles\/2022\/feb\/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-gastroenterologist\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7 Signs It&#8217;s Time to See a Gastroenterologist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-bio_1-0\" class=\"comp author-bio\">\n<div class=\"loc author-bio__image\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/EmmQpspZaMkHP_m7TAMyg7ZJJYs=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/maggieoneill-16204cf3e01b424bbbd66733f6fb4668.jpeg\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" alt=\"Maggie O'Neill\" class=\" author-bio__image mntl-image universal-image__image lazyloadwait\" data-expand=\"300\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/EmmQpspZaMkHP_m7TAMyg7ZJJYs=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/maggieoneill-16204cf3e01b424bbbd66733f6fb4668.jpeg\"\nwidth=\"144\"\nheight=\"144\"\nclass=\"img--noscript author-bio__image mntl-image universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"Maggie O&#39;Neill\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"author-bio__bio-text\">\n<span class=\"author-bio__bio-title\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/maggie-o-neill-8399986\">Maggie O&#8217;Neill<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<br \/>\nO\u2019Neill is a reporter who covers new medical research and addiction. She previously worked at SELF&nbsp;magazine and Health.com, and she was a 2020 fellow at the Association of Health Care Journalists.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon trust-ribbon-expandable-block\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"loc static-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__editorial_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__editorial trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_1-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">See Our Editorial Process<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__review_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__review trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon reviewer-icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-review\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#reviewer-icon\" href=\"#reviewer-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_2-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Meet Our Medical Expert Board<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<button id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_3-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-block\">Share Feedback<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback-block_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback-block article-feedback mntl-article-feedback\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__rating-section js-rating-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Was this page helpful?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__success-section js-success-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Thanks for your feedback!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__feedback-section js-feedback-section\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">What is your feedback?<\/div>\n<p><button id=\"helpful-button_1-0\" class=\"comp helpful-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Helpful<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"report-error-button_1-0\" class=\"comp report-error-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Report an Error<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"other-button_1-0\" class=\"comp other-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Other<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon icon-x close-button\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#icon-x\" href=\"#icon-x\"><\/use>\n<\/svg> <\/p>\n<form action=\"\/ugc-feedback\" method=\"post\" class=\"article-feedback__feedback-form js-feedback-form\">\n<textarea class=\"article-feedback__feedback-text js-feedback-text\" placeholder=\"Tell us more...\" required=\"required\" maxlength=\"1500\"><\/textarea><br \/>\n<button id=\"article-feedback__submit-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__submit-button mntl-button\"> Submit<br \/>\n<\/button> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"doc-id\" value=\"8536127\" class=\"js-doc-id\"><br \/>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Alcohol can cause diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues. People who stop drinking for Dry January may notice their bathroom habits change. If you experience constipation during Dry January, experts recommend drinking enough water and eating more fiber&#8230;. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chua-phan-loai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}