{"id":596,"date":"2022-07-11T16:48:17","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T16:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=596"},"modified":"2022-11-16T19:53:23","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T19:53:23","slug":"alcohol-and-ibs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/alcohol-and-ibs\/","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol and IBS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alcohol is a known gut irritant, as it can affect intestinal motility, intestinal absorption, and permeability. (3) Alcohol also contains FODMAPs<\/a> (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), which may trigger IBS symptoms in some people, such as bloating, pain, and gas. (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you enjoy alcohol if you have IBS?\u202f<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There seem to be mixed reviews on this question, with no definite answer.  However, everyone seems to agree that the reason why the answer to this question is so elusive, is\u202f because everyone\u2019s alcohol habits and IBS triggers vary greatly.\u202f\u202fWhile some people suffering from IBS must completely eliminate alcohol from their diet, others can still enjoy an occasional drink.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals who give up alcohol completely will experience a noticeable improvement in their IBS symptoms and others who cut back on the amount of alcohol they consume and avoid certain types of alcohol more likely to cause flare-ups, such as beer, will also experience relief.  However, everyone\u2019s sensitivity levels vary and even one alcoholic beverage can be enough to trigger a flare-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An observational study exploring the relationship between patterns of alcohol consumption and gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>found that the strongest association between next day GI symptoms came from subjects who participated in binge drinking. Subjects who participated in moderate to light drinking experienced little to no GI symptoms. (2)\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking alcohol responsibly with IBS <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of what any study says, you need to listen to YOUR body. If one sip of wine sends you straight to the washroom, it is likely better that you abstain from alcohol entirely. Try\u202feliminating\u202fit completely and\u202fsee if your symptoms subside. If your symptoms do subside, see if a drink initiates the return of your IBS symptoms.  If you continue to experience symptoms, even if you have completely abstained from alcohol, the answer will lie within your diet, or your day-to-day stressors.  Work with a\u202f registered dietitian to help you identify your personal trigger foods. Use these tips next time you go out to ensure that you are keeping your health in mind: <\/p>\n\n\n\n