Alcohol and Celiac Disease

I was diagnosed as celiac as a kid. I went gluten free for 1year and it greatly improved my health. I am now 33 years old and I try not eat bread, pizza, etc. but drink a lot of beer, etc. Recently I gave up alcohol because once I start I can't stop and blackout. My folks say I'm an alcoholic but I don't need to drink every day and wonder could gluten be a factor??

Phil, I think that the gluten in the alcohol does make a difference. I know that when I drink certain things it affects me different ways. If I were you I'd learn to like red wine - you get no nasty effects as you would with the beer. I have been eating wheat lately (hoping that I'll be okay) and I am finding that it has a bit of a delayed reaction, so that when it's passing through my intestines, I get very depressed. Does anyone else notice this?

I am an undiagnosed celiac with years of symptoms similar to the disease. I started drinking beer when age permitted and got diagnosed with depression. At age 33 a stressful work environment caused stress which led to drinking beer and I had symptoms the same as before like severe depression, fatigue, rash and pains. I haven't drunk since I was a young adult, but I still noticed that an occasional beer left me with unreasonable hangover that lasted for days. I went on cruise with colleagues and friends and had free drinks, of course I drank beer and got really sick. I thought I got motion sickness, but the effects lasted for one month or so. When I drank margaritas and Grand Marnier I felt fine. I am looking for what test to get for celiac disease.

I have had celiac for about 3 months now, and I am getting the blood test next week to confirm. I have eliminated gluten from my diet, and it was initially difficult, but after a few weeks it seems easier. Just remember when you shop to shop around the edges of the supermarket. This is where you will find most of the stuff you can eat regularly. Mostly perishable, but definitely possible to get a balanced diet without gluten. Also watch out for spices some spices have wheat crumbs in them, and wow does that get you. Good luck to all.

I have had health problems for many years, but the past year has been worse. I have chronically low magnesium levels to the point where I have to go to the hospital everyday and get IV magnesium replacements. My body isn't retaining at all. My doctor thinks I have celiac disease so I started the gluten free diet 2 1/2 months ago but there hasn't been any change in my magnesium levels. My doctor thinks it will take 6 months for my intestines to heal so I can start absorbing nutrients. I was tested for sprue which came back negative but I had genetic testing done that says I have the celiac gene pairs----DQ alpha 1 and DQ beta 1. I am getting 9 grams of magnesium by IV everyday and my blood levels are still low. Has anyone out there heard of such a thing or have the same problem with absorbing magnesium that I do? Help!

Reply to all: I have been on a gluten-free diet for 3 months now and it is so hard. I just turned 21 so it is even more frustrating for me. Just some background - I am extremely underweight, malnourished, and had severe vitamin deficiencies including lactose intolerant. I had an endoscopy that came back clear and I switched doctors and got a blood test done that said I had the gene for celiac. Since I had the symptoms she put me on the gluten-free diet. I am actually going back soon for a new test where you swallow a pill camera that can take pictures where the endoscopy couldn't reach.

Thanks for all the info on alcohol and celiac. It was very informative.

I love beer and wine but the beer leaves me so sick the day after I can't drink it to any excess anymore but just a little wine is going to have to be my choice now. I am 51 and had celiac since I was 2. Thank you again!

I like Redbridge very much reminds me of Bud Light

I have not been diagnosed, but I have done a lot of reading on the web and all signs point to celiac. I have been trying to be gluten free for the most part with some slip-ups (beer, pizza..I mean how can I give them up so easily) and I have been feeling better. My only question is...should I spend the time and money (I have no health insurance) to get diagnosed? Or would being strict about the diet for say 30 days, be telling enough?

Knowing your body and being able to find a cure is the biggest blessing I could have received. Yes I do get frustrated that I can't eat everything, however I am in more control of my feelings, emotions, and health. No longer am I worried that I will get sick and my evening with be ruined. No longer am I afraid that I will go on vacation and be forced to stay in my room. I do not have full celiac disease but have an intolerance to wheat. When ingested I feel very tired, have digestive issues, and yes get VERY depressed and moody. I knew life didn't have to be like this, so I am overjoyed that with the support of family and friends I not only see that light at the end of the tunnel, but I feel the warmth of the light on my face, and I have so much more peace.

For those who are wondering if you should get diagnosed, I think you already have your answer. You are your greatest advocate and doctor. I would suggest practicing an elimination diet and keeping a food journal. Many (like myself) may receive a false negative from the doctor. You know your body the best so trust your instinct and gut (literally and figuratively).

I hope I was able to help.

My wife has celiac and enjoys tequila. A little to much at times. She typically fairs pretty well but 1 out of 10 times she will get very angry and violent. Even after just a few margaritas. Has anyone heard of any studies done on a connection between celiac and Alcoholism/Female Pattern Violent Alcoholism? If so, PLEASE reply.

I would try and find a good naturopath that knows a lot about celiac disease. I am going to see one that is celiac himself and find out what nutrients I need to keep my body healthy and strong. You may need to take supplements that heal the infection in the intestines before you will absorb nutrients. I take some that I have researched and it has healed mine and my liver which were malfunctioning from the gluten.

