Alcohol

[LookingforAnswers15]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding drinking. I know that wine is gluten free and I would like to occasionally drink a glass of wine. It has been a few months since I stopped drinking wine since I had crazy symptoms and I wanted to eliminate anything that could possibly be causing them. I was never a big drinker but apart from wine, I used to enjoy (actually preferred) cocktails (but I have not had any since I was diagnosed with celiac). However, since I have not been feeling well and still have not learned what types of drinks are safe for celiacs, I just stayed away from cocktails. I also noticed that even after drinking 1 to 2 glasses of wine, I started to get headaches and would have a hangover in the morning. So, anyhow, I just stopped drinking BUT I am thinking it is time to try to have a glass of wine from time to time again. Since it appears that I have blood clotting issues, I read that alcohol can serve as a blood thinner and grape juice is also recommended. So, drinking wine might actually be beneficial for me. =) What are your thoughts? Have you noticed that your body reacts to alcohol differently now that you are gluten free? Thank you.

 

[Darren]

Do a little Researchand you'll find what is safe for cocktails and as long as you stick to liquor and soda pop you're generally ok since distillation removes gluten even from wheat based drinks like whiskey. For wine, is it all wine that that gives you a headache or only red? I've always gotten headaches from red wine before i was celiac. Red wine is known to cause headaches in some people either due to the tannins or due to the body releasing histamines like an allergic reaction. Only happens with red. So if it's red that does this to you it likely has nothing to do with gluten and happen to lots of people. Cheers!

[kymbp]

Wine will dehydrate you which will leave you with a headache.  You might be having a hydration problem--which is easily fixed.  Drink a glass of water between glasses of wine.  Or drink a glass of water (or 2) after drinking wine.   If that doesn't fix the headaches then look for another cause.

[Stormy one]

I had been gluten-free for a while and started getting sick again so we cut out all gluten in the house. I felt better for a while then returned to being sick. Quit eating out and only ate whole foods and still got sick. I read that some celiacs react to alcohol even tho it has been distilled. After much more research and a LOT of pouting I only drink gluten-free alcohol, other than wine which I am now able to drink again. I drink Tito's vodka, rum, and i also found a whiskey online that's made from sorghum (I've always been a crown drinker). So for me it is a 2 fold thing 1. it has to be gluten free 100% before and after distillation and 2. I have to have been taking care of myself to include eating healthy and perfectly hydrated or I will suffer greatly. Another thing I do is make sure I have a plan for something safe to eat so once I get a couple of drinks under my belt so I don't throw gluten-free out the window. I usually ensure its something thats a splurge so Im not eating plain rice crackers while everyone else is eating something really good.