Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a chronic condition that can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. It typically affects the small intestine or the beginning of the large intestine.
Researchers are studying the effects of alcohol on IBD and have found some mixed results.
According to a 2021 study, Crohn’s disease is widely associated with smoking, but the link between having Crohn’s disease and drinking alcohol is less certain.
Can you drink alcohol with Crohn’s disease?
A literature review from 2021 found the link between Crohn’s disease and drinking alcohol controversial. Yet some people have reported that drinking alcohol can cause a Crohn’s disease flare-up.
People with IBD frequently complain of worsening GI symptoms when they drink alcohol. A few things could cause this, such as:
- Alcohol may interfere and interact with some medications, making them less efficient or causing harmful side effects.
- Alcohol may alter the regular bacteria in the intestines, leading to inflammation.
- Alcohol can increase your chances of developing bacterial infections, such as Clostridioides difficile.
- Alcohol can disrupt the intestinal barrier and trigger your body’s autoimmune defenses.
Research results are mixed. A 2016 study involved participants hospitalized for alcohol intoxication over a 10-year period. Researchers noted that the participants had a higher risk of developing IBDs, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The risks increased the longer they stayed in the hospital.
Older 2010 research indicates no connection between developing IBD conditions and consuming alcohol. However, 1996 research and different 2010 research found drinking small amounts of alcohol, specifically red wine, may protect against some forms of IBD, although these reports are not confirmed.
Overall, alcohol does not appear to play a part in developing Crohn’s disease. But it may increase inflammation in the intestines, triggering flare-ups in people with Crohn’s disease diagnoses. This could lead to more harmful outcomes.
Scientists and researchers must perform more studies to be able to give clear guidance on the types and amounts of alcohol that people with Crohn’s disease should drink.
What types of alcohol are better?
If you choose to drink alcohol, research from 2021 indicates that moderate amounts of red wine may benefit inflammatory conditions.
It is worth noting that even red wine consumption may negatively affect Crohn’s disease monitoring.
Symptoms of a flare-up
Crohn’s disease usually occurs gradually and worsens over time, with alternating periods of active disease and remission.
During the active stages of Crohn’s disease, you may have flare-ups of symptoms.
The most common symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- abdominal pain or cramping
Other symptoms resulting from inflammation and stress may include:
- fever
- anemia
- fatigue
- nausea
- eye pain or redness
- decreased appetite
- soreness or pain in your joints
- tender, red bumps under your skin
Treating Crohn‘s disease
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but lifestyle changes and certain medications may help reduce symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle adaptations and dietary shifts so your body can absorb more nutrients and reduce episodes of diarrhea. Recommended dietary changes may include:
- eating soft, bland foods
- drinking more liquids
- avoiding dairy foods
- eating smaller, more frequent meals
- avoiding carbonated or fizzy drinks
- avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- avoiding high fiber foods, such as nuts and popcorn
Sometimes, doctors and healthcare professionals may recommend complete bowel rest to let your intestines heal. Complete bowel rest can mean not eating or drinking anything or drinking only specified liquids.
A doctor may recommend surgery to control Crohn’s disease symptoms. You may need surgery to:
- repair fistulas
- remove bowel obstructions
- remove sections of the intestine, with severe Crohn’s symptoms
A doctor may also recommend certain medications to manage Crohn’s disease symptoms.
Aminosalicylates
Aminosalicylates help manage inflammation. Although they’ve traditionally been used for Crohn’s disease, more recent and emerging data suggest that experts are prescribing them less often.
This may be because the drugs are more effective for ulcerative colitis. A doctor may still prescribe these medications for mild Crohn’s disease symptoms, though.
Aminosalicylates include:
- mesalamine (Asacol)
- balsalazide (Colazal)
- sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, or steroids, decrease inflammation by decreasing your body’s immune system. Your doctor may recommend and prescribe corticosteroids for moderate to severe symptoms, but only for short-term use. Corticosteroids include:
- prednisone (Rayos)
- budesonide (Pulmicort)
- hydrocortisone (Cortef)
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators decrease inflammation by decreasing your immune system’s activity. Your doctor may recommend and prescribe immunomodulators for severe symptoms if you are not responding to other medications. They may take up to 3 months to work and have severe side effects.
Immunomodulators include:
- azathioprine (Imuran)
- cyclosporine (Gengraf)
- methotrexate (Otrexup)
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