Alcohol and IC

[Josh85]

Hi all,

Couldn't find a thread on this, so I thought I'd start one.

I'm curious, in your experiences:

1) How bad of a "diet-breach" having a few drinks every once in a while is generally considered, and

2) If there are any alcohols that are significantly worse or better than others.

I've heard that beer and red wine are no-no's, but that some liquors might not be too awful if you drink them with plenty of water. For example, I've heard that if you stick to vodka or rum mixed with water or pear juice it might not be too bad for your bladder?

I don't mind going on a strict diet, but going out with friends every once in a while is one of the last few enjoyable things from "before" I can do... so I'm just wondering if there is a way to cheat on this rule a little bit.

Thanks!

[Linda May]

I do believe vodka is on the try it list.

[cmclien]

There is a good article on the home page about alcohol that found among other things that chardonnay was one of the better white wines and vodka, particulary pear were ok, there were a few others. You might want to read it.
I also think its individual like so much of the diet is. White wine doesn't hurt my bladder at all that I've noticed. I take prelief with it. It makes me pee more because its a diuretic, thats why you get dehydrated when you drink it. I always drink lots of water with it too which helps.

[Josh85]

I do believe vodka is on the try it list.

Hmmm... perhaps I'm looking at an outdated list? (http://www.ic-network.com/diet/2009icdietlist.pdf)

The only mention of any alcohol I could find on it was: "alcohol – not only irritating to the bladder but also contraindicated with many IC medications"

(edit: cmclien - thanks, but is it on www.ic-network.com right now? I must be missing it if so, my search only brought up forum threads, and I can't find it anywhere on the home page or in the research or diet sections.)

[cmclien]

It was a large survey, its on the front under news and is called, "Wine, beer, spirits and IC survey results", try this link

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66159

[Josh85]

Ahhh, thanks! Not sure how that didn't pop up in my search, but it looks like a better version of this thread already exists. Sorry for the clutter.

[cmclien]

I wouldn't feel too bad. Threads come up over and over again because people tend to have the same problems over and over again Sometimes its nice to have a newer point of view.

[penneyjo]

I can have vodka once in a while. I only tried it after this new article came out. Good luck!

[GayleK]

I can have a Corona Light.

[penneyjo]

Gayle, how often can you have a Corona light?

[Gardengirl2]

I do o.k. with an occasional Blue Moon beer. Can't touch any kind of wine.

[VickiB]

My bladder hasn't liked the wines I've tried, and my experiment with brandy was awful. But for some reason drinking a Corona doesn't bother me at all.

Vicki

[Gardengirl2]

My guess is the sulphites in the wine. I don't think they have that in beer.

[GayleK]

I can have a Corona or Corona light beer any day that I want one. Most of the time I drink the light one. I can drink 2 if I want. My husband thinks I can have it because it is a very watered down beer. To him it has no flavor but it tastes just fine to me. I wouldn't even attempt wine as I know sulfites are a big no for me. I also take 2 prelief before each beer.

[Zygala87]

I would not touch alcohol for any reason on earth. I have not even had a soda for five years. When we go out socially I order a glass of water and enjoy my company. My mind pictures acid straight into my bladder. Just me but seems so not worth it. Hugs, Ziggy