Does Alcohol Make Diverticulitis Worse?
Alcohol increases your risk for diverticulosis and may increase pressure in your colon. However, does alcohol aggravate diverticulitis or trigger symptoms? It may.
Alcohol damages your stomach and gut lining, causing irritation and inflammation [7]. You might experience symptoms similar to a diverticulitis infection after drinking too much alcohol, such as [8, 9]:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
If you’re experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, drinking alcohol may aggravate your symptoms [10]. So, should you or can you drink alcohol with diverticulitis? It’s best to avoid it during a flare-up and reduce your overall intake.
Other Implications
Alcohol may cause other health conditions, such as colorectal cancer. According to studies, moderate to heavy drinking causes a 1.5-fold increased risk of cancer in the colon and rectum compared to no alcohol use [11] .
In addition, diverticulitis infections may increase your risk of cancer. A study found that patients with diverticular disease had a 33% higher risk of overall cancer and an increased risk for colon cancer [12]. However, diverticulitis and colon cancer have similar symptoms, so it’s possible to misdiagnose or mistake one for the other [13].
Scientific studies show that diverticulitis infections may increase your risk of colorectal cancer [12].
Diverticulitis Management and Lifestyle Changes
When managing diverticulitis, alcohol use is a crucial factor. Alcohol can increase inflammation in the gut, weaken the intestinal lining, and disrupt the balance of good bacteria—all of which may worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups. Staying hydrated is essential, especially as alcohol can dehydrate the body and make stools harder to pass, adding strain on the colon. Drinking enough water helps keep digestion smooth and reduces this strain, which is vital for avoiding flare-ups.
For those dealing with both diverticulitis and occasional alcohol use, at-home tests like the Colonox FIT can be especially useful. Alcohol-related gut issues may not always present clear symptoms, but with Colonox FIT, you can detect hidden blood in the stool, a possible early sign of gut inflammation or irritation. Regular use of this test provides peace of mind by allowing you to monitor any subtle changes in your digestive health at home. By combining moderate alcohol intake with regular testing, hydration, and a fiber-rich diet, you can take proactive steps to manage diverticulitis more effectively.
Diagnox and GI Screening
Regular gastrointestinal screening may help you monitor your gut health and identify possible early symptoms of diverticulitis or colorectal cancer. The Colonox FIT by Diagnox is a medical-grade stool test that detects hidden blood in your stool, helping you track signs of GI disorders from the comfort of your home for earlier follow-up with your doctor. Get started today.
