Advice regarding alcohol and IBS!

[Martini1]

I’m only 3 months into my possible IBS journey and am 6 days into a flare up. I did Dry February and was IBS free!! However we went on holiday and I had wine. Got back on Thursday and on Friday it started…has anyone noticed that alcohol exacerbates IBS? The doctor has given me mebeverine which might be working! I’m also wondering if it could be gastritis? I’m thinking about going back to the doctor but not sure it’s worth it…any advice would be welcome 🤗

[Luisa22]

I can't drink wine any more. Ditto beer of any kind. The only alcoholic drink I can tolerate is vodka and I have no bad effects from that. But we're all very different and many with IBS daren't even have any alcohol at all. I think you answered your own question when you said you were IBS free when you drank no alcohol.

[Martini1 in reply to Luisa22]

Hi luisa22. Many thanks for your reply. I think I’m in the same boat. I’ve been reading lots of posts and the general consensus seems that Vodka is OK! Very strange how quickly bodies change….thanks again

[Luisa22 in reply to Martini1]

Yes it is strange how bodies change. I always used to like a glass of beer, just a half pint, lager or Guinness at "cocktail hour" before dinner. But soon had to stop that after getting IBS.

But I'm fine if I have a vodka with honey to sweeten it, and some fizzy water. (another thing is that fizzy water often is a no-no with IBS, but it suits me okay.) I keep a bottle of Polish vodka with runny honey squeezed in it and shaken up a million times! Then I pour a shot and top it up with mineral water. (honey is high Fodmap though and might not be for everyone, though it likes me.)

But everyone's different so see how you go with vodka and listen to the body. It might be telling you not to drink at all.

[Emaych61]

Alcohol in general - no. Sparkling wine (actually any sparkling drink, alcoholic or not) will set off IBS in me. Except where it’s used in cooking (eg casseroles) I also have a problem with red wine (caused, we think, by the tannin content) but I’m not sure that’s IBS connected; the symptoms are not the same. White wine I can sometimes cope with.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Emaych61]

I'm like you. I can tolerate white wine, but red goes straight through. I think it might be anthocyanins because blackcurrants and beetroot usually have a rapid throughput too, which is a shame as I am fond of them.

[Emaych61 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Blackcurrant, blackberries, and any acidic fruit (citrus, pineapple, rhubarb) I have to be very careful with, but whether that’s IBS is not certain - I’ve had digestive issues for years and thus far the gastros have been unable to ascertain the cause. I’m fine with beetroot - provided it’s not pickled.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Emaych61]

I've had digestive issues for years and it took several years to get my GP to take it seriously. I love beetroot but can only eat it in moderation.

[Emaych61 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Not GORD then?

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Emaych61]

That has been part of it, but is a relatively minor issue most days. Unlike my Bro who has Barrett's oesophagus, and other bro, who has Crohns. Definitely runs in the family.

[Misspomfrey]

I don't drink alcohol at all, nothing, and I've had IBS for 16 years. If I did drink it now though, I just know I'd be tons worse and never cope at all. It's hard enough now. My advise is, don't include anything into your life that's totally unnecessary and does no good, it's not worth it.

[Martini1]

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I felt absolutely dreadful yesterday, all the usual issues! Had a smal vodka and freshly squeezed orange juice last and feel much better today. I’ve never known anything like this, normally so fit and healthy for a 62 yr old. It’s totally debilitating and made worse by not sleeping (well 2hours) when in the throes of an episode. I called the surgery this morning to see someone to get further tests done to clarify if it is indeed IBS (not had any so far) and the earliest appointment is in May….they say patience is a virtue!!

[Mishka123]

The safest type of alcohol for IBS is vodka. On top of everything, you could be allergic to sulfites or yeast in the wine.

[Escherichia]

unfortunately I find alcohol causes IBS flares. It increases motility in the gut. It can take days to settle. I have been on Mebeverine for a couple of years. It seemed to help initially particularly if I took it 30 mins before eating. However its effectiveness seems to be decreasing and I am resorting to Imodium type tablets to try and make sure I’m not incapacitated all day. I don’t think it helps with gastritis. If you have picked up a gut bug, best to clear it out than bottle it up in your gut.

[Zantecat]

If alcohol is a trigger don’t drink it .. simples

[Allen77]

I'm an IBS sufferer for years and struggle with it. Alcohol is not good for IBS. Everyone reacts to certain foods and beverages differently. You need to see what consumption triggers a flare up and avoid them. Hopefully it's that simple. Good luck