Wine is Not Recommended During Acute Diarrhea
Wine and other alcoholic beverages should be avoided during acute diarrhea, as alcohol can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms and interfere with proper rehydration.
Why Alcohol Should Be Avoided
Alcohol has multiple detrimental effects on the gastrointestinal tract that are particularly problematic during acute diarrhea:
- Alcohol stimulates secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine while simultaneously inhibiting absorption of nutrients and fluids, which directly worsens diarrhea 1
- Alcohol causes acute morphological damage including erosions, inflammatory cell infiltration, and microvascular changes in the stomach and small intestine 1
- Alcohol alters intestinal motility, with studies showing increased colonic propulsive motility after acute administration, which can accelerate diarrhea 1
- Alcohol-related diarrhea is a well-recognized clinical entity in both acute binge drinkers and chronic alcoholics, demonstrating its direct causative role in gastrointestinal dysfunction 1
What to Drink Instead
The established guidelines for fluid management during acute diarrhea recommend specific alternatives:
- Maintain adequate fluid intake as indicated by thirst, using drinks containing glucose such as lemonades, sweet sodas, or fruit juices, or soups rich in electrolytes 2
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the gold standard for moderate dehydration, though not essential for otherwise healthy adults with mild symptoms 2
- Plain water, breast milk, or formula are appropriate for maintaining hydration once rehydration is achieved 2
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
Clinical guidelines specifically identify substances that should be avoided during acute diarrhea:
- Fatty, heavy, spicy, or stimulant foods and beverages (including caffeine in cola drinks) are best avoided 2
- Lactose-containing foods may be problematic in prolonged episodes 2
- Foods high in simple sugars and fats should be avoided 2
Common Pitfall
A critical error is consuming alcohol during acute diarrhea under the mistaken belief that it might have antiseptic properties or provide calories. While alcohol does provide calories, it supplies no essential nutrients and actively worsens the underlying pathophysiology of diarrhea through multiple mechanisms 1. The combination of acute diarrhea with alcohol consumption can lead to severe complications, particularly when combined with dehydration 3.