It is a long-term condition but can have periods of remission that can last for weeks or even years.

Dietary and lifestyle factors can influence symptoms and flare-ups (periods when symptoms are active).

If alcohol is consumed, drinking in moderation is advised.

person pouring beer

PixelCatchers / Getty Images

Some people with CD may find moderate alcohol consumption tolerable.

If you have CD and choose to consume alcohol, talk to your healthcare provider about alcohol use.

6 Ways Alcohol Impacts Crohns

Research on whether alcohol increases the risk of developing IBD is conflicting.

Worsens Symptoms

CD causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

Alcohol can also increase inflammation, including in the digestive tract.

Stress can lead to increased alcohol consumption, and alcohol consumption can lead to increased stress.

As stress can be a trigger for CD flares, alcohol can indirectly contribute to CD flare-ups.

This can increase gut permeability and cause diarrhea.

Alcohol has a diuretic effect (increased urination), which increases hydration needs.

This can lead todehydration, which can be dangerous.

Lack of adequate hydration can also interfere with the immune response and impair its ability to fight infection.

Disruption of the gut microbiome can impair gut health, which can lead to poor nutrient absorption.

Alcohol can impair the processing and absorption of some key nutrients, including:

5.

Noted effects can vary even within the jot down of alcohol.

Some research has found that red wine may positively affect fecalcalprotectinlevels (checks for inflammation in the intestines).

You may find what works for someone else does not work for you, and vice versa.

The recommended treatments depend on individual needs.

Some people with CD can drink alcohol in moderation without experiencing negative effects.

The jot down of alcohol may make a difference for some people.

Alcohol should be avoided during aCD flare.

If you have CD and choose to drink, talk to your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Crohn’s disease.

MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam.Alcohol and Crohns disease: 7 facts to know.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

2023;35(1):21-30. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000002453

Rush University Medical Center.10 facts about Crohn’s.

Piovezani Ramos G, Kane S.Alcohol use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y).

2021;17(5):211-225.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

2020;18(6):1381-1392. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.01.046

Crohns & Colitis Foundation.Managing flares and IBD symptoms.

Project Crohns.Alcohol and Crohn’s disease: what you gotta know.

White BA, Ramos GP, Kane S.The impact of alcohol in inflammatory bowel diseases.

2022;28(3):466-473. doi:10.1093/ibd/izab089

Crohn’s & Colitis Dietitians.Can alcohol trigger IBD symptoms?

2022;9:918754. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.918754

Crohns & Colitis Foundation.Living with Crohns disease.

National Health Service.Crohn’s disease.