Sharp Pains From Bourbon?

[Ys255]

Looking back through the years, I remember getting quite severe stomach aches when I consumed bourbon (with coke), and this was around 5 yrs ago.

I was in my early 20's, without really understanding why I got this. 80% of the time I'd get cramps to a point I had to hunch over as it really hurt, like sharp stabbing pains and I couldn't walk much either. Being stubborn as I was, I kept at it, not understanding why I got this.

Being on a gluten free diet now, I've been looking back and this rings a bell to perhaps a reaction of some kind? I usually had beer, but maybe 10% I'd get these cramps but weren't as severe. Is there gluten in bourbon? Any ideas what was happening?

[Pegleg84]

As I told my Celiac aunt whilst sipping some whisky this weekend: if it's distilled, it's safe (she's been gluten-free longer than anyone else in my family, and said she just kind of glossed over that fact). I've been drinking a lot of bourbon lately, and aside from the usual affects of alcohol, and maybe a tad of heartburn, it causes no symptoms.

 

That said, some people are super super sensitive and still can't handle distilled gluten grain based alcohols. Also, some people just can't handle too much hard liquor (or any alcohol) in general because it is hard on the stomach in any case. If you were still consuming gluten at the time, then your gut was probably much more sensitive.

 

Another possibility is the mix: if you were always having it with coke, then your body might have not wanted to deal with alcohol and sugary-chemically stuff at once. I know I've mostly switched to drinking my liquor straight (which means drinking good stuff) since the mix is always what makes it go to my head faster. Why? Not quite sure. Something to do with the sugar, probably.

 

In any case, the majority of whisky/bourbon/rye (some bottom-of-the-barrel stuff with mash added into it at the end of the distillation might not be safe, but I couldn't tell you what brands those would be. If it looks uber cheap, it probably tastes like s$#&e anyway, so not even worth it) is perfectly safe for the majority of Celiacs/Gluten Intolerants. All I know is if it wasn't, I'd be in serious trouble.

 

Next time you're out, order a finger of it and find out. You might be one of the people who can't handle it, but you might be fine. Everyone is different. (for example, i'm fine with distilled alcohol, but after one attempt I won't go near those "gluten removed" beers, but some people are fine with those too)

 

Also, welcome to the Forum!

[w8in4dave]

I don't drink but I do have a severe problem with coke. I used to drink it all the time. Becoming gluten-free I have cut back on every thng!! Especially coke, occasionally I would still have one. when I go out to eat. I thought I was being cc'd but , seems it was the coke all along. I was going shopping with a friend and she bought me a coke. I had nothing to eat or drink before we went shopping! Within a half hr. Cramps and in the bathroom I went! It was the coke. Fructose Corn Syrup. So no more Soda pop for me!! If I ever drink I will drink a gluten-free beer, or have a shot on ice maby a bit of water in it. I will not ever have another pop again.