Alcohol and IBS
Finding a drink that doesn't react to IBS can be challenging. Codie has some tips to help you enjoy an alcoholic drink without feeling sick the next day.
Alcohol is scientifically a gut stimulant, so even for people who don't suffer from IBS or any other kind of bowel/digestive problems, might find themselves the day after going to the toilet often.
However, is there an alcoholic drink that's friendly to people with IBS? What drinks should people with IBS avoid?
Skip the Fizzy Drinks
I've learned my trick, as I've learned what makes my IBS react to alcohol, so some things I cannot have like fizzy, sugary alcoholic drinks.
When you drink alcoholic soda drink, you may find your stomach bloating and in pain the next day. The next time you're out drinking, skip the Jägerbombs.
Know Your Limits
It's better to have a few drinks instead of many, especially if you want to move around the following day.
When you drink too much, you'll be stuck with a hangover and might have an IBS flare up, and you don't want that.
The next time you're out drinking keep it to a few.
Drinking the Same Drink
Sometimes it might be okay, and other times it might not be okay even if you're drinking the same drink. There are a lot of things that affect IBS including diet, stress, and medications.
If you know you have an IBS flare up, limit the amount of alcohol in your diet or cut it out entirely.
Drink White Wine, Not Beer
Research shows that white wine is better for your stomach than red wine, and beer is one drink IBS people should avoid, especially if gluten is an IBS trigger.
If you wish still to drink beer, look for a gluten-free option.
Don't Drink When You're Stressed
Stress can make IBS don't mix.
When you're drinking in a stressful situation, it's going to have a terrible impact on you whereas if you just drink when you're happy, your stomach might be kinder to you.
In Conclusion...
If you want to drink still, you'll need to find your triggers. I can only suggest avoiding drinking fizzy drinks, sugary drinks, and cocktails. Additionally, if gluten triggers your IBS symptoms, look for gluten-free alcohol.
Some people choose to cut out drinking entirely, and that's fine. If you are like me and would still like to have a drink or two, it will be a bit of trial and error for awhile, but once you work out exactly what doesn't make you feel awful, then you can kind of control it. Remember moderation.
