The 10 Best Beers For IBS

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If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you know that finding the right beer can be a challenge.

Because it can impair intestinal motility, intestinal absorption, and intestinal permeability, alcohol is a well-known gut irritant.

FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are another component of alcohol that some people may find to be a trigger for IBS symptoms such as discomfort, bloating and gas.

There are so many different types and brands of beer out there, and not all of them are going to agree with your stomach.

  1. Duck Foot Brewing Company Drink This or the Bees Die
  2. Holidaily Brewing Company BuckWit Belgian
  3. Burning Brothers Brewing Roasted Coffee Strong Ale
  4. Glutenberg Craft Brewery Blanche
  5. Doors
  6. Stone Brewing Delicious IPA
  7. Ghostfish Brewing Company Grapefruit IPA
  8. New Planet Beer Blonde Ale
  9. New Belgium Brewing Company Glütiny Pale Ale
  10. Guinness Alcohol-Free Beer

Read More: The Best Beer For Migraine Sufferers: Top 10

What Is IBS

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 10 to 15 percent of individuals in the United States. IBS is a collection of digestive symptoms that co-occur. Among the symptoms are:

  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Stomach pain

While different triggers have varied effects on different people, a variety of things, including alcohol, can create symptoms.

What Triggers IBS?

IBS has an unknown specific cause. IBS is not brought on by physical harm to the gut, unlike ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Several typical IBS triggers include:

Foods And Drinks

Alcohol is one food and beverage that has a reputation for making IBS symptoms worse.

Hormones

Some researchers think hormonal changes may exacerbate symptoms because women are more likely than men to have IBS.

Stress 

There is a clear correlation between IBS symptoms and stress and worry about job or family life.

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Can Someone With IBS Drink Alcohol?

There don’t seem to be any unambiguous opinions on this query. Everyone seemed to agree that the fact that everyone’s drinking patterns and IBS triggers are so different is the reason why the solution to this topic is so elusive. 

While some IBS patients must completely cut out alcohol from their diets, others can still occasionally enjoy a glass.

Some people with IBS get relief from their symptoms when they fully stop drinking alcohol, and others find comfort when they reduce their alcohol intake and steer clear of alcoholic beverages that are more likely to trigger flare-ups, such as beer.

However, sensitivity levels vary from person to person, and even one alcoholic beverage.

Among the alcoholic beverages with low fodmap are:

  • Red, white or sparkling wine.
  • Dry’ wines
  • Beer (suggests a gluten-free beer) 
  • Gin
  • Vodka 
  • Whisky 

Alcoholic beverages with high FODMAPs to eschew include:

  • Cider
  • Sherry
  • Sweet dessert wine
  • Rum
  • Port

Why Beer Can Be Bad For IBS In General?

  • Beer is a carbonated beverage, and the carbonation can cause bloating and gas.
  • Beer is high in carbohydrates, which can trigger IBS symptoms. 
  • It is acidic, and the acidity can irritate the digestive system. 
  • Beer contains hops, which can also irritate the digestive system.

Read More: The Best Beer For Migraine Sufferers: Top 10

 Why Are Some Beers Better Than Others For IBS?

There are a few reasons why some beers may be better than others for IBS. 

  • Some beers are brewed with fewer hops, which can make them less irritating to the digestive system. 
  • Some beers are lower in carbohydrates, which can help to reduce IBS symptoms.
  • Some beers are gluten-free, which may be helpful for people with IBS who also have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. 
  • Some beers are fermented with live cultures, which can help to ease digestive discomfort.

Best Beer For IBS

  1. Duck Foot Brewing Company Drink This or the Bees Die

Hard-core homebrewer and founder Matt DelVecchio changed his focus to producing beer without gluten after being diagnosed with celiac illness

This honey-infused beer from his San Diego brewery uses honey that is locally produced and donates a portion of the sales to the Planet Bee Foundation.

  1. Holidaily Brewing Company BuckWit Belgian

The Colorado brewery started by founder Karen Hertz produces full-flavored, gluten-free beers utilizing local grains like millet and buckwheat. 

The nuttiness of the grain is subtly incorporated into the beer, making it the star in this citrusy witbier that scratches that Blue Moon itch.

  1. Burning Brothers Brewing Roasted Coffee Strong Ale

Before drifting away as adults, Dane Breimhorst and Thom Foss first connected as teenagers and ate fire on the circus circuit (yes, you read it correctly). 

They reconnected via homebrewing, and after Breimhorst was diagnosed with celiac disease, the pals decided to open this gluten-free brewery that specializes in beers like the Roasted, which has cold-brew coffee added to it and has caramel accents.

Read More: 10 Beers Like Sapporo

  1. Glutenberg Craft Brewery Blanche

A witbier without wheat seems about as logical to produce on the surface as an omelet without eggs. By using quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and amaranth to recreate the hazy Belgian witbier, Blanche, the gluten-free Canadian brewery managed to break what seemed to be an impossible rule. 

Orange peel, a traditional component of the style, adds a zesty burst that begs for an orange garnish.

  1. Stone Brewing Delicious IPA

For more than two decades, Stone has produced some of the best IPAs in the country, and Delicious keeps the success going for the San Diego-based brewery. The gluten-free IPA has a scent resembling lemons crossed with watermelon thanks to Lemondrop and El Dorado hops.

  1. Ghostfish Brewing Company Grapefruit IPA

This beer is light, crisp, and refreshing with a grapefruit aroma and flavor that is perfect for summer days. The body is light and the finish is clean and dry. This beer is perfect for enjoying on a hot day or any day you need a little refreshment. Abv: 6% IBU: 40

  1. New Planet Beer Blonde Ale

This beer is a refreshing and easy-drinking Blonde Ale. It has a light body with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a hint of citrus from the hops. This beer is perfect for any occasion. Abv: 5% IBU: 15

  1. New Belgium Brewing Company Glütiny Pale Ale

This beer is a light and refreshing pale ale that is perfect for any occasion. It has a light body with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a hint of citrus from the hops. This beer is perfect for any occasion. Abv: 4.5% IBU: 30

  1. Ground Breaker Brewing Dark Ale

This beer is a rich and flavorful dark ale. It has a full body with roasted malt and chocolate flavors. This beer is perfect for any occasion. Abv: 5% IBU: 35

  1. Guinness Alcohol-Free Beer

This Irish beer is another good option for people with histamine intolerance. It is a dark beer that is rich and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Beverages Should I Stay away From If I Have IBS?

People with IBS may be sensitive to caffeine from coffee, sodas, and energy drinks. If you feel like you need a little pick-me-up or an energy boost, think about having a small snack or taking a short walk.

What Should I Eat When My IBS Flares?

  • Breakfast oatmeal with cinnamon served without added sugar or sweeteners of any kind.
  • Lunch: baked sweet potato without butter and grilled, baked, or roasted fish or fowl.
  • Dinner: a spinach salad with grilled chicken or another lean protein (made without oil) 

How Should I Hydrate If My IBS Flares Up?

Ginger beverages As long as they don’t contain high fructose corn syrup, honey, or any other sweeteners on the high FODMAP list, ginger teas, punches, or beers are acceptable to consume. 

Non-Dairy Milk Dairy-free milk that is low in FODMAPs includes rice milk, soy milk, oat milk, and lactose-free milk.