Could Food Make You Crave Alcohol?

Imagine if the secret to solving a drinking problem was changing what you eat. 

It seems odd that our eating habits could affect drinking behaviors, but Andrew Day, a dedicated scientist at Tufts University, and others claim otherwise. Day's journey to sobriety inspired him to look beyond traditional methods of treating and conquering alcohol-use disorder (AUD). 

Most of us are aware that factors like stress and genetics play a role in alcohol addiction. However, Day's research says the tiny organisms in our digestive system might influence our decisions to reach for another drink more than we realize. This groundbreaking concept suggests that an imbalance in our gut bacteria could be encouraging cravings and making sobriety more challenging for some.

Maintaining gut health might be a crucial yet overlooked piece of the puzzle in understanding and treating alcohol addiction. 

How does your gut talk to your brain?

Several complex systems, including the vagus nerve and the immune system, carry messages between your digestive tract and brain. Whatever's happening in your gut, like "leaky gut syndrome," can directly affect your brain activity, influencing behaviors and even cravings for substances like alcohol or sugar.

"Leaky gut" syndrome occurs when factors like stress, poor diet, certain medications, and excessive alcohol consumption damage the protective lining of the intestines. Because of this damage, particles that usually stay in the gut "leak" into the bloodstream.

Once these particles escape, your immune system kicks into high gear to release proteins called cytokines. These cytokines are like messengers that can travel to the brain, either directly through a nerve called the vagus nerve or by sneaking past the brain's protective barrier. The resulting inflammation affects our brain's functioning in several ways.

For instance, inflammation can lower the levels of tryptophan, a fundamental building block for serotonin, often called the "feel-good hormone." When serotonin levels drop, your mood and overall well-being can plummet. And that increases the likelihood you'll seek comfort in addictive substances. 

Additionally, specific areas of the brain that play a role in how we anticipate rewards and control impulsive behavior can become overactive or underactive during inflammation, pushing us further toward addiction.

So, in a nutshell, the health of our gut microbiome can sway our brain's activity, influencing our decisions, emotions, and susceptibility to addiction. It's a fascinating reminder of how interconnected our body systems are and why taking care of our gut is more than just avoiding stomach aches—it's about nurturing our mental and emotional well-being, too.

BOGO: A healthy gut and a possibly easier path to sobriety

If 30-40% of people with alcohol addiction have gut issues, as research suggests, how can you use this research to help yourself or someone you care about? This next part answers that question, but it gets a bit sciencey, so stick with me. 

Researchers have noticed that people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often have different amounts of certain bacteria in their guts compared to people without AUD. For example, they might have more of one type of bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus) but less of another (e.g., Akkermansia). This imbalance might be why some people cannot stop drinking alcohol.  

However, figuring out the best way to apply these discoveries takes time and effort. Should further research focus on the nervous system, the bloodstream, or the area around the gut? Equally important is how to do more research. Finding people with AUD willing to share their experiences and samples of their gut bacteria is crucial and challenging.

Despite these hurdles, there's hope

Scientists are exploring how dietary might improve gut health and, by extension, help with AUD. They're looking into foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids—think nuts, certain oils, and fatty fish like salmon—which might positively affect gut bacteria. Findings from these studies could inspire dietary recommendations or treatments that support sobriety in a whole new way.

Traditional treatments have tried to adjust brain chemicals directly. Still, they haven't always worked well, as many people find themselves struggling with relapse. This new approach, focusing on the gut, is so exciting. It offers a different angle that might make a big difference for those working hard to maintain sobriety.

Ultimately, it's about finding more tools for the toolbox, especially ones that address the root causes of addiction. By focusing on gut health as part of the recovery process, we're opening up new possibilities for healing for alcoholics and improving overall gut health.

A functional blood chemical analysis or genetic test is a painless way to learn what your body is trying to tell you. Call (470-290-8025) or email office@drsusanmonias.com to request a consult. Be more thoughtful about and attentive to how your body is functioning.