Alcohol affects ulcerative colitis differently for each person due to its irritant nature. Symptoms can include stomach pain, inflammation, and gas. Starting with one drink and eating beforehand can help reduce symptoms, but those who experience severe flare-ups should avoid alcohol altogether.
The effect of alcohol on ulcerative colitis will vary for each individual. Because alcohol is a known digestive tract irritant, many people experience flare-ups of stomach pain, inflammation, gas, and other digestive upsets after drinking an alcoholic beverage. Some may be able to handle a drink or two without problems, while others may take a few sips and soon experience the onset of symptoms. This will depend on each person and the severity of their condition and their individual makeup.
Ulcerative colitis is caused by inflammation of the colon which can eventually lead to ulcers and lesions. This causes severe pain in many people and can lead to indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, and other unpleasant side effects. Certain foods are known to trigger symptoms and these elements will be different for each sufferer. That’s why the effects of alcohol on ulcerative colitis are different for everyone.
Alcohol is a digestive tract irritant for almost everyone, although some may tolerate it better than others. Those who consume too much alcohol can become very nauseous and sick. Vomiting is a common side effect of drinking too much alcohol. Just as no two people have the same tolerance to alcohol when it comes to getting drunk or sick, no two ulcerative colitis patients will react the same way.
When determining the effects of alcohol on ulcerative colitis in each individual case, patients are advised to start slowly. Consuming an alcoholic drink is a good start. If no symptoms appear within several hours, two can be consumed next time. Since it is advised to consume alcohol in moderation anyway, this shouldn’t be a huge sacrifice.
Some say the effects of alcohol on ulcerative colitis can be reduced by eating and drinking water before consuming an alcoholic beverage. This prevents alcohol from hitting an empty stomach, and water can help dilute the effects alcohol has on the digestive tract when consumed in close proximity.
Those who have severe flare-ups after one alcoholic drink or less should avoid alcohol consumption altogether. There are non-alcoholic alternatives to most cocktails and even beer that contain very little or no alcohol. Various drink combinations may be possible depending on each patient’s individual trigger foods.
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