Ulcerative Colitis and Alcohol: Is It Safe To Drink?
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
Back in 1875, Sir Samuel Wilks and Walter Moxon of Guy's Hospital in London published the first clinical description of ulcerative colitis — a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing persistent inflammation, chronic diarrhea, and ulceration of the colon.
At the time, distinguishing UC from other gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease or tuberculosis of the intestines, was a challenge. The development of new diagnostic tools and techniques, such as sigmoidoscopy, helped streamline the diagnosis process. However, questions about this complex condition still come up. For example, what happens if we add alcohol to the mix? What is the best alcohol to drink with ulcerative colitis? And can alcohol cause colitis? Let's dive into the science!
Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These conditions are characterized by ongoing inflammation of the digestive system's lining, leading to a variety of symptoms and complications.
Dealing with UC can be tricky at first — especially before getting a diagnosis and starting treatment. Here's the gist of the problem:
Alcohol is known to irritate the digestive system. For one thing, it stimulates the stomach to produce more acid than usual, which can lead to gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining. It can also cause irritation by disrupting the cells lining the stomach and intestines, which form a barrier that helps keep stomach acid and digestive enzymes in their place, and it throws off the balance of gut bacteria that aid in digestion.
For someone without UC, all of this might not be that big a deal. But when we have a condition that already involves inflammation, adding alcohol can feel like throwing gasoline on a fire.
Moreover, alcohol can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients. With UC, this is already a concern, so coupling it with alcohol can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Finally, medications used to manage UC don’t mesh well with alcohol. Mixing alcohol and colitis meds could reduce their effectiveness or cause unexpected side effects. This interaction might also indirectly affect nutrient absorption, leading to more severe symptoms and further hindrance in nutrient uptake.
Ah, the million-dollar question! The answer isn't simple. Some people with UC might tolerate small amounts of alcohol. But what's "small" for one person might be too much for someone else.
What is the best alcohol to drink with ulcerative colitis? Again, it depends. All in all, the effects of the ulcerative colitis and alcohol combo can vary widely from person to person. Your friend with the same condition might be able to enjoy a glass of wine, but that doesn't mean it's necessarily the right choice for you.
Whether you invite alcohol to your party or not, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself, surround yourself with supportive people, and take care of your health.
After all, the real joy isn't what's in your glass, but the laughter, friendships, and memories you create. Happy celebrating, your way!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.