EPI and Alcohol

Posted by jlmp @jlmp, May 12 10:16am

I was diagnosed with EPI 6 months ago and am managing well with VITAL enzymes from Amazon. So thankful I don’t have to buy the $3000 dollar medicine. However I do miss an occasional margarita. I never drank anything except margaritas, mostly in summertime with Mexican food. Does anyone know why we can’t have alcohol and does anyone with EPI have an occasional drink?

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palermo1 | @palermo1 | May 12 12:54pm

I just got diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and they say no alcohol its going to make pancreas worse, I used to drink light wine like Moscato, and Dr said no more, I was also an occasional drinker, I hate it but it is what it is I'm on vital pancreas enzymes from Amazon too

penelope52 | @penelope52 | May 13 8:07am

I also have EPI. Alcohol can cause pancreatitis, which is a painful inflammation. You do not want to anything to further damage your pancreas; it is already malfunctioning. You should also not be consuming beef, pork, butter, or other full fat dairy products, or processed oils. Use vegetable oils. Your stomach digestion is compromised because your pancreas has stopped producing sufficient enzymes to digest your food and anything that is difficult to digest puts more stress on the pancreas and you can also have food just sit in your stomach. Before I knew I had this I once ate meal loaf and could tell it was just sitting in my stomach, for hours. Finally, I became sick and it all came back up, completely undigested. If you have seen a gastro, they should have told you what you can and cannot eat. There aren't volumes about EPI on the internet, but enough to guide you on diet and you should follow what you read regarding diet AND absolutely no alcohol.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | May 17 4:31am

I do have an occasional drink. I am just not good at depriving myself because my health problems have taken just about everything away from me that I enjoy. I have never had pancreatitis and if I did, I would absolutely refrain from alcohol. I believe in moderation and using common sense and try to balance my physical and mental health, which suffers if I have to give up everything I enjoy. It’s a choice we have to make for ourselves individually.

susanh824 | @susanh824 | May 18 11:05am

I do have the very occasional drink. We are talking less than one a month. It doesn't seem to cause any trouble for me. I am cautious though, because have heard just how painful pancreatitis can be.

palermo1 | @palermo1 | May 18 11:28am

I don't drink I tried to have a light wine wasn't worth it!! Got sick for days!

frannee | @frannee | May 18 1:13pm

I have a glass or two of wine every once in awhile when I am with friends. It doesn't affect me as far as symptoms are concerned. My Dr gave me the okay to do.