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Alcohol & Crohn's

Crohn's is a lifelong disease that irritates the digestive tract, and it can affect anyone, young or old, male or female. Thanks to the use of medication and surgical procedures, people with Crohn's are able to go about their lives for lengthy periods of time without any symptoms. But certain lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol, may effect how often irritation from Crohn's Disease flares up.

  1. Alcohol Affects on Crohn's

    • A 2007 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" showed that alcohol was a cause for abdominal pain in people that have Crohn's Disease. According to MyIBDCentral, "their results showed support for the idea that alcoholic drinks can increase abdominal pain in those living with Crohn's Disease." Alcoholic beverages that contained sugar seemed to have the most affect on patients with Crohn's, though not everyone with Crohn's experiences abdominal pain after drinking alcohol.

    Crohn's Medication and Alcohol

    • You should speak with your doctor about possible reactions that alcohol may have with your prescribed medications. Medications used to treat the symptoms of Crohn's include antibiotics, steroids, biological response modifiers and immunomodulator drugs. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole, should not be taken with alcohol products, because combining the two can lead to feelings of nausea, vomiting, headaches and flushing.

    Nutrition for Crohn's and Alcohol

    • According the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) "there are no known foods that cause Crohn's disease." However, when you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you avoid food and beverages such as milk, products that contain milk, alcohol, spicy foods and bulky grains. These particular foods and drinks have the potential to increase feelings of cramping and diarrhea.

    Other Side Effects of Alcohol

    • Dehydration can be expected since Crohn's disease is associated with severe symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration poses a risk since it can lead to shock, kidney failure, coma and, in serious cases, death. Alcohol also has a dehydrating affect, so avoid drinking alcohol if you have Crohn's to decrease your risk of dehydration.

    Summary

    • Only you know what your body is capable of. Not everyone with Chron's disease will display the same symptoms. The same goes with consuming certain foods and beverages. Some people with Crohn's may be able to handle alcohol, whereas others may be afflicted with severe cramping of the abdomen. You should speak with your doctor before consuming any alcoholic beverages in order to determine all of the risks that drinking can pose.

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