Whiskey Diarrhea: Reasons For Its Existence
Who knew that one drink can be the cause of an unpleasant side effect – whiskey diarrhea. Your favorite dram having the power to ruin your day, leaving you feeling off and empty. No wonder many of us become concerned when hearing the words ‘whiskey’ and ‘diarrhea’ in the same sentence.
It might come as a surprise, however, whiskey can bring about a range of digestive problems, specifically an upset stomach, indigestion, and yes, even diarrhea. That is because whiskey can irritate your stomach lining and intestines, which in turn could lead to the issue. But what is the reason behind it?
Alcohol Content is to Blame
Many whiskeys are bottled at higher proofs, meaning that the alcohol content can range from 40%abv to about 80%abv. Because Whiskey contains high concentrations of alcohol, it may lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. You may also find yourself dealing with symptoms like cramps, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Whiskey is also highly dehydrating which can cause further issues like gas, bloating, and upset stomach leading to bouts with diarrhea. To remedy this concern, make sure to plenty of water before, during, and after drinking.
Be Mindful
It is also important to keep in mind that not all whiskeys are created equal. Some may contain a higher concentration of tannins, which can be triggering for those with pre-existing digestive issues. It is important to focus on selecting whiskies that not only appeal to your palate but also ones that will cause you the least amount of distress.
It’s not unusual to enjoy a few whiskeys in a sitting, but you should always drink in moderation and try to avoid having more than one at a time. Consuming too much whiskey in one sitting can be taxing on your body, leading to stomach and intestinal issues like diarrhea.
Alternatives To Soothe the Body
Fortunately, you don’t have to avoid whiskey altogether as there are other ways to enjoy it without the unpleasant consequences. If you are concerned about your digestion, try skipping out on the rock ice and try drinking whiskey on the rocks instead. This will minimize the amount of alcohol in your dram.
Making adjustments to your diet can also ease digestive issues. Cutting back on greasy, fried, and processed foods will give your gut a break, allowing you to enjoy whiskey without having to worry about digestive troubles. You can also take a probiotic to help strengthen your digestive system if you suffer from regular digestive distress.
Slow and Steady
If you are truly determined to avoid whiskey diarrhea, you may want to opt for a slow sipper – more specifically – a single malt whiskey. These are usually aged more carefully, and slowly, reducing the alcohol content. This means that your digestive system can better handle the dram, and you likely won’t be dealing with the unpleasant side effects.
Whisky is an acquired taste that can be enjoyed either neat or on the rocks. Just be sure to think carefully before having a second or third dram, as this may put your digestive system under extreme strain and cause nasty symptoms like diarrhea.
Can You Put Out the Fire
The fire of whiskey may be difficult to control, but it is more than possible to avoid feeling its wrath. Rather than suffer through it, why not take the necessary steps to ensure that your digestive system can cope with the alcohol content without breaking.
From selecting through to drinking wisely, there are practical steps that can be taken to avoid whiskey diarrhea.Indulge, but be mindful of how your body reacts and make adjustments. After all, you don’t want your pleasant experience of enjoying some delightful whiskey to suddenly turn into an unpleasant end.
Taking an Antacid
Moreover, if you find yourself dealing with indigestion after having a whisky, then it’s best to take an antacid. This will help soothe any irritation and settle your stomach. A teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water can also help neutralize any excess acidity in your stomach, reducing your risk of diarrhea.
Whiskey has the potential of doing great things, but it can also cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea if consumed incorrectly. The best way to enjoy your dram is to go slow, sip responsibly,and if you’re concerned, make the digestible adjustments to help prevent any issues.
