How Alcohol Affects Crohn’s Disease and the Medicines You Take to Treat It

When you have a disease that inflames your digestive tract, you have to think carefully about your diet. What you eat — and drink — can affect your symptoms.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to drink alcohol with Crohn’s disease, the short answer is yes, but with caution.

“I think it’s safe for Crohn’s patients to drink alcohol, but you need to do it in moderation and you need to make good, common-sense decisions,” says Garth Swanson, MD, an associate professor of medicine and director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Rush University Medical Center.

How Alcohol Affects Crohn’s Disease

In small amounts, alcohol suppresses the immune system, Swanson says. That’s a good thing in people with Crohn’s disease. An overactive immune system is what attacks and inflames your digestive tract and sets off symptoms such as diarrhea and belly cramps.

Swanson studied the effects of alcohol on a small group of people with Crohn’s disease. He found that people who drank one to three glasses of red wine each day for a week had lower levels of a protein called calprotectin, which is a sign that they had less inflammation in their intestines.

Continued

But in large amounts and with frequent use, alcohol can irritate the lining of your GI tract and make your gut more leaky. Normally, the intestines are lined with a tight barrier that keeps out partially digested food, toxins, and germs. A breakdown of this barrier can let these substances get into your intestines and trigger more inflammation.

“That is one of the hallmarks of predicting disease flare long-term for Crohn’s patients,” Swanson says. “If they have a leaky gut, their risk of a flare-up is high.”

It’s also possible that you’ll feel the effects of alcohol faster. People with Crohn’s disease are more likely to be malnourished or underweight because the disease affects the way their bodies absorb nutrients from food.

Alcohol Type Matters

How you feel after drinking depends on the type of alcohol you have and what you mix it with. Sugary mixed drinks like daiquiris and coladas act like laxatives in your body. They cause your intestines to pull in extra water, which leads to diarrhea.

Beer can also set off diarrhea because people tend to drink a higher volume of beer than they do wine or straight alcohol, Swanson says. If you find that certain types of drinks upset your stomach, limit them to special times, like holiday or birthday parties, when you know you won’t have anywhere to go the next day.

Should You Drink During a Flare?

“If you’re in an active flare, I would not recommend drinking alcohol,” Swanson says. It’s best to wait for that glass of wine or beer until your symptoms are under good control.

Drinking can also make it harder to tell whether the medicine you take to treat Crohn’s disease is working. It might not be obvious whether diarrhea is a result of your disease or alcohol use. That can make it harder to manage your condition.

Alcohol and Crohn’s Medications

A drink or two shouldn’t be a problem if you’re on a biologic drug like adalimumab (Humira) or infliximab (Remicade). “There’s no real interaction with alcohol, so those all should be safe,” Swanson says.

You do need to be cautious when you take immunomodulators like azathioprine (Azasan) and methotrexate, though. These drugs can scar and damage your liver. Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage. Your doctor should monitor you for liver problems if you take any of these drugs, Swanson says.

Other medicines you take might also cause problems with alcohol. Don’t drink if you’re taking Flagyl, an antibiotic. It isn’t a treatment for Crohn’s disease, but doctors often prescribe it for complications of Crohn’s such as abscesses, says Reezwana Chowdhury, MD, an assistant professor of medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology and an IBD specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Bottom Line

If you enjoy alcohol, you can allow yourself a drink or two from time to time. In general, it’s safe for people with Crohn’s disease to drink alcohol in reasonable amounts.

“Particularly when it’s the holidays or a special occasion, that can be an important quality-of-life factor. I think that’s fine for Crohn’s patients to do, as long as it’s in moderation,” Swanson says.

Check with your doctor first, and limit yourself to one or two drinks per day to be on the safe side. Also be mindful of what you drink, knowing that sweet drinks could leave you with an upset stomach the next day.

Crohn’s disease and alcohol: Tolerance, research, and symptoms

A big part of managing Crohn’s disease is making dietary changes to prevent symptoms from flaring. Alcohol is a common trigger for Crohn’s, and some people with the disease need to avoid, or at least restrict, their intake.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small and large intestines.

Crohn’s symptoms vary from person to person, and they can change over time. There is no cure for the condition.

Treatment focuses on getting the disease into remission, when a person experiences very limited symptoms, if any.

Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between Crohn’s and alcohol.

Alcohol can affect the immune system, prompting changes to chemicals that cause inflammation in the gut. This can trigger or worsen symptoms.

These chemical changes can disrupt the functioning of the gut. People with Crohn’s disease are particularly susceptible to this type of intestinal damage.

Because each person with Crohn’s has a different experience, there is no simple rule about how to handle alcohol. Alcohol may cause no Crohn’s symptoms in one person, but severe reactions in another, who may need to eliminate it completely from their diet.

Also, people with Crohn’s can react differently to different types of alcohol. For example, hard liquor may be easy to tolerate, while beer is a strong trigger for symptoms.

It is important for anyone with Crohn’s to take time and speak with their doctor about symptoms and how they evolve.

Avoiding alcohol for a while and reintroducing it slowly can help a person get a better idea of how their body responds.

Few studies have looked at alcohol use among people with specific types of IBD, such as Crohn’s.

A 2010 study in Alcohol found that drinking alcohol may worsen Crohn’s symptoms. However, it only looked at 129 people with IBD, 52 of whom had Crohn’s, and relied on responses to a questionnaire.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Gastroenterology arrived at similar conclusions. As in the earlier study, the authors found that people who drank alcohol were more likely to report increased Crohn’s symptoms.

The study authors acknowledge that much more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

Published in the Annals of Gastroenterology in 2018, one large review looked at results from 12 studies that had investigated the effects of alcohol in people with an IBD.

Most of those studies also concluded that Crohn’s symptoms worsened with alcohol consumption. The authors likewise noted that confirming the findings will require further research.

Find out more about Crohn’s disease.

Share on PinterestDrinks with higher sugar contents may cause more flare-ups of Crohn’s.

The best drinks are those that do not cause symptoms to flare up.

