What happens to your bladder when drinking alcohol?
It is not your bladder that shrinks when you drink beer or wine. It is your urine production that becomes extra active when drinking alcohol.
Alcohol blocks the hormone that holds on to the fluid.
We all know it – on a very ordinary day, you can go for hours without having to go to the bathroom, even if you drink several glasses of water to keep you hydrated. But when you later sip a beer in the kitchen or drink a glass or two of wine while enjoying food, the urge quickly starts to register.
When you drink alcohol, the production of the hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is reduced. It is a result of the effect of alcohol on the brain.
Reduced amount of ADH gives greater urge to urinate.
The hormone is produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. It is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, which determine, among other things the body’s fluid balance and whether the body should excrete some of the fluid. Alcohol inhibits the production of ADH.
When the amount of ADH is reduced, the kidneys secrete more fluid than they otherwise normally would and therefore we pee more.
Coffee has the same effect on the hormone ADH as alcohol. Therefore, you are also likely to experience that you have go to the toilet more often after pouring your morning coffee.
Trying to hold your urine after drinking alcohol or coffee has no effect on the urge because it will have no effect on the ADH hormone in your body. So – when you’ve got to go – you’ve got to go!
Stay safe and always drink in moderation.