Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Hard Alcohol

ERR

Recommended Posts

ERR Apprentice
ERR
Posted

Hi All. I am a guy that got diagnosed with Celiac about 3 years ago. I went gluten free got tested and have never looked back. I have thought that I am not particularly sensitive as I have only glutened myself 4 or 5 times in 3 years. However, I have had a problem now for 6 months. I have been having what feels like a urinary tract infection (burning, itching, difficulty emptying bladder completely) that can sometimes seem like it radiates up into my intestines. I have been from doctor to doctor (PCP, Urologist, GI) and have been tested for the basics: UTI, Bladder infections, STDs, even HIV. I took two spearate courses for

Prostatisis but the antibiotics weren't effective.

But I have a theory. The symptoms come and go. Some weeks symptom free. I drink a fair amount (usually wine). My theory is that this is a Celiac response to bourbon. It seems like about 24 hours after I drink bourbon I get the symptoms.

So my question is this -- anyone ever have similar symptoms? I never got the GI symptoms of Celiac, so I realize I may just react differently to different things. Any advice, input, experiences greatly appreciated.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


stanleymonkey Explorer
stanleymonkey
Posted

bourbon is made from corn or more usually, maybe you have a corn sensitivity, or the bourbon is cross contaminated

the gluten is supposed to be removed during distillation, but who knows.

also is caramel colour added? caramel in alcohol is usually from malt

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

caramel in alcohol is usually from malt

Nawl...that's outdated information. ;) Caramel Color is no longer considers a gluten concern.

ERR Apprentice
ERR
Posted
  • Author

bourbon is made from corn or more usually, maybe you have a corn sensitivity, or the bourbon is cross contaminated

the gluten is supposed to be removed during distillation, but who knows.

also is caramel colour added? caramel in alcohol is usually from malt

To tell you the truth I don't know. I have never really paid much attention to the particulars of the bourbon I have been drinking. I searched the archives here and noticed that Jack Daniels is gluten free. So it would be easy enough just to stick to that (although I would miss my Woodford Reserve). Most recently I was drinking Jim Beam.

Separate from the specific cause, has anyone ever experienced UTI type symptoms from glutening?

Jenniferxgfx Contributor
Jenniferxgfx
Posted

I have similar urinary symptoms, but I'm a girl. The doctors think it's interstitial cystitis, which isn't actually a bladder infection but feels like one. It feels like I can't empty my bladder fully (even though it's empty when it feels like this), aching, throbbing, and like my bladder is full of broken glass. I'm new to this and waiting on a biopsy, so I'm still eating gluten, and now I see it always flares up on days after pizza or wheat pasta. I never saw it sooner because its usually 24hrs (or more) after I've been on a "gluten bender." it's my least favorite gluten pain.

For what it's worth. Azo tablets are really good for my bladder pains, although it turns your pee orange and I don't know if it's gluten-free. I really hope it is, although I guess I won't need it when I quit eating my trigger! Bleh.

I really sympathize. :/

Korwyn Explorer
Korwyn
Posted
But I have a theory. The symptoms come and go. Some weeks symptom free. I drink a fair amount (usually wine). My theory is that this is a Celiac response to bourbon. It seems like about 24 hours after I drink bourbon I get the symptoms.

I have problems with one particular Scotch (Bowmore). No other Scotch I've had affects me but this one. So it could be something during the ageing process, perhaps the paste they seal the barrels with. I haven't been able to find out particulars on what they use, which is frustrating because I like this one.

...it's my least favorite gluten pain....

Ok, I have to ask....what is your favorite gluten pain? :D

ERR Apprentice
ERR
Posted
  • Author

Thanks guys. I am meeting with the very smart doctor who first diagnosed my Celiac later this week. If he has insight I will bring it back. For right now I think I am going to stick to wine. Meh.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

I have problems with one particular Scotch (Bowmore). No other Scotch I've had affects me but this one. So it could be something during the ageing process, perhaps the paste they seal the barrels with. I haven't been able to find out particulars on what they use, which is frustrating because I like this one.

That's interesting. I thought I reacted to Redbreast the time I tried it. Other Irish and Scotch whiskies haven't bothered me. I was wondering if it was in my head. :lol:

Hawthorn Rookie
Hawthorn
Posted

From a non Gluten viewpoint, are you drinking plenty of water? Alchohol is really dehydrating and I know if I have too much I tend to get cystitis like symptoms. If I take a pint of water before sleeping, not so much of a problem, although i tend to drink water like it's going out of fashion the morning after anyway because I get so thirsty.

It would be a shame to give up your favourite tipple if it's something as simple as needing more water :)

notme Experienced
notme
Posted

taking tylenol makes me have all kinds of urinary tract pain. i was skipping ibuprofen for awhile trying to avoid iodine - anything to help make skin clear up. does your bourbon give you a headache? ;) i think this website recommends maker's mark? i use it in recipes as i am not a bourbon drinker.