It may be helpful to stay away from alcohol for a while until the disease is in remission. A person could then try small amounts of one type of drink and pay close attention to how their body is tolerating it.

One study looked at the effects of five alcoholic drinks in people with Crohn’s disease: red wine, white wine, a bottled mixed drink with vodka, a brand of beer, and pure ethanol.

The researchers found that the participants absorbed these drinks similarly, but that the bottled cocktail and the beer led to more abdominal pain than the other three types of drink.

The team attributed this reaction to the higher sugar contents in the mixed drink and beer.

Another study looked specifically at red wine consumed during IBD remission. The authors found that drinking even moderate amounts of red wine can cause increased permeability, or leakiness, in the intestines, which could lead to flare-ups and aggravated symptoms.

A flare-up is a period of increased inflammation in the tissue that Crohn’s affects. This can lead to a host of other symptoms, including:

• diarrhea
• abdominal pain, cramping, or both
• rectal bleeding
• constipation that may lead to a bowel obstruction
• bowel movement urgency

Some people also have symptoms in other parts of the body. These can include:

• joint pain
• a rash
• sores in or on the mouth
• fatigue
• a loss of appetite
• weight loss

Anyone with Crohn’s should discuss ways of managing flare-ups with a doctor. If they have identified a trigger, they should remove it from their diet as quickly as possible.

Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms are in remission. It is important never to miss a dose because this can increase the risk of a flare-up.

It is a good idea to keep anything that can help with a flare-up handy. For some people, this means:

• pain relievers
• a heating pad
• hygienic wipes
• antidiarrheal medication
• mild soap to clean irritated or sensitive anal tissue
• medicated mouthwash for sores
• barrier ointment

Speak with a doctor if flare-ups occur frequently or are difficult to manage.

Here, read about medications for treating Crohn’s.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. It primarily affects the intestinal tract and can cause serious discomfort during flare-ups.

While alcohol is a known Crohn’s trigger, this may not mean that a person with the disease needs to eliminate alcohol from their diet.

Crohn’s affects people differently, and people can have different reactions to various alcoholic drinks and other triggers.

Working with a doctor can help a person understand what triggers their symptoms and how best to approach alcohol.

Crohn’s disease and alcohol: Tolerance, research, and symptoms

A big part of managing Crohn’s disease is making dietary changes to prevent symptoms from flaring. Alcohol is a common trigger for Crohn’s, and some people with the disease need to avoid, or at least restrict, their intake.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small and large intestines.

Crohn’s symptoms vary from person to person, and they can change over time. There is no cure for the condition.

Treatment focuses on getting the disease into remission, when a person experiences very limited symptoms, if any.

Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between Crohn’s and alcohol.

Alcohol can affect the immune system, prompting changes to chemicals that cause inflammation in the gut. This can trigger or worsen symptoms.

These chemical changes can disrupt the functioning of the gut. People with Crohn’s disease are particularly susceptible to this type of intestinal damage.

Because each person with Crohn’s has a different experience, there is no simple rule about how to handle alcohol. Alcohol may cause no Crohn’s symptoms in one person, but severe reactions in another, who may need to eliminate it completely from their diet.

Also, people with Crohn’s can react differently to different types of alcohol. For example, hard liquor may be easy to tolerate, while beer is a strong trigger for symptoms.

It is important for anyone with Crohn’s to take time and speak with their doctor about symptoms and how they evolve.

Avoiding alcohol for a while and reintroducing it slowly can help a person get a better idea of how their body responds.

Few studies have looked at alcohol use among people with specific types of IBD, such as Crohn’s.

A 2010 study in Alcohol found that drinking alcohol may worsen Crohn’s symptoms. However, it only looked at 129 people with IBD, 52 of whom had Crohn’s, and relied on responses to a questionnaire.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Gastroenterology arrived at similar conclusions. As in the earlier study, the authors found that people who drank alcohol were more likely to report increased Crohn’s symptoms.

The study authors acknowledge that much more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

Published in the Annals of Gastroenterology in 2018, one large review looked at results from 12 studies that had investigated the effects of alcohol in people with an IBD.

Most of those studies also concluded that Crohn’s symptoms worsened with alcohol consumption. The authors likewise noted that confirming the findings will require further research.

Find out more about Crohn’s disease.

Share on PinterestDrinks with higher sugar contents may cause more flare-ups of Crohn’s.

The best drinks are those that do not cause symptoms to flare up.

It may be helpful to stay away from alcohol for a while until the disease is in remission. A person could then try small amounts of one type of drink and pay close attention to how their body is tolerating it.

One study looked at the effects of five alcoholic drinks in people with Crohn’s disease: red wine, white wine, a bottled mixed drink with vodka, a brand of beer, and pure ethanol.

The researchers found that the participants absorbed these drinks similarly, but that the bottled cocktail and the beer led to more abdominal pain than the other three types of drink.

The team attributed this reaction to the higher sugar contents in the mixed drink and beer.

Another study looked specifically at red wine consumed during IBD remission. The authors found that drinking even moderate amounts of red wine can cause increased permeability, or leakiness, in the intestines, which could lead to flare-ups and aggravated symptoms.

A flare-up is a period of increased inflammation in the tissue that Crohn’s affects. This can lead to a host of other symptoms, including:

• diarrhea
• abdominal pain, cramping, or both
• rectal bleeding
• constipation that may lead to a bowel obstruction
• bowel movement urgency

Some people also have symptoms in other parts of the body. These can include:

• joint pain
• a rash
• sores in or on the mouth
• fatigue
• a loss of appetite
• weight loss

Anyone with Crohn’s should discuss ways of managing flare-ups with a doctor. If they have identified a trigger, they should remove it from their diet as quickly as possible.

Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms are in remission. It is important never to miss a dose because this can increase the risk of a flare-up.

It is a good idea to keep anything that can help with a flare-up handy. For some people, this means:

• pain relievers
• a heating pad
• hygienic wipes
• antidiarrheal medication
• mild soap to clean irritated or sensitive anal tissue
• medicated mouthwash for sores
• barrier ointment

Speak with a doctor if flare-ups occur frequently or are difficult to manage.

