Binge Drinking Weakens Gut Barrier, Study Finds

New research indicates that a single instance of binge drinking can compromise the integrity of the gut lining. This weakening, often termed "leaky gut," permits the passage of bacteria and toxins from the intestines into the bloodstream, initiating harmful inflammatory responses.

The study, published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, identified that brief episodes of heavy alcohol consumption trigger an inflammatory reaction. Specifically, immune cells known as neutrophils release web-like structures called NETs, which directly harm the upper small intestine and exacerbate gut permeability.

Scientists found that blocking these NETs reduced immune cell presence in the gut and diminished bacterial leakage, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for alcohol-related gut and liver damage. These findings underscore the early stages of injury caused by excessive alcohol intake.