Why Alcohol Causes Inflammation (And What You Can Do About It)

A few drinks on the weekend. A happy hour that turns into four. A “just one” that becomes two or three.

It’s common. It’s social. And yes—alcohol is fun.

But there’s a downside that sneaks up on you the next day—and it’s more than just a hangover.

We’re talking about inflammation—the kind that leaves you bloated, sore, foggy, and drained. And yes, alcohol fuels it.

Here’s how. And what you can do to bounce back like a GOAT.

How Alcohol Triggers Inflammation

1. It’s a Toxin

Your body sees alcohol as a threat.

As soon as you drink, your liver goes into overdrive to break it down. This process creates toxic byproducts, like acetaldehyde, which trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation throughout the body.

2. It Damages the Gut

Alcohol weakens the lining of your gut, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into your bloodstream—a condition known as leaky gut.

This overloads your immune system and sparks a systemic inflammatory response, especially in the joints, skin, and brain.

3. It Spikes Blood Sugar

 Mixed drinks, beer, wine—sugar and alcohol are a dangerous combo.

They elevate blood sugar, leading to insulin spikes and metabolic stress, which increases oxidative stress and inflammation.

4. It Interrupts Sleep

You might pass out after drinking, but you’re not getting restorative sleep.

Poor sleep keeps cortisol (your stress hormone) elevated, which slows recovery and prolongs inflammation in your muscles and joints.

5. It Dehydrates You

Alcohol is a diuretic—it pulls water and electrolytes from your body.

That leaves your tissues dry, tight, and prone to inflammation, soreness, and swelling.

Signs of Alcohol-Driven Inflammation

• Puffy face or under-eyes

• Brain fog or irritability

• Joint stiffness (especially knees, ankles, fingers)

• Bloating or sluggish digestion

• Sore muscles even without training

Sound familiar after a night out? That’s inflammation talking.

How to Fight Back — The GOAT Way

You don’t have to give up the occasional drink.

But you do need to recover with intention if you want to feel good, train hard, and keep inflammation in check.

At GOAT Wellness, we’ve got your back—literally and biologically:

Cryotherapy:

Reduces inflammation, flushes toxins, and balances cortisol in 3 minutes.

Infrared Sauna:

Sweats out alcohol byproducts and restores circulation.

(stay hydrated)

Endosphères Therapy:

Reboots your lymphatic system to reduce swelling and water retention.

Normatec Compression:

Improves blood flow and restores hydration to muscles and joints.

Drink Smart. Recover Smarter.

We’re not anti-social. We’re anti-inflammation.

You can have the night out—just don’t skip the recovery that brings you back to GOAT level.

Book Your Recovery Session Today

Had a night? We’ve got the fix.

Inflammation doesn’t stand a chance.

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