Here, read about medications for treating Crohn’s.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. It primarily affects the intestinal tract and can cause serious discomfort during flare-ups.

While alcohol is a known Crohn’s trigger, this may not mean that a person with the disease needs to eliminate alcohol from their diet.

Crohn’s affects people differently, and people can have different reactions to various alcoholic drinks and other triggers.

Working with a doctor can help a person understand what triggers their symptoms and how best to approach alcohol.

Crohn’s disease and alcohol: Tolerance, research, and symptoms

A big part of managing Crohn’s disease is making dietary changes to prevent symptoms from flaring. Alcohol is a common trigger for Crohn’s, and some people with the disease need to avoid, or at least restrict, their intake.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small and large intestines.

Crohn’s symptoms vary from person to person, and they can change over time. There is no cure for the condition.

Treatment focuses on getting the disease into remission, when a person experiences very limited symptoms, if any.

Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between Crohn’s and alcohol.

Alcohol can affect the immune system, prompting changes to chemicals that cause inflammation in the gut. This can trigger or worsen symptoms.

These chemical changes can disrupt the functioning of the gut. People with Crohn’s disease are particularly susceptible to this type of intestinal damage.

Because each person with Crohn’s has a different experience, there is no simple rule about how to handle alcohol. Alcohol may cause no Crohn’s symptoms in one person, but severe reactions in another, who may need to eliminate it completely from their diet.

Also, people with Crohn’s can react differently to different types of alcohol. For example, hard liquor may be easy to tolerate, while beer is a strong trigger for symptoms.

It is important for anyone with Crohn’s to take time and speak with their doctor about symptoms and how they evolve.

Avoiding alcohol for a while and reintroducing it slowly can help a person get a better idea of how their body responds.

Few studies have looked at alcohol use among people with specific types of IBD, such as Crohn’s.

A 2010 study in Alcohol found that drinking alcohol may worsen Crohn’s symptoms. However, it only looked at 129 people with IBD, 52 of whom had Crohn’s, and relied on responses to a questionnaire.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Gastroenterology arrived at similar conclusions. As in the earlier study, the authors found that people who drank alcohol were more likely to report increased Crohn’s symptoms.

The study authors acknowledge that much more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

Published in the Annals of Gastroenterology in 2018, one large review looked at results from 12 studies that had investigated the effects of alcohol in people with an IBD.

Most of those studies also concluded that Crohn’s symptoms worsened with alcohol consumption. The authors likewise noted that confirming the findings will require further research.

Find out more about Crohn’s disease.

Share on PinterestDrinks with higher sugar contents may cause more flare-ups of Crohn’s.

The best drinks are those that do not cause symptoms to flare up.

It may be helpful to stay away from alcohol for a while until the disease is in remission. A person could then try small amounts of one type of drink and pay close attention to how their body is tolerating it.

One study looked at the effects of five alcoholic drinks in people with Crohn’s disease: red wine, white wine, a bottled mixed drink with vodka, a brand of beer, and pure ethanol.

The researchers found that the participants absorbed these drinks similarly, but that the bottled cocktail and the beer led to more abdominal pain than the other three types of drink.

The team attributed this reaction to the higher sugar contents in the mixed drink and beer.

Another study looked specifically at red wine consumed during IBD remission. The authors found that drinking even moderate amounts of red wine can cause increased permeability, or leakiness, in the intestines, which could lead to flare-ups and aggravated symptoms.

A flare-up is a period of increased inflammation in the tissue that Crohn’s affects. This can lead to a host of other symptoms, including:

• diarrhea
• abdominal pain, cramping, or both
• rectal bleeding
• constipation that may lead to a bowel obstruction
• bowel movement urgency

Some people also have symptoms in other parts of the body. These can include:

• joint pain
• a rash
• sores in or on the mouth
• fatigue
• a loss of appetite
• weight loss

Anyone with Crohn’s should discuss ways of managing flare-ups with a doctor. If they have identified a trigger, they should remove it from their diet as quickly as possible.

Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms are in remission. It is important never to miss a dose because this can increase the risk of a flare-up.

It is a good idea to keep anything that can help with a flare-up handy. For some people, this means:

• pain relievers
• a heating pad
• hygienic wipes
• antidiarrheal medication
• mild soap to clean irritated or sensitive anal tissue
• medicated mouthwash for sores
• barrier ointment

Speak with a doctor if flare-ups occur frequently or are difficult to manage.

Here, read about medications for treating Crohn’s.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. It primarily affects the intestinal tract and can cause serious discomfort during flare-ups.

While alcohol is a known Crohn’s trigger, this may not mean that a person with the disease needs to eliminate alcohol from their diet.

Crohn’s affects people differently, and people can have different reactions to various alcoholic drinks and other triggers.

Working with a doctor can help a person understand what triggers their symptoms and how best to approach alcohol.

Crohn’s Disease and Alcohol Abuse

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Chrohn’s inflames your digestive tract, which can result in stomach pains, diarrhea, extreme weight loss, fissures in the anal canal, and malnutrition. People with Crohn’s disease have to be more careful about what they drink or eat. Certain foods can aggravate Crohn’s symptoms, like foods that contain spices or dairy. Alcohol is also another substance that can aggravate this condition.

As a drug and alcohol rehab center in Philadelphia, we wanted to take a closer look at the connection between Crohn’s disease and alcohol abuse.

Effects of Alcohol on Crohn’s Disease

Although alcohol can suppress an overactive immune system, potentially reducing symptoms, this is an unlikely solution. In a study conducted on the connection between red wine and Crohn’s disease symptoms, it was reported that patients who drank red wine daily were at a higher risk of experiencing long-term disease relapse. This is because alcohol and Crohn’s pain are linked; despite the idea that alcohol suppresses any overactivity in the immune system, individuals with Crohn’s are more likely to aggravate their symptoms if they drink.

So can alcohol cause Crohn’s flare-up? Yes. Many people with Crohn’s experience periods of dormancy in their symptoms, also known as remission. When you’re in remission, it can be easy to forget the severity of your previous symptoms. People in remission with Crohn’s may begin to drink a few glasses of wine or some beers here and there, unaware that they’re potentially setting themselves up for a difficult relapse.