DKP - I was diagnosed as a coeliac a couple of years ago. I've had a long history of going out with friends and drinking - and around 1 in 10/20 nights out Ive gone completely bananas and have absolutely no memory of what I did. I always knew there was something wrong because the nights I'd go mad I could feel my body buzzing (like I'd taken drugs) and I'd start acting and doing really stupid things. It was a far different buzz to when I was drunk on other nights. I can only assume this was the allergic reaction to gluten mixing with the alcohol. I can't say why it happened on some nights and not on others. Anyway, the good news is since I was diagnosed I've completely changed my diet and just stick to Corona when I'm out. In the last two or three years I've had absolutely no problem. Slowly but surely my friends are creeping back to me. All I'll say is coeliacs are obviously more sensitive to foods and your wife should find a drink that suits her. Mine is Corona, I just need to be strict with it. I hope that helps.

Hey if you stick with the potato vodkas and if you like a good gin martini you are okay. As long as it is one like Tanquery, and stay away from certain additives especially sugary ones that are not distilled. Of course, beer is not distilled and they have come out with a few gluten free beers for us beer lovers. I personally am a gin martini kind of a gal. ;-) Have a wonderful martini day.

Some of you mentioned having problems with certain alcohols. Let me point out that corn is a difficult thing for some celiacs to process because it along with dairy and soy are all processed by the coveted DDP enzyme that celiacs are deficient in. I stay away from all of these substances as lately I've been having allergic reactions to every one of them. Now to my point, a lot of vodkas are made from corn and those reacting should consider an allergy as a possible cause. Personally, I've found that rum is the best.

Being full blown celiac & allergic to gluten, when it comes to alcohol it's the damage done from the disease on my organs that gives me hell just to consume alcohol, period. Each of our bodies are in different states of degeneration.

Thanks all for the great info! It's like a math puzzle determining which drinks are acceptable, but it seems like there are a lot of choices.

Just like you I'm new(er) to the gluten-free world. I'm definitely a vodka, rum and wine fan. For me it was trial and error for months to find out what I can and cannot consume. I too still feel alienated but in the long run your mind and body will thank you for choosing the right option(s) for you, be it the sober one or the casual white wine drinker.

Wine, cava/champagne, sake (Korean is smoother than Japanese), rum (you can make a great mojito with soda, fresh lime, fresh mint and a little fructose/xylitol/sugar with the rum or the sake) and occasional unflavored vodka with soda / occasional gin and tonic (careful to read the tonic ingredients carefully - avoid glucose if in Europe, as made from wheat, they say almost always gluten-free but it definitely effects me) are OK for me - it's the mixers that are the major issue, best to stick to soda. I imagine cider would be OK too, but don't like it or tequila. Mostly I stick with wine/cava as that's always easy.

Guys who are new to this - don't worry it get's easier, try focussing on all the great things you can eat and experimenting with new recipes, rather than dwelling on things you can't. It's definitely, definitely worth it for how great you'll ultimately feel. The key is to try and stick to things that are as pure and unprocessed as possible - think Jamie Oliver mission! Don't forget exercise, you really need it to get your system working properly and fully healthy again.

Great Blog! I'm getting tested.

I have celiacs, but it isn't very severe. I have found that some vodkas are not ok..I have also been told that it will be ok if it is distilled but that is not true at all. I had brunettes last night (nasty, i know, but hey i'm a college kid and need something cheap) and am not feeling well today...I threw up and even though I was pretty drunk, I shouldn't have been throwing up at that point. My stomach hurts and I am having those icky celiac symptoms. I am just going to experiment with alcohol but I guess I will stick to rum instead...Grey Goose is my favorite but its been bothering my stomach. Just be careful because like i said not all vodka is ok!

Hi phil I too was diagnosed as a child but drank beer and it never effected me! no symptoms getting drunk apart, but as I've grown my body has reacted more! your level of intolerance changes as you get older I guess and now I can only drink wine. It remands to be proven if drinking wheat alcohol makes a person more drunk! If you find out let me know please?

I have been gluten free for three months now. I am an avid red wine lover and have been reacting almost every time I drink a quality bottle of wine. I read that the less expensive wines are aged in stainless steel barrels and some of the older vintage and old winery's use the old barrels which are sealed with a mixture of flour and water substance. I have found UV vodka and Prairie organic vodka to be my absolute fave and confirmed with the company they are safe for Celiacs!! I guess I am sticking with Vodka Cranberry as my drink of choice until I research more on the wineries!

I'm a celiac with multiple ongoing problems and symptoms, so you could say I'm extremely sensitive! I admit that I still enjoy a drink or two and of course a nice bottle of wine but it hasn't come without difficulty in determining what is ok and what is not! I only drink potato distilled vodkas (more times distilled the better, Glacier is great) and as for wine I've learned its best to stick with the most recent years 2010, 2009 etc. but some tend to make me itchy and I know what to stay away from next time. Just be careful and choose wisely, don't let anyone try to tell you what is ok for you or not because you're the one that has to pay the price...

I'm an Aussie and was diagnosed with Coeliac (celiac) disease in April this year. I had definitely noticed my tolerance to alcohol had been decreasing and was getting drunk off very little alcohol and when drinking beer or vodka would have terrible stomach pains and hangovers that lasted several days. I find drinking cider, most white wines, jagermeister, rum and tequila to be fine. Australia has a few different brands of gluten free beer, Billabong being the only one that I've tried which isn't bad but a 6 pack costs almost as much as a carton (24 pack) of normal beer.

Have found this forum to be very informative.