{"id":2515,"date":"2023-09-30T00:16:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-30T00:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/is-it-safe-to-drink\/"},"modified":"2023-09-30T00:16:17","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T00:16:17","slug":"is-it-safe-to-drink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/is-it-safe-to-drink\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to drink?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Diverticula are small sacs that form in the large intestine (colon) and bulge outward. People with such intestinal pouches have a disease called diverticulosis.  &#8220;Diverticulitis&#8221; is the term used when the pocket becomes inflamed or infected.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"1\"\/> Both of these conditions are called &#8220;diverticicular disease,&#8221; but there is conflicting research on how alcohol affects them.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-2\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Although it is largely influenced by diet, there is conflicting research on the effects of alcohol on diet.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-4\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>This article aims to explain the relationship between alcohol and diverticular disease.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"health-sc-block-image--none_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block theme-none health-sc-block-image--none health-sc-block-image-base mntl-sc-block-universal-image figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\">\n<span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Thomas Berwick\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-does-alcohol-cause-diverticular-disease\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-7\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Does alcohol cause diverticular disease? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-8\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Some studies suggest that alcohol consumption may cause or induce diverticular disease. However, the data is inconsistent.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"2\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-10\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Some studies have shown that the risk of diverticulosis is significantly increased in people who drink alcohol.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"3\"\/> Experts aren&#8217;t sure exactly why, but some suspect it&#8217;s because alcohol causes dehydration. Additionally, dehydration makes stools harder and increases straining during defecation, increasing the risk of diverticula formation.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-12\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Alcohol also slows down intestinal motility, which can cause constipation and increased pressure in the intestines.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp theme-takeaway health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Standard research terminology:<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp expert-content takeaway mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>cause<\/strong>: an agent known to produce an effect or result<\/li>\n<li><strong>Risk factor:<\/strong> Drugs that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or having a negative outcome<\/li>\n<li><strong>association<\/strong>: statistical relationship between two variables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-15\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>It is important to discuss your individual risk factors and lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk of developing diverticular disease with your health care provider.\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-other-risk-factors\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Other risk factors <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-18\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Although it is not clear exactly why intestinal bags form, there are risk factors that may increase the presence of diverticula, including:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"5\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-22\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Although diverticulosis is not uncommon in people under 40, it is relatively common in older people.  Approximately half of Americans over age 60 have this condition, and most people become affected by age 80.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"5\"\/> Some foods that were once thought to be harmful, such as popcorn and nuts, appear not to cause bag inflammation.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"5\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-24\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Evidence from several studies shows that daily dietary fiber intake reduces the risk of diverticular disease.  A 2020 meta-analysis of five cohort studies and a total of 865,829 participants found that people who consumed 30 grams of fiber per day had a 41% reduced risk compared to those who consumed less fiber. It has been found.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"13\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0-1\" class=\"comp theme-takeaway health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-1\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>Soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-1\" class=\"comp expert-content takeaway mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Soluble fiber: absorbs water and turns into a gel during digestion, slowing down digestion.<\/li>\n<li>Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to stool and helps food pass quickly through the stomach and intestines.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"14\"\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-does-alcohol-affect-diverticulitis\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-27\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    How does alcohol affect diverticulitis? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-28\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Alcohol can cause inflammation of the stomach and cause symptoms of diverticulitis. Alcohol consumption can also increase the frequency of relapses. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms of diverticulitis. You may be advised to avoid alcohol completely to prevent symptoms from worsening. In general, it is best to avoid alcohol during an episode of diverticulitis.\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-mild-diverticulitis\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-30\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    mild diverticulitis <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-31\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Diverticulitis occurs when the sac becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms of mild diverticulitis include:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"1\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-35\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Eating a diet high in fiber and taking mild painkillers often relieve symptoms of mild diverticulitis.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-37\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Common symptoms of more severe diverticulitis include:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"1\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-39\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Abdominal pain (usually on the left side)<\/li>\n<li>constipation<\/li>\n<li>convulsions<\/li>\n<li>heat<\/li>\n<li>nausea<\/li>\n<li>vomiting<\/li>\n<li>cold<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-41\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Extreme symptoms of diverticulitis include bleeding and obstruction. Your health care provider may need to perform diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to diagnose diverticulitis.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-43\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Treatments include:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-45\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Antibiotics<\/li>\n<li>painkillers<\/li>\n<li>liquid food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-47\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Severe cases of diverticulitis may require hospitalization or surgery.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-50\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">    Effect on diverticulosis <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-51\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>You may wonder if it&#8217;s okay to drink alcohol once in a while when you have diverticulitis. Research has shown that older age and alcohol use are the most identifiable risk factors for developing diverticulosis.