Can Alcohol Abuse Cause Crohn’s Disease?

Simply put, yes. Although alcohol is believed to be a slight suppressant of an overworked immune system, in larger quantities it can actually irritate the lignin of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a flare-up. The intestines are lined with a barrier that protects from certain foods, germs, and toxins. Because Crohn’s disease already compromises gut health, alcohol may only aggravate the person’s condition.

Crohn’s and alcohol abuse are directly linked; because alcohol compromises your gut health, people with an alcohol addiction may be more prone to developing Crohn’s disease. People who are accustomed to drinking often may find themselves unable to quit, even if they have a health condition like Crohn’s. At Banyan Philadelphia, we offer an alcohol addiction treatment that can help individuals who struggle with alcoholism get the help they need. With the right help, you or someone you know may be able to avoid the health repercussions of this disease.

Can I Drink Alcohol If I Have Crohn’s Disease?

Although small amounts of alcohol during remission isn’t always life-threatening, you should not drink alcohol if you have Crohn’s disease. Even if you’re in remission, alcohol can cause flare-ups and aggravate your condition, potentially landing you in the hospital.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a drinking problem, get help now and avoid potential issues like Crohn’s disease. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our levels of care.

No association of alcohol use and the risk of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: data from a European Prospective cohort study (EPIC)

Drinking Liquor With Crohn’s | Livestrong.com

Liquor-containing drinks may irritate your stomach.

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that occurs when the lining of your digestive tract becomes irritated and inflamed. The severity and triggers for Crohn’s disease can vary from person to person. Crohn’s can be a debilitating disease because it causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and malnutrition. Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger or worsen Crohn’s symptoms, including those that contain alcohol. Always talk to your physician about the potential effects liquor could have on your Crohn’s disease.

Irritating Effects

Having Crohn’s disease often means you go through periods of wellness coupled with flare-up times when you experience a bout of symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping and loss of appetite. It is not entirely certain what triggers these bouts of illness. However, alcohol can be irritating to the lining of your digestive tract. Since your intestinal lining is already more sensitive to inflammation, drinking liquor can trigger some symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.

Liquor’s Effects During Flare-Ups

Alcohol is a stimulant to your nervous system and your intestines. This means that when you are experiencing a Crohn’s flare-up, such as one that causes diarrhea, drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse. Liquor in particular may be troublesome to your condition because it contains a higher alcohol content than beer or wine.

Malabsorption

One of the key concerns related to Crohn’s disease and drinking liquor is malabsorption. If liquor triggers Crohn’s symptoms, such as appetite loss or diarrhea, you will not receive enough nutritional benefits from your foods because they must reside in your intestines long enough for the nutrients to be absorbed. If you cannot absorb the needed protein, vitamins and minerals in your food, your body may be unable to continue needed functions, such as building healthy skin cells.

Consumption Level

While Crohn’s disease sufferers may have some disease triggers in common, not every food or drink known to cause Crohn’s symptoms will affect you. For example, some Crohn’s sufferers can consume liquor in moderate amounts without ever experiencing any adverse side effects, according to Dr. Garth Swanson, M.D., a physician interviewed on EmpowHER.com. However, chronic or excessive alcohol consumption potentially could worsen the inflammation in your intestinal lining. This means if you restrict enjoying a liquor drink for a special occasion and avoid overindulging, you may be able to consume liquor without irritating your Crohn’s disease symptoms.

90,000 specific nutritional questions / Guide from a medical specialist in IBD

IBD and alcohol

One of the most popular questions from patients (after “What is there?”) – “What can you drink?” Similar questions are asked by patients with mild disease without severe symptoms or after achieving remission.

What do we know about alcohol with IBD? Has any research been carried out on this topic? Oddly enough, they were carried out (and quite large and convincing).

In 2017, the results of the EPIC study were published, in which 262 451 people took part (Bergmann MM. Et al., 2017). Alcohol consumption by the study participants was assessed by quantity (non-drinking, previously consumed, low, moderate, high alcohol consumption), taking into account the norms for men and women. Since follow-up (i.e. since 1993), ulcerative colitis was first identified in 198 participants, Crohn’s disease in 84 people. The conducted statistical analysis showed that alcohol consumption does not in any way affect the likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

These results were later confirmed (albeit only for ulcerative colitis) by a meta-analysis of clinical trials, during which a statistical assessment of the results of 9 studies devoted to the study of alcohol as a risk factor for IBD was carried out. The result is the same – alcohol consumption is not a risk factor for ulcerative colitis.

But chronic alcohol abuse (alcoholism) increases the risk of IBD , as evidenced by a study by Chinese authors.They analyzed data from a 10-year follow-up of almost 58 thousand cases of hospitalized people with a diagnosis of alcohol intoxication, comparing them with a control group that does not abuse alcohol. The risk of detecting new cases of IBD was 3.17 times higher among alcoholics, of whom for Crohn’s disease 4.4 times, for ulcerative colitis – 2.33 times.

“Thank you, doctor,” the patient will say, “but I would like to be sure that alcohol will not provoke an exacerbation of my disease.”

Such fears are not unfounded. It is known that ethanol, which is part of alcoholic beverages, reduces the activity of intestinal immune cells and suppresses the production of certain cytokines, and also (which is most important for IBD!) Increases the permeability of the intestinal wall. Thus, in theory, it is possible to harm the intestines by drinking alcohol, however, the extent of the negative effect of ethanol is still unknown.

Research does not provide an unambiguous answer to the question of how alcohol affects the course of the disease. On the one hand, their number is limited, and the number of subjects rarely exceeds several dozen people. On the other hand, most of these studies are based on surveys, including retrospective ones.

However, some interesting data is available for analysis. In 2004, Jowett et al published the results of a follow-up of 191 patients with ulcerative colitis in clinical remission. During the year, patients were periodically surveyed about the amount and nature of food and drink consumed, including alcohol.After 12 months, an exacerbation of the disease was observed in 52% of patients.

