What Causes Gastritis?

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

An individual who engages in excessive alcohol consumption can develop gastritis as a result of their lifestyle choices. The repeated consumption of alcohol can cause inflammation in parts of the stomach lining and even start to erode the tissue. The symptoms of alcoholic gastritis tend to occur most often after they have had a session of binge drinking and in between meals. Over time, alcohol disrupts an individual's natural production of compounds referred to as bicarbonate ions, which help protect the stomach tissues from damage. Depending on the location and severity of the stomach lining inflammation, the patient's symptoms can either be worsened or alleviated by consuming food. Alcoholic beverages can also cause delayed emptying of the stomach, which allows for the overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that can produce gastritis. Alcohol turns into a toxic compound referred to as acetaldehyde when it enters the body. Acetaldehyde can cause cellular DNA damage, which makes the stomach tissues more vulnerable to damage, inflammation, and carcinogenesis.