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"4\"\/> Researchers noted that lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, may reduce the risk of developing diverticular disease.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-54\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">    chronic diverticulitis  <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-55\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Chronic diverticulitis refers to:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"9\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-57\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Repeated attacks of diverticulitis<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged attacks of diverticulitis<\/li>\n<li>Complications from long-term diverticulitis, such as intestinal strictures, fistulas, and bleeding diverticular sacs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-59\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Chronic diverticulitis may cause small amounts of blood in the stool. Bleeding may become severe and black blood clots may appear.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"9\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-61\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>If you have any rectal bleeding, even a small amount, contact your health care provider right away. Diverticular bleeding may stop on its own without treatment. In severe cases, diverticular bleeding may require hospitalization and treatments such as colonoscopy, angiography, and surgery to stop the bleeding.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"10\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-alcohol-misuse-in-diverticulitis-patients\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-63\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Alcohol misuse in patients with diverticulitis <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-64\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Although there is not enough data on the association between alcohol consumption and diverticular disease, studies have shown that alcoholism is a potential risk factor for the disease.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"11\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-66\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>It is well established that consuming alcohol over a long period of time or in large quantities at once can cause serious physical and mental health problems. Drinking too much at once interferes with your body&#8217;s ability to fight off infections after 24 hours.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"12\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0-2\" class=\"comp theme-takeaway health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-2\" class=\"comp expert-content takeaway mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>A 2020 study found that the risk of diverticular disease was higher in patients with alcoholism or excessive alcohol consumption, especially in male patients over 45 years of age.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"11\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-70\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">    Alcohol is worst for diverticulitis <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-71\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Ethyl alcohol is an intoxicating ingredient found in alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, and hard liquor all contain it. If you drink alcohol, consider the alcohol content of the drink.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-73\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a metric used to determine the alcohol content of a beverage.  ABV indicates what percentage of the total volume of a beverage is pure alcohol.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--takeaway_1-0-3\" class=\"comp theme-takeaway health-sc-block-callout--takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0-2\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">\n<p>classic american drink<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0-3\" class=\"comp expert-content takeaway mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p>In the United States, one drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol and contains the following ingredients:<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"16\"\/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>12 oz beer:<\/strong> Alcohol content 5%<\/li>\n<li><strong>5 ounces of wine:<\/strong> Alcohol content 12%<\/li>\n<li><strong>1.5 ounces or &#8220;shots&#8221; of spirits or spirit<\/strong>: Alcohol content 40%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-which-alcohol-is-best\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-76\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    Which alcohol is the \u201cbest\u201d? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-77\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>There is no &#8220;best&#8221; alcohol to prevent diverticular disease, and the safest method is not to drink at all. However, if you drink alcohol, it is very important to be aware of exactly how much alcohol you are drinking. Liquor usually contains more alcohol than wine or beer, and your body needs less alcohol to feel its effects.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-80\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">    Reduce or stop drinking alcohol due to diverticular disease <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-81\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>If you feel that drinking is interfering with your daily life, health, relationships, work or social life, it may be time to change your alcohol-free lifestyle.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-83\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>The first step is recognizing that it&#8217;s time to cut back on drinking or stop drinking altogether. This may take some time. Talk to your health care provider about your drinking habits and how they affect your life. Your health care provider will discuss your specific risk factors and the benefits of abstinence and help you find the best treatment plan for you.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"15\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-85\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Also, talk to your doctor about the risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking suddenly. If they determine that you are, you may need to remain under medical treatment or observation while you quit smoking.<span class=\"ql-inline-citation\" data-cite=\"15\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-summary\"\/> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-87\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">    summary <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-88\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Some studies have shown that the risk of diverticulosis is significantly increased in people who drink alcohol. Some experts speculate that this may be because alcohol can dehydrate you, making your stools harder and straining when you defecate, increasing your risk of diverticula formation. Alcohol also slows down intestinal motility, which can cause constipation and increased pressure in the intestines.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-90\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<p>Other risk factors include a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and older age. There is no &#8220;safe&#8221; amount of alcohol to prevent diverticular disease. The safest option is not to drink at all. Talk to your health care provider about your risk factors. You may also want to consider reducing your alcohol intake and discussing lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing diverticular disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Diverticula are small sacs that form in the large intestine (colon) and bulge outward. People with such intestinal pouches have a disease called diverticulosis. &#8220;Diverticulitis&#8221; is the term used when the pocket becomes inflamed or infected. Both of these conditions are called &#8220;diverticicular disease,&#8221; but there is conflicting research on how alcohol affects them. Although &#8230; <a title=\"Is it safe to drink?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/is-it-safe-to-drink\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Is it safe to drink?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[1564,319],"class_list":["post-2515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diverticular-disease","tag-drink","tag-safe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2515"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2515\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}