It was found that drinking alcohol in moderate doses did not increase the risk of exacerbation, while taking high doses of alcohol increased the risk of exacerbation of ulcerative colitis by 2.71 times. A shortcoming of the study was the lack of accurate information about the dangerous and safe doses of alcohol.

Another interesting work was done in the USA. 14 patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in remission, as well as 7 healthy volunteers took part in a study that assessed the effect of wine consumption on the course of the disease.During the week, each patient drank 1-3 glasses of dry red wine a day (approximately 0.4 g of ethanol per 1 kg of body weight). Before and after the study, blood tests, feces for fecal calprotectin, and intestinal permeability were assessed. During the study, there was not a single case of exacerbation of the disease. The patients showed a significant increase in small intestinal (with Crohn’s disease) and colonic (with ulcerative colitis) permeability. Since intestinal permeability plays an important role in the development of IBD and, in general, can be considered an early marker of inflammation, it is likely that regular consumption of wine, even in small amounts, will exacerbate the disease.At the same time, the majority of the participants before the start of the study had an increased level of fecal calprotectin, that is, it is possible that the remission of the disease was only clinical.

Interestingly, a week after the daily consumption of wine, the level of calprotectin in IBD patients significantly decreased.

Finally, one of the most recent studies, also performed in the United States at the end of December 2017, assessed the symptoms of the digestive system in alcohol drinkers.Of the 90 patients with inactive IBD, 62% regularly consumed alcohol in varying amounts, which is broadly comparable to the data for the country as a whole (61% of Americans drink occasionally). Of the total number of alcohol users, 75% of patients with IBD noted that they subsequently experience worsening of symptoms (abdominal pain, loose stools, bloating, etc.). This study was re-built on patient surveys, which limits its value.

The question remains unanswered: “Which alcohol is less harmful to the intestines?” In large studies, the fact of drinking alcohol in principle was assessed, in small studies – the use of red wine.

Probably the most important factor will be the total amount of ethanol in the daily “glass”, rather than its type.

After analyzing the results of clinical trials, it becomes clear that drinking alcohol with IBD is possible, but “in moderation” (infrequently and in moderation). The constant use of alcohol, especially in high doses, can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

It is not recommended to drink alcohol at the same time with some medications , which are taken by patients with IBD.Severe drug damage to the liver can be observed while taking metronidazole and ethanol. Taking other medications (mealazines, azathioprine / mercaptopurine, steroid hormones) does not exclude the possibility of occasional alcohol consumption in small doses.

90,000 Possible causes of recurrence of the disease

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may worsen for no apparent reason. However, some possible causes of relapse have been identified:

• Medication errors

• Recent use of certain drugs

• Taking certain foods

Stress

It is important to understand that physical and emotional stress does not cause IBD.However, stressful situations can exacerbate the disease in some people with IBD. This does not mean that everyone who experiences stress will have an exacerbation of the disease, or even that those who are predisposed to exacerbations due to stress will always have exactly this kind of stress response. Even some people without IBD may find a relationship between stress and the condition of their digestive tract. However, for those patients with IBD who know that stress can exacerbate the disease, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations and learn to control yourself.
Unable to prevent stressful situations. Changing jobs, divorce, moving to another city, the death of a relative, raising children, or caring for an elderly parent can be stressful, as well as chronic illnesses such as IBD. You cannot completely eliminate stressful events, however, you can change your attitude so that stress does not cause changes in your digestive system.

For more information on stress, see the chapter Living with IBD.

Missed medication or incorrect dosage

Patients with IBD should regularly take medication, even during periods when the disease is in remission. Taking medications for a long time can be difficult, especially in the absence of active symptoms. Therefore, it often happens that the patient refuses to take the drug on his own, but non-compliance with the regimen of taking medications can cause exacerbations.If your symptoms worsen after a period of not taking your prescribed drugs, it is very important to be honest with your healthcare provider and discuss treatment options. Exacerbations can occur when drugs are taken outside of the directions for use. For example, increasing or decreasing the dose of a drug, or stopping drugs, especially drugs such as steroids, without your doctor’s approval, can cause an exacerbation. If you think you need to change your medication regimen, you should definitely consult with your doctor or other health care professionals.Your doctor will monitor your medications to make sure that this is the best treatment for suppressing your symptoms. In this regard, it is very important to provide the attending physician with all the information related to taking medications. You must provide the name of the drugs, including the dietary supplements you are taking, possible side effects, flare-ups due to medication errors, and worsening of symptoms, even if you are taking the drugs as directed.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics

Some commonly used drugs can cause exacerbations. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are possible exacerbations. For moderate pain or to reduce fever, paracetamol is better than NSAIDs.

Antibiotics have worked well for treating bacterial infections, but they also alter the composition of the microflora normally found in the intestines. An imbalance in gut microorganisms can cause diarrhea (diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics) or can lead to an overgrowth of specific bacteria that cause inflammation. For example, the bacterium Clostridium difficile, , causes an inflammation of the colon called pseudomembranous colitis.If you are taking antibiotics and you have an exacerbation of your IBD symptoms, you should tell your healthcare provider right away. You should also notify your healthcare professional if you have recently taken antibiotics, even for conditions other than gastrointestinal infections. Before making a decision on taking medications, which can be either over-the-counter or prescription drugs, you should consult with your doctor. It is also necessary that your other doctors consult your doctor (gastroenterologist, coloproctologist) before prescribing medications for you.