ERR Apprentice
ERR
Posted
  • Author

From a non Gluten viewpoint, are you drinking plenty of water? Alchohol is really dehydrating and I know if I have too much I tend to get cystitis like symptoms. If I take a pint of water before sleeping, not so much of a problem, although i tend to drink water like it's going out of fashion the morning after anyway because I get so thirsty.

It would be a shame to give up your favourite tipple if it's something as simple as needing more water :)

Definitely good advice.

Korwyn Explorer
Korwyn
Posted
From a non Gluten viewpoint....

*GASP*

:lol::ph34r::lol::ph34r::lol: BLASPHEMY :lol::ph34r::lol::ph34r::lol:

Don't you know that EVERYTHING revolves around gluten?!?!?!?!?

:D

Jenniferxgfx Contributor
Jenniferxgfx
Posted

Ok, I have to ask....what is your favorite gluten pain? :D

Gut pain. It makes me feel "normal" after all my reactions that doctors won't link with gluten!

(is that weird? Oh well.)

ndw3363 Contributor
ndw3363
Posted

Bladder pain was one of my first symptoms. It lead me to a doctor who put me on two rounds of antibiotics. Which gave me candida problems for 3 years (still fighting it, but winning a little at a time). What worked for me was cutting out starches and sugar for awhile and drink A LOT of water. I try not to drink much - it seems to bring it back every time (although not as severe anymore). I was tested for everything under the sun as well, and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Once I changed my diet a bit, my "condition" went away. I know doctors are just trying to help, but until they get on board with dietary/lifestyle changes and natural ways to heal your body, I won't be going to a traditional doctor again (unless an emergency). I was actually told that what I ate would have no effect on my symptoms - seriously?

Korwyn Explorer
Korwyn
Posted

Gut pain. It makes me feel "normal" after all my reactions that doctors won't link with gluten!

(is that weird? Oh well.)

:lol: Define: weird! :)

eatmeat4good Enthusiast
eatmeat4good
Posted

Gluten definitely caused my interstitial cystitis. I was treated for years with antibiotics and always felt I had a bladder infection but it didn't test positive for bacteria. This problem plagued me for years. I thought it was always going to be there. When I went gluten free to deal with muscle weakness and migraines, I was absolutely shocked to have solved the bladder infection problem accidentally.

I have not had one single episode in the 9 months I have been gluten free.

I don't know about the alcohol issue, but I can positively affirm your theory that gluten can cause bladder infection-like symptoms. It was an unbelievable relief to me to be rid of that problem.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,014
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Scott Ryan
    Newest Member
    Scott Ryan
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Jmartes71
      Fighting for a name

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Im so frustrated and still getting the run around trying to reprove my celiac disease which my past primary ignored for 25 years.I understand that theres a ray of medical that doctors are limited too but not listening and telling the patient ( me) that im not as sensitive as I think and NOT celiac!Correction Mr white coat its not what I think but for cause and affect and past test that are not sticking in my medical records.I get sick violently with foods consumed, not eating the foods will show Im fabulous. After many blood draws and going through doctors I have the HLA- DQ2 positive which I read in a study that Iran conducted that the severity in celiac is in that gene.Im glutenfree and dealing with related issues which core issue of celiac isn't addressed. My skin, right eye, left leg diagestive issues affected. I have high blood pressure because im in pain.Im waisting my time on trying to reprove that Im celiac which is not a disease I want, but unfortunately have.It  has taken over my life personally and professionally. How do I stop getting medically gaslight and get the help needed to bounce back if I ever do bounce back to normal? I thought I was in good care with " celiac specialist " but in her eyes Im good.Im NOT.Sibo positive, IBS, Chronic Fatigue just to name a few and its all related to what I like to call a ghost disease ( celiac) since doctors don't seem to take it seriously. 
    • trents
      Celiac getting dentures

      By trents · Posted

      @Martha Mitchell, your reaction to the lens implant with gluten sounds like it could be an allergic reaction rather than a celiac reaction. It is possible for a celiac to be also allergic to gluten as it is a protein component in wheat, barley and rye.
    • JoJo0611
      Chances of being coeliac

      By JoJo0611 · Posted

      Thank you all. 
    • Martha Mitchell
      Celiac getting dentures

      By Martha Mitchell · Posted

      Scott I also have different symptoms than most people. It affects me bad. Stomach ache, headache, nauseous, heart racing, whole body shaking, can't walk then my throat starts to close. It attacks my nervous system. The only thing that saves me is a 1/2 of Xanax...it calms down my nervous system 
    • Martha Mitchell
      Celiac getting dentures

      By Martha Mitchell · Posted

      Scott Adams. I was dealing with a DR that didn't care about me being celiac. I repeatedly told him that I was celiac and is everything gluten-free. He put an acrylic lens from j&j. I called the company to ask about gluten and was told yes that the acrylic they use has gluten....then they back tracked immediately and stopped talking to me. The Dr didn't care that I was having issues. It took me 6 months and a lot of sickness to get it removed.... which can only happen within 6 months. The Dr that took it out said that it was fused and that's why I lost vision. If they would have removed it right away everything would be fine. He put in a silicone one that was gluten-free and I've had no issues at all in the other eye. Do not do acrylic!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.