Does red wine constipate you?

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  • August 13, 2025

For others, certain types of alcohol are better than others, especially if they’re sensitive to gluten and certain carbohydrates. You just have to know what types of wine are less likely to irritate your gut if you suffer from this gastrointestinal disorder. Alcohol can do a number on your gut even if you don’t suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS).

Are there any groups of people who should avoid using red wine for constipation?

Your bathroom habits may become healthier when you stop drinking—even temporarily. Many people participate in Dry January—in which they cut out all alcohol for the first month of the year. By some estimates, about 15% of people in the United States who drink observe this trend.

Alcohol Use Disorder and its Impact on Digestive System

If you discover that moderate alcohol intake doesn’t trigger your IBS, keep it that way by never binge drinking. That means no more than one standard drink (a 5-ounce glass of wine) per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. Some people find that drinking low-FODMAP alcohols, such as most hard liquors, dry, low sugar wines, and beer, don’t trigger their symptoms.

  • And, emotionally, alcohol can make you not only more anxious, but more irritable, more impulsive and less inhibited — not just after a drink, but compounded over time, says Dr. Mosquera.
  • The research adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration.
  • Moreover, the tendency of AUD to provoke abdominal complaints, inflammation, and mucosal damage within the GI tract further complicates the digestive process, often leading to varying bowel movement patterns.
  • These properties work together to promote regular bowel movements when red wine is consumed in moderate amounts.
  • Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in managing the digestive challenges that accompany the withdrawal from alcohol, particularly constipation.

Health effects

wine cause constipation

Lastly, it’s important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on overall health and should be avoided. While the idea of wine as a remedy for constipation may sound tempting, it’s important to approach the topic with caution. Firstly, alcohol can be dehydrating, and dehydration is a common cause of constipation. So, if you’re going to indulge in a glass of wine, it’s essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

wine cause constipation

Can you drink wine while on IBS medication?

The amount of tannins in wine can vary depending on the grape variety, winemaking techniques, and aging process. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderation is defined as one drink per day for women, and two drinks per day for men. However, it is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the amount that is considered excessive can vary depending on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and overall health.

  • If changes such as constipation or diarrhea persist, see a healthcare provider to determine what may be causing your symptoms.
  • It is important to drink plenty of water alongside red wine to maintain hydration levels.
  • Your body’s systems bounce back over time, but after about 30 days, you’ll start seeing a difference.
  • By some estimates, about 15% of people in the United States who drink observe this trend.
  • Some natural remedies that have been used for constipation relief include the use of herbs like milk thistle, dandelion tea, or garlic.

The short answer is yes, ceasing alcohol consumption can lead to constipation. This is particularly relevant to individuals who had been consuming high-alcohol-content beverages such as gin or tequila, which have the propensity to slow down the movements of gut muscles. With these slowed movements, food passage through the gastrointestinal tract becomes more laborious, potentially leading to constipation. We’ve all been there, and constipation is downright uncomfortable, if not embarrassing. And though teas and even massage can be of assistance for this troublesome digestion issue, the foods we consume can offer some natural relief as well. But, it turns out what we eat may have even contributed to the problem in the first place.

What is the Best Wine to Drink with IBS?

After the Second World War, the wine market improved dramatically as winemakers focused on quality and marketing to cater for a more discerning audience, and wine remains a popular drink in much of the world. If you’re sensitive to gluten or carbonation, though, it’s best to avoid it. Dry red and white wines are better for those with IBS than wines with a lot of residual sugar. Doctors typically start with a low-FODMAP diet for both IBS patients and those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Can red wine provide immediate relief from constipation?

It is important to address the underlying causes of constipation, such wine cause constipation as a lack of fiber or water in the diet, through lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. The reason for this association is believed to be the high levels of polyphenols in red wine, which are found in much higher numbers than in other types of alcohol, including white wine. Polyphenols are defence chemicals naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, and they have many beneficial properties, including antioxidants. In the gut, polyphenols act as fuel for the microbes present in the system. To summarise, while wine consumption has its benefits, it is important to be mindful of potential allergens and their effects on your body.

What to Do If You’re Constipated During Dry January

Prolonged and excessive drinking can cause a range of issues, from gastritis to ulcers, and even raise the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. These impacts are not only immediate but can also result in long-term complications, including day-to-day digestive discomfort and serious conditions affecting gut health. Moreover, the tendency of AUD to provoke abdominal complaints, inflammation, and mucosal damage within the GI tract further complicates the digestive process, often leading to varying bowel movement patterns. Before turning to wine as a remedy, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, wine should not be used as a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet and sufficient hydration. Secondly, wine should be consumed in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can have negative health effects.

The main treatments available to you include intensive inpatient rehab at a hospital, residential rehab at a facility, intensive outpatient treatment, and standard outpatient treatment. Julie has over 20 years experience as a writer and over 30 as a passionate home cook; this doesn’t include her years at home with her mother, where she thinks she spent more time in the kitchen than out of it. She loves scouring the internet for delicious, simple, heartwarming recipes that make her look like a MasterChef winner. Her other culinary mission in life is to convince her family and friends that vegetarian dishes are much more than a basic salad.

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