Enjoy free standard shipping on all orders!
Categories
NEBULIZERS
DRUG-OF-ABUSE TESTING
URINALYSIS TESTING
related pRODUCTS
Colonox FIT
Colonox FIT
All Blogs

Diverticulitis and Alcohol Use: All You Need to Know

Cheryl Whitten
Cheryl Whitten
June 25, 2024
•
6
min read
Technically reviewed by: 
Charisse Cartin
Diverticulitis and Alcohol Use: All You Need to Know
Listen to this article

Alcohol is often a part of social settings, but chronic or heavy drinking is known to cause damage and health problems [1]. But is alcohol bad for diverticulitis? Does it worsen the condition? Here’s what you need to know. 

Can Alcohol Cause Diverticulitis?

Alcohol use is known to increase the risk for diverticular disease and negatively impacts colon health [2-5].

‍

There are three forms of diverticular disease [2]:

  • Diverticulosis: Part of the colon bulges outward and creates a pouch.
  • Diverticulitis: The pouches become inflamed and infected.
  • Diverticular bleeding: The pouches burst and bleed.

‍

The condition is common — over half of people in the United States over age 60 will develop it [2]. The exact cause of diverticular disease is unknown, but experts think it’s likely a combination of genetics, low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and excessive alcohol use [3].

Heavy drinking and chronic alcohol use are significant risk factors. Alcohol drinkers are twice as likely to develop diverticulosis than nondrinkers, and those who drink 30 grams of alcohol per day, or two drinks per day, have an increased risk [4, 5].

How Does Alcohol Affect Diverticulitis?

The link between diverticulosis and alcohol and diverticulitis and alcohol isn’t clear, but health experts suggest it’s related to slow motility in the lower colon. [6] Alcohol interferes with the muscles in the colon and may weaken and slow muscle contractions [7]. 

With fewer and weaker contractions, overall bowel movement slows, and stool becomes compacted, increasing pressure [7]. Higher pressure causes weak areas to bulge outward, and the compacted stool may cause diarrhea [7].

The slower movement may also cause stool or bacteria to get stuck in one of the pouches, leading to inflammation and, eventually, infection. The result is diverticulitis [2].

Clear information is the most valuable resource you can have on your side.
Stay in the loop!
Thank you for subscribing. Stay informed, stay healthy!
Oops! There was a problem with your submission. Please check your email address and try again.

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].

‍

Colonox FIT is an at-home stool test kit that detects hidden blood in stool with clinical precision. Hidden blood in stool may be a sign of several GI disorders, including diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. USPTF recommends annual screening of adults between 45-75 years with a FIT test. Learn more.

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.

References

[1] Mayo Clinic Staff, “Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits,” Mayo Clinic[Accessed May 3, 2024].

[2] Johns Hopkins Medicine Staff, “Diverticular Disease,” Johns Hopkins Medicine [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[3] J. S. Pogacnik, “Living with diverticulitis: Get the full scope of symptoms, treatment, and prevention,” UT Southwestern Medical Center [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[4] N. Nagata and others, “Alcohol and Smoking Affect Risk of Uncomplicated Colonic Diverticulosis in Japan,” Plos One [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[5] S. Gunby and others, “Smoking and Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Incident Diverticulitis in Women,” Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[6] V. Jaruvongvanich, A. Sanguankeo, and S. Upala, “Association between Alcohol Consumption and Diverticulosis and Diverticular Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[7] C. Bode and J. C. Bode, “Alcohol’s Role in Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders,” Alcohol Health and Research World [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[8] Johns Hopkins Medicine Staff, “Gastritis,” Johns Hopkins Medicine [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[9] Penn Medicine Staff, “Diverticulitis,” Penn Medicine [Accessed May 3, 2024].

[10] Charleston GI Staff, “Diverticulitis,” Charleston GI: Charleston Gastroenterology Specialists, Available Online here, [Accessed May 3, 2024].

National Cancer Institute Staff, “Alcohol and Cancer Risk,” National Cancer Institute, Available Online here, [Accessed May 3, 2024].

W. Ma and others, “Cancer Risk in Patients With Diverticular Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study,” Journal of the National Cancer Institute [Accessed May 3, 2024].

L. Q Mortensen and others, “Diverticulitis Is Associated with Increased Risk of Colon Cancer—A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study,” Journal of Clinical Medicine [Accessed May 3, 2024].

About the Author
Cheryl Whitten

Cheryl Whitten is a health writer with a background in allied health care as an herbalist and clinical aromatherapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Athabasca University and certificates from the University of Maryland and Wild Rose College. She writes for leading health and lifestyle websites with a focus on health, wellness, and consumer products.

About the Reviewer
This blog was
Technically reviewed by: 
Charisse Cartin

Charisse Cartin is a talented and dedicated editor who has contributed significantly to this blog.

The blog was also reviewed by the Diagnox content team. Diagnox Staff consists of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, content writers, and healthcare professionals with an expertise to create and review high-quality, informative, accurate, and easy-to-understand content for both professionals and everyday readers. Our staff follows strict guidelines to ensure the credibility and authenticity of the information, reviewing them independently and verifying them by various scientific and technical sources to ensure accuracy. Our review team believes in delivering knowledge free from bias to improve public health and well-being.

Have a Question?

Questions are great. Drop us a note and we promise to get back to you soon.

Thank you! Your question has been received.
We will respond to you promptly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Kindly try again.
If the problem persists, please drop us an email at contact@diagnoxhealth.com
share
Browse More Blogs