Diet

IBD does not develop from certain foods. However, diet can certainly influence the course of the disease. Once the disease has begun to develop, you need to pay particular attention to your diet and eating habits. Stomach pain and fever can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Diarrhea and rectal bleeding can cause dehydration and malabsorption of nutrients and electrolytes.A balanced diet is necessary to replenish the lack of nutrients in the body. It should also be remembered that certain types of food or drinks can irritate the digestive tract and cause disease symptoms. It is impossible to name one type of food or drink that will exacerbate symptoms for all people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Not everyone has an exacerbation associated with a particular food intake, and not every exacerbation is caused by it. In this regard, everyone with a diagnosis of IBD needs to determine which food causes an exacerbation.Keeping a food diary will help you keep track of your food intake in relation to your symptoms. General guidelines include avoiding fatty and fried foods, which can cause gas and diarrhea. For some people, fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains cause certain digestive problems. However, you should not remove these essential foods from your diet and only eat carefully cooked fruits and vegetables and not eat them fresh.You are also advised to limit your intake of foods that can cause gas, such as legumes, cabbage, broccoli, caffeine, and sodas. You need to monitor your own food intake. Eating small meals often can help relieve food-related flare-ups. Drinking alcohol, either in moderation or in excessive amounts, can exacerbate IBD. A complete rejection of alcohol is not required, you need to more closely monitor its intake.If a particular food is causing problems, talk to your doctor or dietitian before removing it from your diet. You may need vitamins or minerals to replenish essential nutrients. It is believed that people with IBD should not take milk.

For more information on diet, see the Chapter Living with IBD.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes not only increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, but can also cause an exacerbation.People with Crohn’s disease who smoke are at risk of developing more Crohn’s disease relapses. They often need surgical treatment. Crohn’s disease patients who quit smoking report fewer exacerbations and fewer medications to control the disease. Ulcerative colitis is more common in non-smokers and in those who quit smoking. In patients with ulcerative colitis, smoking cessation may exacerbate the disease.It is unclear why smoking may be a protective factor. Smoking causes many health risks, including lung cancer and heart disease. Any protective effect against exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is outweighed by other health risks.

90,000 “I have been fighting Crohn’s disease for 25 years”

This is how I lived until 2005. In winter, I started another exacerbation, I no longer knew where to go. Chose an associate professor at SPbMAPO (Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, currently part of the University.Mechnikov. – Approx. ed.) . And now summer was approaching – from July 1, everyone goes on vacation. The associate professor honestly admitted that he did not understand what I was doing there. And sent to his teacher – Kozlevich Inna Vasilievna. This is a doctor of the old school: an assistant always accompanied her and wrote everything down. Very laconic, sharp.

She put me in the MAPO on Kirochnaya street, and I lay there for almost a month. Their research base was powerful, but even there they could not reveal anything.However, Inna Vasilievna rested: in the end she found one colonoscopist, and now he was able to make a diagnosis. I learned that I have Crohn’s disease in June 2005. Then I first heard this name. MAPO had a large bookstore and sold several books on Crohn’s disease. I chose the thinnest one – the Moscow doctor Igor Khalifa. I read it and realized that it was a matter of seams.

Inna Vasilievna, in turn, referred me to the gastroenterologist Shchukina Oksana Borisovna, who is considered the best IBD specialist in the city.Since then, we have been walking hand in hand. Active treatment began: hormones, devil in a mortar … Nothing helped, only his face was swollen: he was thin, and his face was moon-shaped.

In Khalifa’s book, I read that the only way to alleviate my condition is surgery. By that time, I met Professor Sergei Vasilievich Vasiliev, the chief coloproctologist of St. Petersburg. Summer was somehow tormented. Vasiliev returned from vacation, came to him and said: “Cut”.“While there is no evidence, I cannot,” he replied. And the indication is when intestinal obstruction and you are brought by ambulance. I continued to insist: “Well, it’s impossible, at least don’t live!” Persuaded. In September 2005, I underwent an operation: they removed about a meter of my small intestine and half of the large one. The first question I asked Sergei Vasilyevich when he came to the intensive care unit: “Did they cut it for nothing?” “Wow! It was there! ” He exclaimed.

In the end, the operation went very well.The whole procedure was filmed, and I have a photo chronicle: how many were cut off, what exactly. These photographs became a visual aid on IBD for doctors, Shchukina inserted them into all her scientific works. I went to the cathedral debriefing, they showed me everywhere as a good example.

But, unfortunately, if ulcerative colitis can be treated with surgery, then Crohn’s disease cannot. It continues even if the affected area is removed. In the same book I read that within two years after the first operation, 80% of patients need a second one.And after the second one, nothing will remain from the intestines: you can fold the handles. I allotted myself two years, outlined a plan of things that I must do in life for my family and children.

Alcohol in NUC: Research Brief

Alcohol in the Bar

Alcohol consumption is a potential trigger for exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to the oxidative process caused by ethyl alcohol and its harmful effects on the gut barrier function.

Despite the seemingly obvious answer to the question “Is it possible to drink alcohol with NUC?” , it’s a little more complicated.Judging by the number of queries in Yandex and Google, this topic is of great concern to patients with ulcerative colitis. However, there is nothing surprising: we are all human, and sometimes we all want to relax.

Excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period can cause a number of problems, including alcoholism, cirrhosis and nervous system disorders. On the other hand, people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have a lower risk of developing heart disease. Today we will talk about the problems associated with ulcerative colitis and alcohol consumption.

There is one old study from 1989 that found that alcohol may have a protective effect against NUC . The work was attended by 304,000 patients.

During the study, two main conclusions were made:

• Coffee consumption is not associated with exacerbations of NUC.
• Drinking alcohol before NUC is diagnosed can reduce the risk of developing this pathology.

Despite the fact that this study is already quite “adult”, to this day interested people are concerned with an interesting question: can alcohol have a protective effect on ulcerative colitis?

In contrast, a 2010 study found that alcohol exacerbates inflammatory reactions in the intestines and worsen the condition of a person with NUC .

The authors of this work in another study (already in 2011) found that one week of moderate consumption of red wine in the inactive stage of the NUC was associated with a significant decrease in calprotectin in the stool and, at the same time, a strong increase in intestinal permeability, which was not observed in healthy of people. Evidence suggests that patients with NUC who are in remission and who drink red wine daily may be at an increased long-term risk of disease recurrence..

However, a study conducted in 1994 in Japan did not show that smoking and alcohol were somehow associated with exacerbations of NUC .

