Diverticula are small pouches that form in the large intestine (colon) that bulge outward.
People with these intestinal pouches have a condition calleddiverticulosis.
is greatly impacted by diet, and there is conflicting research on the effects alcohol has on it.
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This article aims to explain the connection between alcohol and diverticular disease.
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images
Does Alcohol Cause Diverticular Disease?
Some research suggests that alcohol intake can cause or trigger diverticular disease.
However, the data are inconsistent.
In turn, dehydration can cause hardstoolsand increased straining during bowel movements, increasing the risk of diverticular formation.
Alcohol may also slow intestinal motility, leading to constipation and increased pressure in the intestines.
Evidence from several studies shows that daily dietary fiber intake reduces the risk of diverticular disease.
Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber
How Does Alcohol Affect Diverticulitis?
Alcohol may lead to gastric irritation and trigger diverticulitis symptoms.
Consumption of alcohol may also increase the frequency of flare-ups.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have diverticulitis symptoms.
They may advise you to avoid alcohol completely to prevent the condition from worsening.
It’s generally best to avoid alcohol during episodes of diverticulitis.
Mild Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs if the pouches become inflamed or infected.
Common symptoms of more severe diverticulitis include:
Extreme symptoms of diverticulitis include bleeding or blockages.
Treatment may include:
Severe diverticulitis cases may require hospitalization or surgery.
Effect on Diverticulosis
Some people may wonder if it is OK to occasionally drink with diverticulitis.
Bleeding may also be severe and include the passage of dark blood clots.
If you have rectal bleeding, even a minor amount, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Diverticular bleeding may stop on its own without treatment.
Even drinking too much on a single occasion hampers your bodys ability to ward off infections 24 hours later.
Worst Alcohol for Diverticulitis
Ethyl alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
Beer, wine, and hard liquor all contain it.
If you do decide to drink alcohol, consider the alcohol content in your beverage.
Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a metric used to determine a beverage’s alcoholic content.
ABV shows what percentage of the beverages total volume is pure alcohol.
However, if you drink, it is very important to recognize exactly how much alcohol you are drinking.
The first step is becoming aware that it is time to cut back or stop drinking alcohol completely.
This may take some time.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your drinking habit and its impact on your life.
If they determine you are, you may need to stay under medical care or observation while you quit.
Summary
Some research studies show a significantly increased risk of diverticulosis in people who drink alcohol.
Alcohol may also slow intestinal motility, leading to constipation and increased pressure in the intestines.
There is no “safe” amount of alcohol to prevent diverticular disease.
The safest route is not to drink any at all.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors.
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