Does alcohol cause inflammation? What men need to know about the immune response
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Jan 04, 2026 · 11 min read
Alcohol causes systemic, dose-dependent inflammation by producing acetaldehyde and activating liver immune cells (Kupffer cells) to release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, while also weakening the gut barrier so bacterial toxins can enter the bloodstream. That immune “alarm” can keep firing long after the buzz fades. It can affect blood vessels, testosterone production, ...