Q: will ibs alter the digestion of alcohol?
Hello Snowgoddess,
Many people who have IBS and IBD find that alcohol of any kind can make their symptoms worse. The alcohol is a stimulant and can become an irritant to the lining of the stomach and colon.
Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
Hello, snowgoddess.
This forum is dedicated to information and issues related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
However, I will tell you that alcohol does require digestion. Once in the body, alcohol enters the bloodstream immediately through the stomach or lining of the small intestine. Eating a meal slows the process, but again, note that alcohol is not digested.
Also, note that even in a person starting out with a healthy GI tract, alcohol is very damaging in many ways. Alcohol interferes with all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. With the first sip, you are injuring the tissues in your mouth and esophagus, and alcohol inflicts further injury as it flows into your stomach, and then into your small intestines.
Hope
Correction, please: I meant to type, " Alcohol does NOT require digestion..."
I'm sorry for any confusion.
Thanks!
Hope
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