It is impossible to predict with 100% accuracy the reaction of people with ulcerative colitis to alcohol consumption. Some patients have a relapse in the form of a severe acute attack. Others will be at higher risk for chronic liver damage and, ultimately, liver failure. The accumulation of toxins that damage the intestines and liver cells can cause cirrhosis.

Alcohol with NUC increases the risk of the following:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Diarrhea.

Alcohol can also interact with medication. This means that it can alter the excretion of active drug molecules, leading to liver damage and further complications.

Today the situation is as follows: Doctors recommend patients with UC to avoid alcohol .

However, there is currently no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption is the main trigger for an exacerbation. An example is my own experience of drinking wine for ulcerative colitis on my wedding day and while vacationing on the Black Sea in 2016. It is probably best to either avoid alcohol altogether whenever possible, or limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. In any case, assess the possible risks.

3.5 / 5 ( 2 votes)

How to protect yourself from inflammatory bowel diseases – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Experts on the problem of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), as a result of which its wall is damaged and functions are impaired, and in especially severe cases organ can be partially removed, sound the alarm. According to doctors in Nizhny Novgorod, an increase in the incidence of IBD is noted throughout the world, and they most often affect patients at a young working age, the peak falls on 26 years.

The main danger of IBD is associated with the absence of specific symptoms and, as a result, with delayed diagnosis, delayed initiation of treatment and the development of serious complications, which can ultimately lead to disability or even death in especially advanced cases.

Attention to the chair …

Due to the fact that IBD has no characteristic symptoms, they can be easily confused with hemorrhoids, appendicitis, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and some other diseases.In addition, initially IBD can manifest itself in the form of pain in the joints, spine, skin or eye lesions, while the patient usually does not feel any changes in the area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract.

– Often, people go to the doctors late, and local centers lack the equipment necessary for a thorough examination. Patients can undergo general tests, do an ultrasound, and then the doctor, at the slightest suspicion, should send patients to our center, where there is all modern equipment, ”said Elvira Fedulova, head of the pediatric department of the Privolzhsky Federal Medical Research Center (PFMIC).

IBD should be suspected if you have diarrhea for more than four weeks, abdominal pain, loose or mushy stools more than twice a day, blood and mucus in it.

… And on the table: nutrition must be correct

These symptoms are common in both diseases belonging to the IBD group – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

In the first case, the inflammation begins in the rectum, then affects the large intestine, but if untreated, the disease can spread to the entire intestine.Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the rectum. In this case, the same symptoms are observed as in ulcerative colitis, plus fever, inflammation and abscesses around the anus, mouth ulcers.

Elvira Fedulova drew particular attention to the difficulty of detecting diseases in adolescents:

– Often teenagers are embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their parents.

She also added that modern diagnostics allows for a faster diagnosis, but this does not affect the increase in incidence.

“Malnutrition, stress and unfavorable environmental factors, in particular gas pollution, have a great impact,” noted Elvira Fedulova.

Reduced physical activity, weakened immunity. All this leads to the fact that the body cannot cope and genetically inherent diseases begin to manifest themselves. And this applies not only to IBD.

Even the worst case can be cured

Andrei Larin, head of the Coloproctology Department of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital named after Semashko, spoke about complications as a result of untimely initiation of treatment.According to him, the number of surgeries for complications of IBD has significantly decreased, which is associated with improved methods of diagnosis and treatment. About 9-12 seriously ill patients are admitted to the department annually.

– Fatalities are rare. However, people are often afraid of the consequences of surgical intervention and postpone the operation to the last, – said Andrei Larin. – A young girl died last year. She fell ill as a child, but the disease was brought under control, and during a ten-year remission, the girl did not remember about her.When the disease returned, surgery was required, but the patient did not give in to persuasion.

At the same time, Larin noted that surgeons save the lives of even very difficult patients. Complex operations are performed, as a result of which patients do not recover completely (IBD is incurable), but continue to live a full life, women give birth.

No self-medication

The choice of treatment for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease depends on the severity of the disease and the presence of contraindications.The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the abnormal immune response, such as corticosteroid drugs (hormones). They must be taken in short courses, abuse leads to severe side effects: steroid obesity, mood changes, impaired glucose metabolism (including diabetes mellitus), in children – growth retardation, bone demineralization, moon-shaped face, acne.

Biological preparations can also be prescribed – drugs of a new generation, created using genetically engineered technologies.They can block certain substances that support intestinal inflammation.

Do not overload children

In large cities, children are subject to greater stress – extra classes, tutors, an unfavorable environment. In addition, many parents take their babies to other countries. An unfamiliar climate is a huge stress even for an adult organism, and in young children, immunity is not formed at all.

“It is very important that the load on the child, including physical exercises, is appropriate for his age,” says Elvira Fedulina.- There is a known case when a boy-athlete was preparing for a competition, was very worried, and on the eve of a performance he had diarrhea with blood.

Also, according to Fedulina, the very course of IBD in children is also accompanied by tremendous psychological stress. This concern about appearance (stunting, skin problems), the need for frequent visits to the toilet, as well as difficulties with socialization, especially during periods of exacerbation of the disease (inability to attend circles, some events).

Calm, only calm

“The exact causes of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are not known,” says Elena Kolodey, head of the gastroenterology department at the Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital. – However, they definitely cannot be infected. Eating a certain food also cannot cause IBD, they arise under the influence of many factors. First of all, this is a genetic predisposition, stress under the influence of the environment, a failure of the immune system.

It is almost impossible to prevent the disease, but you need to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, have good rest, be physically active and, if possible, not expose your body to unnecessary stress. It is important not to forget about your health, to be regularly examined and in case of any symptoms, immediately contact a specialist in order to have time to take the disease under control and prevent complications.

Help “RG”

Approximately 200-250 people are treated annually in the department of gastroenterology of the PFMIC.About 25 percent of IBD cases occur during childhood and adolescence. Up to 70 percent of children with IBD live in industrial centers.

According to Elena Kolodey, in Russia the prevalence of Crohn’s disease is 10-250 people per 100,000 of the population, and ulcerative colitis is 20-300 people per 100,000. …

Do you like beer? There will be cancer for a snack!

