Alcohol

For those with IBS, alcoholic drinks are frequently a trigger. Alcohol has been shown to irritate the gut, which can lead to a flare-up of IBS symptoms.

This is due to how the body breaks down alcohol. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can affect digestion. Beer is a particularly dangerous choice because it frequently contains gluten, and wines and mixed drinks might have a lot of sugar. If drinking alcohol is one of your triggers, you may experience worsening cramping or bloating after even a modest amount has been consumed. If you are very sensitive to alcohol, you can also get diarrhea or constipation. Alcohol use should be restricted to help with IBS symptoms. If you decide to drink, choose a beer that doesn't include gluten or a beverage that's been mixed with plain seltzer and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners or added sugar.