Can Alcohol Cause IBS?

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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Can Alcoholism Cause Ibs?

It’s well known that alcohol can cause or worsen a number of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including
peptic ulcers, GERD, and gastritis. But can it also cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

There’s no definitive answer, as researchers haven’t found a clear link between the two. However, it’s thought that
alcohol may trigger IBS symptoms in some people. This is likely due to the fact that alcohol can loosen the muscles
in the intestines, leading to changes in bowel movements. It can also irritate the lining of the intestines, which may
worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping.

If you have IBS, it’s best to limit or avoid alcohol altogether. If you do drink, be sure to do so in moderation. And
avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this can make symptoms worse.

It is a common question that people ask when they are first diagnosed with IBS. Can alcoholism cause IBS? The answer is yes, it can. Alcoholism can cause IBS for a variety of reasons.

Alcoholism can lead to IBS for a number of reasons. One reason is that alcoholism can lead to nutritional deficiencies. When someone is alcohol dependent, they may not eat as well as they should or they may not absorb nutrients properly. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, which can then lead to IBS.

Alcoholism can also cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause a number of digestive problems, including IBS. Alcohol inhibits the production of vasopressin, which is a hormone that helps the body regulate water balance. This can lead to dehydration, and when the body is dehydrated, it cannot function properly.

Another way that alcoholism can cause IBS is by causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol can cause inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to IBS. Additionally, alcoholism can also cause damage to the liver. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the body, and when it is damaged, those toxins can end up in the digestive system, causing problems like IBS.

If you suffer from IBS and you are also struggling with alcoholism, it is important to get help for both conditions. Treatment for IBS typically includes making changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as taking medications to manage symptoms. Treatment for alcoholism usually includes attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, getting counseling, and possibly attending rehab. If you are struggling with both conditions, it is important to seek out help so that you can get the treatment you need to manage both conditions effectively.