According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach. You'll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.
But let's get specific: according to Healthline, moderate red wine consumption has been shown to somewhat improve helpful gut bacteria populations due to the fact that it contains polyphenols, a type of plant compound that gets broken down (or “eaten”) by gut bacteria.
Dry red wines, wine spritzers, light lagers, vodka, and gin may have less impact on your stomach. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist after you space out drinks, drink water, or stop drinking.
The digestif category is broad, encompassing aged spirits; bitter, herbal, and sweet liqueurs; and fortified wines. They're usually served neat after a meal. Brandy is traditional, but amaro, such as Fernet-Branca, is gaining in popularity as an after-dinner sipper.
Tips for managing IBS symptoms when drinking
If you choose to drink alcohol, here are our top tips that may reduce gut upset: Choose low FODMAP alcoholic beverages such as vodka/gin and soda water and try to limit to 2 drinks a day. Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
Tips for alcohol consumption if you have IBS
Limit consumption: Stick to a maximum of two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women, according to US guidelines. Choose your alcohol wisely: Ensure the alcohol and mixers are lower in FODMAPs and gluten (if you have a gluten sensitivity).
Monash University (1) has looked at alcohol that is both low fodmap and high fodmap, to give you a better idea of what alcoholic beverage might not trigger symptoms. Some low fodmap alcoholic drinks include: Beer (suggests a gluten-free beer) Red, white or sparkling wine.
Tequila has far less sugar than most other liquors, which means less acne, inflammation, and broader cell damage to your skin after a long night of drinks. Plus, it's the only liquor on the list that can also claim some health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and decreasing bloating.
Alcohol consumption disrupts both the digestion of sugars and the balance of bacteria in the gut. It also leads to a shift in the gut's normal fungal diversity, causing overgrowth of a type of yeast called candida.
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach. You'll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.
Alcohol can induce intestinal inflammation through a cascade of mechanisms that subsequently lead to inflammation and organ dysfunction throughout the body, in particular in the liver and brain.
It can improve overall digestive health
"The digestive system works hard to eliminate alcohol (a toxin) from our system," Sonpal said. "So when we cut out alcohol we are allowing the digestive system to better convert the food and beverages we consume into fuel, energy for us to function optimally."
Recent research shows that a 3 weeks abstinence from alcohol can help facilitate a complete recovery of the gut barrier. But it takes even long for your microbiome to get back to normal. Either way, a good start is to reduce your alcohol intake first to see how that can help improve your gut!
Foods that are rich in fibre like vegetables, fruits, oats and pulses are beneficial. Adding in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and pickles will also help to promote a healthy gut microbiome."
Caffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief — check labels carefully.
Basically what's happening is your gut is being constantly irritated, causing the symptoms of bloating, gas and even diarrhea. Vodka, gin and tequila on the rocks are all good options.
Monash has tested several spirits and low FODMAP options include gin, vodka, and whiskey. Rum is the only spirit that is high in FODMAPs due to a high fructose load. Watch your portions, and measure your spirit of choice with a shot glass. It is very easy to exceed the recommended portion size of one ounce.
Inflammation and Digestion
Alcohol travels to the stomach where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Because it passes through the body so quickly, alcohol also inflames the lining of the digestive system, leading to enhanced acid production, rapid digestion and often diarrhea.
Inflammation: Contact with alcohol can cause the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed. Alcohol can also lead to more acid production in the stomach, which can increase irritation and inflammation. This irritation can lead to diarrhea.
Alcohol and gastritis don't mix. Alcohol irritates your stomach lining and can make gastritis worse. If you have gastritis, avoid alcohol or drink it in moderation.