Ulcerative Colitis and Alcohol: Is It Safe To Drink?

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? Can alcohol cause colitis? What’s the relationship between alcohol, gut inflammation symptoms, and colitis? What are the possible risks of mixing medications such as mesalamine and alcohol? And what does science say about what to drink with ulcerative colitis? Let's dive in!

Living With UC

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:

• Symptoms. UC often shows up as abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms vary from person to person.
• Causes. The exact cause of UC isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be related to a combination of genetic factors, immune system responses, and environmental influences.
• Treatment. Treatment for UC includes medication, dietary changes, and sometimes even surgery. The approach will vary from one person to another, and working closely with healthcare providers can help manage the symptoms.
• Flare-ups. People with UC may experience periods where symptoms are mild or absent, followed by sudden flare-ups when they get more severe. Recognizing and managing these flare-ups is an essential part of living with the condition.
• Lifestyle impact. Having UC means making some adjustments to daily routines and being mindful of potential triggers. But UC doesn't have to take over our life! With the right care and awareness, we can keep our symptoms under control.

Alcohol and Ulcerative Colitis: A Tricky Relationship

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.

But Wait, Is It a Complete No-No?

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.

You might be wondering, “What can I drink with 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.

Mesalamine and Alcohol

Another question that comes up has to do with mixing a commonly prescribed colitis medication — mesalamine — and alcohol. Are there risks involved? Science says it’s not a good idea. For one thing, alcohol might interfere with mesalamine absorption and metabolism, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the medication in treating the condition. Moreover, both substances are processed by the liver, so mixing the two can put it under excessive strain.

Navigating UC

• Talk to your doctor. Your healthcare provider knows you and your condition best. They can give you personalized advice.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you choose to have a small amount of alcohol, pay attention to how your body reacts.
• Create a food journal. Track what you eat and how it makes you feel. Note any flare-up triggers and find the patterns.
• Experiment with recipes. Discover the joy of cooking by exploring UC-friendly recipes. Finding delicious foods that suit your dietary needs can be an adventure in taste.
• Choose non-alcoholic options. Nowadays, there are many tasty non-alcoholic beverages available that won't make you feel left out of the party.
• Get moving. Exercise that suits your comfort level can keep your body strong and your mind clear. Dancing, walking, or yoga — find what “moves” you!
• Educate your friends and family. Let them know about your condition and why you might be skipping the cocktails. They'll likely be supportive!
• Be gentle with yourself. If you decide alcohol isn't for you, that's okay! Focus on enjoying the company and the celebration, not what's in your glass.

Wrapping Up

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!