09/07/2025
It's Alcohol Awareness Week this week, which makes it the perfect time to have open, honest conversations about how alcohol affects our health, families, and communities.
According to Drinkaware (2024), 29% of UK drinkers were classified as increasing risk or above by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and 28% of UK adults were concerned about someone else's drinking.
Alcohol has wide-ranging effects on the body, with the gut being one important area. It can upset the balance of healthy and unhealthy gut bacteria, make the gut lining more permeable, and influence how our immune system works. Around 70% of the immune system is found in the gut, so looking after it is an important part of supporting overall health.
Dr Gill Hart, our Scientific Director, says: “Since alcohol can compromise your healthy bacteria, it’s essential to take steps to protect your gut biome when you drink to protect your immune system – aim to stay within drinking guidelines, have a minimum of three sober days a week, and only have alcohol with or after a meal to reduce absorption.”
If you’re thinking about cutting down, or supporting someone else in cutting down, you don’t have to do it alone.
💛 For free advice and confidential support, speak to your GP, or visit:
➡️ Drinkaware: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
➡️ NHS Alcohol Support: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/
Together, let’s keep the conversation going.
