We hope you have not been experiencing abdominal pain like many Americans do. However, if you have experienced stomach pain, gastro doctors here in our local Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida office will strive to relive you of all stomach pain. Continue our Alcohol intolerance series today to find out if alcohol is causing your stomach aches.
In review:
If you are a returning, loyal reader, you read our last blog on alcohol intolerance. For those that are new, we are going to quickly review a few quick facts. A true allergy to alcohol is very rare.
Most Americans that experience symptoms after drinking or consuming foods with alcohol are actually experiencing their alcohol intolerance. We discussed that those that do not even drink alcohol can possible consume alcohol unknowingly. This makes their intolerances angry.
What am I eating that may contain alcohol?:
Everyday use of mouthwash can really rev up those horrible, uncomfortable symptoms. Your mother’s delicious homemade vinaigrette may be safe. But decadent restaurant salad’s may have dressing with an alcoholic ingredient.
Even tomato sauces and purees have some alcohol content. Open just about any cookbook and you will see quite a few recipes calling for a wine, beer, or hard liquor. As it may not be news to some, it is news to others.
Currently there is not a cure for an alcohol allergy. Like most allergies, the safest way to carry on with your life is to avoid the allergens. Just avoid alcohol and be extra cautious.
This may be the only way to truly reduce or avoid stomach aches caused by alcohol. When eating or dinking out at a restaurant, family gathering, or anywhere you are not preparing the meal yourself, ask questions. Do not be shy.
Inform the waiter or people preparing the food of your allergies and intolerances. Repeat after the order is placed, and it is recommended to, again, remind the waiter before consuming any drinks or foods. Even non-alcoholic, or virgin, versions of drinks at restaurants may be prepared using the same utensils and cups used on alcohol drink.
Dining and wine:
For those with severe intolerances and allergies to alcohol, this could be fatal. Wine is used in many italian dishes. Many people have intolerances to wine due to the histamines and preservatives used in wines.
Those that experience asthma symptoms after drinking wine may be reacting to potassium metabisulfite. Maybe just skip the wine tastings altogether. Opt for activities and places where alcohol is not served.
This will greatly reduce the likelihood of a mistake or mixup in your order. After getting the green light from your gastro doctor, you may be able to low-sulfite wines which are somewhat easy to find in stores. Check out a wine store because there selection may be bigger.
Also, an experienced sommelier at a fine dining restaurant may know of a low-sulfite wine option while dining out. If sulfite is the issues, experts say to opt for a red wine. Opposite to this, if histamines are the issue, opt for a white wine. Generally, a white whine has a lower sulfite content.
Of course, most doctors usually recommend avoiding alcohol completely in order to avoid stomach aches. Even more so for those with intolerances. But these recommendations are useful for the holidays and weekend get-togethers.
Gluten and alchohol:
In our previous blogs about gluten intolerances, you may remember us mentioning something about avoiding certain types of beers. Gluten-free beers are commercially available, but if it is a severe intolerance, it is best to avoid all of them. They may be manufactured in the same facilities as beers with gluten content.
Many Americans have sensitivities to barley, grapes, yeast, and hops. These are all common ingredients found in beers. Alcohol processing techniques such as aging in wooden barrels. Those with nut allergies may not react well to this aging process. Who knew?
Remember to avoid alcohol unless your doctor says you are permitted as many medications cannot be mixed with alcohol and/or driving. Come back next time to continue!
Staff Writer