While the evidence is mixed, it is clear that the relationship between alcohol use and stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers, is complex.

There’s little evidence to suggest that alcohol directly causes stomach ulcers. However, heavy alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for developing stomach ulcers.

Drinking alcohol may make the symptoms of stomach ulcers worse. As such, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol if you have an ulcer.

Read on to learn more about the possible connection between alcohol use and stomach ulcers.

The research about whether there is a connection between alcohol use and stomach ulcers is conflicting.

A 2018 review looked at the connection between lifestyle habits and peptic ulcer disease. It found that limiting alcohol use may reduce your chances of developing ulcers.

Excessive amounts of alcohol can irritate and weaken the stomach lining, which can cause inflammation. This is called gastritis. Without treatment, gastritis can cause peptic ulcers and other complications.

Inflammation can also irritate existing ulcers and prevent ulcers from healing.

If you already have a stomach ulcer, it’s best to reduce your alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether.

Alcohol can prevent stomach ulcers from healing. It can also worsen the symptoms of stomach ulcers.

Excessive alcohol consumption might also increase your risk of bleeding ulcers, which can become very dangerous.

A 2016 study analyzing liquor and beer consumption in men with peptic ulcer disease found that drinking 5 or more drinks per day increased the risk of bleeding from peptic ulcer disease.

Although there’s conflicting evidence on whether alcohol can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers, it’s always best to avoid excessive drinking.

Not only does excessive drinking cause other gastrointestinal issues, but it can also have other negative effects on the body.

Drinking up to 1 drink per day on average is considered moderate for people assigned female at birth. An average of up to 2 drinks per day is considered moderate for people assigned male at birth.

Research suggests that alcohol affects your stomach acid, damaging your stomach lining. This can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues.

Alcohol use, especially excessive alcohol use, can cause:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining
  • acid reflux
  • pancreatitis
  • gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach cancer
  • liver disease, including fatty liver
  • malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins

If you’re concerned about how alcohol affects your digestive system or your health in general, consider limiting your alcohol use. You can also speak with your doctor for guidance.

You should consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a stomach ulcer. If your stomach ulcer is caused by a bacterial infection, it may be necessary to go on a course of antibiotics.

Your clinician might also suggest lifestyle changes to prevent worsening your symptoms.

If you have a stomach ulcer, get emergency help if you develop:

  • sudden, sharp abdominal pain
  • abdominal pain that worsens with movement but improves when lying still
  • hardness or stiffness in your abdomen
  • bloody vomit or feces
  • signs of shock, including confusion, fainting, or excessive sweating

The above symptoms could be signs of complications, including bleeding ulcers.

With treatment, stomach ulcers typically heal in 1 to 2 months. It’s important to work with your doctor to create a suitable treatment plan.

You should avoid drinking alcohol until your stomach ulcers heal. After they heal, you can continue drinking alcohol. However, it’s best to drink moderately to decrease your chances of developing ulcers again in the future.

Any alcohol can irritate stomach ulcers, so it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether if you have them.

There’s no research on whether certain kinds of alcohol are worse or better for stomach ulcers. All alcohol can cause complications and worsen your symptoms.

The best option if you have a stomach ulcer or are at risk is to have no alcohol.

Alcohol is not a main cause of mouth ulcers. However, because alcohol can be acidic, it may contribute to or trigger mouth ulcers.

While your mouth ulcers heal, you might want to avoid alcohol and other acidic foods and beverages.

The research on whether alcohol can cause stomach ulcers is conflicting. Some sources suggest alcohol use can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers because alcohol can irritate your stomach lining.

If you have a stomach ulcer, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol, or at least cut down on it as much as possible until the ulcer heals.

You might find support from a primary care physician, a therapist, or a 12-step program in your area, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.