Colon cancer occupies one of the leading positions among tumors, second only to lung cancer,

stomach and mammary gland.Over the past 25 years, the incidence of colon cancer in Russia has doubled. Civilization has endowed us with the main risk factors, its achievements look more and more tempting, but people are less and less likely to respond to the distress signals that the body gives – constipation, pallor and aching abdominal pains. Today, to the readers of “KV” about colon cancer, the surgeon-proctologist of the medical center “Lacrima” Dmitry Fedotov tells.
D. FEDOTOV: – The idea of ​​this article appeared about two months ago, when an acquaintance called me at night, with tears in her voice saying that her dad had intestinal obstruction… Of course, the person was urgently operated. And what caused this story … was a colon tumor.
“KV”: – Dmitry Vladimirovich, why does colon cancer appear?
D. FEDOTOV: – There are many theories of the development of cancer, but the RISK of getting colon cancer increases in those whose menu is dominated by fats, meat, high-calorie foods and alcohol (especially beer). In response to the intake of meat and fatty foods, the body begins to vigorously secrete bile acids, which are decomposed in the intestine under the action of bacteria to form carcinogens.In the process of frying fats and meat under the influence of high temperatures, carcinogens are also formed. Thus, the intestines take on a double blow, which can be neutralized by the consumption of foods rich in plant fiber: fresh vegetables, fruits, bran bread. They bind bile acids, food carcinogens and accelerate the passage of feces through the intestines, and this inhibits the development of polyps and cancer. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are often added to unhealthy diet. It turns out that those who, in our opinion, live well and eat deliciously, get sick more often than those who are interrupted by bread and cereals.This confirms the fact that in developing countries, where the diet of people is dominated by plant-based diets, the incidence of colon cancer is low.
“KV”: – Who has intestinal tumors more often and how does this disease proceed?
D. FEDOTOV: Colon cancer does not occur overnight. Accumulating gene breakdowns (mutations) lead to the fact that, first, precancerous changes appear in the normal mucosa, as a rule, these are benign tumors (adenoma, polyp), which subsequently degenerate into malignant ones.Approximately 75% of patients become ill without an obvious hereditary predisposition. In these cases, the cause of the disease is the effect of various risk factors and malnutrition. However, there are several diseases that predispose to colon cancer. With a probability of 15-30%, it can develop against the background of inflammatory diseases of the colon (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). With a rare hereditary disease – familial polyposis – numerous polyps appear in the colon, against the background of which cancer develops in almost 100% of cases during life.
Those who are at risk (suffering from polyps, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or have cases of colon and other organ cancer in the family) should be especially careful with themselves and undergo a colonoscopy every year in order to detect and remove polyps in time. A blood test to determine the CEA tumor marker (cancer-embryonic antigen), unfortunately, is not very indicative. It increases only in 30-60% of patients, mainly in late stages, so it is inconvenient to use it for diagnosis.Several years pass from the onset of a tumor to its first symptoms. Sometimes a person learns about the disease only when he gets to the ambulance in the hospital with bleeding, obstruction or perforation, where they begin to examine him and find a sad reason. But more often than not, the disease gradually makes itself felt. Depending on which part of the intestine the tumor develops, it gives different signals. This is exactly what happened with my acquaintance, about a year ago he had an episode of bleeding after stool, but like many others, he turned not to the doctor, which would be logical, but to the pharmacy, where he received “exhaustive” recommendations on his health, a packet of candles , tablets and ointments.Clinically, the disease manifests itself as: increasing general weakness, fatigue, pallor of the skin, less often – raspberry-colored feces (with cancer of the right half of the colon). Severity, discomfort and aching pain in the upper abdomen, which are mistaken for cholecystitis, gastritis or pancreatitis (with tumors in the transverse colon). Bloating, cramping pains, constipation, subsequently turning into intestinal obstruction (with cancer of the left half of the colon), etc. If any of these symptoms appear, especially in people over 50, you should immediately consult a doctor.
“KV”: – How is the diagnosis made?
D. FEDOTOV: – Endoscopic examinations of the rectum provide the most complete information about the state of the organ. On sigmoidoscopy using a rigid rectoscope, you can examine about 30 cm of the intestine from the anus, and with a modern flexible fibrocolonoscope – the mucous membrane of all parts of the colon. If the doctor detects a tumor, a tissue sample should be immediately taken from the suspicious area for histological examination (biopsy). If at least one tumor is found, it is important to carefully check the entire colon, because cancer that has arisen against the background of multiple polyps often develops simultaneously in different parts of it.Of particular importance in rectal cancer is endosonography – an intracavitary ultrasound examination with the introduction of a transducer directly into the rectum.
“KB”: – Dmitry Vladimirovich, tell us about the treatment of this disease.
D. FEDOTOV: Unfortunately, colon cancer is rarely detected at an early stage. People are in no hurry to see a doctor with a “delicate” problem and do not conduct a competent examination. Most patients come to the oncologist with advanced tumors, and often – immediately with complications: obstruction or bleeding.In this case, there can be no question of any economical operation. Surgeons have to work in two stages: first, they perform an emergency operation to eliminate life-threatening complications, and after a while – a reconstructive operation (the colostomy is closed).

90,000 Gastroenterologist – about stress, gluten, probiotics and the most common diseases of St. Petersburg residents

What affects the health of the gastrointestinal tract

Can stress cause stomach and intestinal diseases?

I will say this – of course, stress has a negative effect.But usually it is for the course of the chronic disease that a person already has. Stress can rarely trigger the onset of illness by itself. You need very strong or long-term chronic stress.

What about bad habits? How does smoking and alcohol affect the digestive tract?

Smoking causes absolute harm and increases the risk of a large number of diseases: stomach cancer, colon and pancreas cancer, pancreatitis, liver diseases, including malignant, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease.Some sources mention that those who smoke are less likely to develop ulcerative colitis. But that doesn’t mean you need to smoke to avoid ulcerative colitis.

Strong alcohol is also dangerous for the gastrointestinal tract, to the greatest extent for the development of pathologies of the pancreas and liver.