Drambuie

[Prance]

Not recommending this, but I've discovered that sipping a small glass of Drambuei does wonders for my guts when I'm suffering.

[Luisa22]

I find the same thing. But the only alcoholic drink I can have is vodka. I have a small shot with some honey mixed in. Usually a cup of tea without milk on the side with that. Sometimes when my gut feels uncomfortable or I get wind that won't come out, that drink helps me such a lot and I feel much better and more comfortable.

[Prance in reply to Luisa22]

That's great. Glad I'm not the only one as I thought it was bonkers, but I've now done it loads of times now and very successful, and I should say enjoyable.

[Luisa22 in reply to Prance]

I do get the feeling though that the secret to it being harmful or helpful is "small amounts". I have never put large amounts to the test and don't think I ever will!

I think in larger doses alcohol has to be very inflammatory for the gut.

And many people with IBS don't find it helpful at all, and it can make them feel worse.

But there never is "one law for everyone" with IBS. I think we have to find our own individual way to a great extent, and things that help us, and things that don't.

[Gardenlover2020 in reply to Luisa22]

Me too , I like a small whiskey & ginger ale after my evening meal , better than painkillers 😀

[BabblingBrooks]

I think small amounts of alcohol may be beneficial because of a relaxing effect and possibly drunk without food which may be a bad combination.

I visited a homeopath a few months ago who said it’s preferable to not drink with meals, maybe there’s something in this, it was new to me anyway.

[TrexArms88 in reply to BabblingBrooks]

Drinking with meals dilutes the stomach acids I think, which would hamper the digestive processes. Don't quote me but I'm fairly confident that's the reason for restricting water intake at eating times.

[beffsp in reply to TrexArms88]

Pretty sure this is the case. I was told because of my GORD I should avoid drinking half an hour before and after meals so that I’m not diluting the acid and therefore causing my body to overcompensate and produce even more (ouch).

[Luisa22 in reply to BabblingBrooks]

That's interesting. I never want ANYTHING to drink when I am eating. I am too busy eating! I remember in the past, if I had any alcoholic drink with a meal I would get indigestion. That means a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Other people could do it but I had to have my beer/wine first. then food, then just enough water to rinse my mouth,

[Gardenview10]

I have a small brandy topped with diet coke when I'm really bad, about 6 a year, lol. Does help though if I've been in the loo all day!

[Luisa22 in reply to Gardenview10]

I also have had help from a small drink, even in the aftermath of a flare up, and it has done me no harm. It has just calmed my system.

[BabsyWabsy]

If my guts feel a bit 'off', a glass of dry white wine can usually settle them.

[E3178]

I find the same. If I have a drink before my dinner it does help. Especially if I eat out in company. It relaxes my gut better than mebeverine.

[Prance]

Whilst this is far from being scientific, the comments are very encouraging. I've been going through a bad spell last few days and the small Drambuie in the evening has been a great help. Warms and relaxes me and settles things down.

[Moss2008]

I was diagnosed with IBS earlier this year but have had horrible symptoms since 2020. I often find drinking alcohol in small amounts to be very beneficial for my pains. I often drink Vodka but sometimes drink Disarano which also helps with the pain. I think moderation is key though like with most things sadly 😥

[Luisa22 in reply to Moss2008]

Yes....ditto chocolate! Moderation is key, but I dearly wish I could eat more!!

[Gardenview10 in reply to Luisa22]

Chocolate sets me off, daren't eat it 😔

[Charlitobo]

Same for me ! Drink 1 or 2 max glasses of wine before diner helps me a lot, relaxing and helping for preparing digestion. And no digestive problems with wine. Only organic wine, wite or sometimes red. And none during the meals or after. I felt guilty for this, I don't know why its my personal help.

[Linley]

Small rose wine is me😁

[Prance]

Perhaps we should lobby for a study into this. I'd apply to be a guinea pig (free Drambuei 😋)

[Luisa22 in reply to Prance]

What a lovely idea!

[marthaalice]

same here but my poison is gin and tonic. If my stomach is really bloated it’s the only thing that helps. I have tried just having the tonic in case it was that but not nearly as helpful. It goes against everything that is written about alcohol and the gut but you gotta do what you gotta do.