Most people love a glass of wine every now and again. Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion, wind down after a long day, or toast with friends during the holidays, wine has a way of making its way into the most memorable moments of life. But if you’re like me and you’ve been diagnosed with gastritis, the question inevitably arises: can I drink wine with gastritis?
My Personal Journey With Gastritis and Wine
Gastritis has made me reassess a lot of my life’s choices. I’ll be honest: I’ve never been much of a drinker. I never needed alcohol to relax or have a good time.
That said, I did enjoy the occasional glass of wine, maybe once or twice a year. A sip of red during a holiday dinner. A small pour of white at an office Christmas party. It was never about the alcohol itself, but more about the moment, the ambiance, and the sense of celebration.
But once I started dealing with gastritis, even those rare indulgences became questionable. I had to pause and ask myself, can I have a glass of wine with gastritis? Or am I asking for trouble every time I do?
Spoiler alert: it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Let’s explore why.
What Is Gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, and it can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). There are many causes, which is rather unfortunate. Pinning down the underlying bit of trouble in most cases can be rather difficult. The following are some of the causes of gastritis;
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
- NSAID overuse (like ibuprofen or aspirin). I used to dry swallow a bit of aspirin at the slightest headache.
- Autoimmune issues
- Diet and lifestyle choices
The symptoms vary, but they commonly include:
- Stomach pain or burning
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- In some cases, bleeding or ulcers
So when you ask, “Can I drink wine with gastritis?” the real question becomes: will wine soothe, irritate, or prolong the healing of your inflamed stomach lining?
Alcohol and Gastritis: The Cold, Hard Truth
Alcohol is a known gastric irritant. It increases stomach acid, weakens the protective mucosal barrier, and can directly damage the stomach lining, all things you want to avoid if you’re healing from gastritis.
Wine, though often considered “healthier” than hard liquors or beer, still contains alcohol. And yes, even a single glass can be enough to trigger symptoms in some people, especially during a flare-up.
So, Can I Drink Wine With Gastritis?
If you’re currently experiencing active symptoms of gastritis (pain, bloating, nausea), the answer is probably:
No, you shouldn’t drink wine if your gastritis is flaring up. In fact, you should stay away from anything that contains alcohol as much as is possible. Wine is bad for gastritis.
That includes both red and white wine.
But if your condition is under control, or you’re in a remission phase and you’re curious, let’s look a bit deeper.
Can I Drink Red Wine With Gastritis?
Red wine is often praised for its polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies even suggest red wine has antibacterial properties against H. pylori in very small amounts.
But here’s the thing: the alcohol in red wine often outweighs the potential benefits for people with gastritis. Red wine is acidic, tannic, and often higher in alcohol content than white wine.
So while you might hear people say that you can drink red wine with gastritis in moderation, from personal experience and research, I’d approach this very cautiously. I personally don’t drink anything slightly alcoholic.
Even one glass of red wine might lead to discomfort, acid flare-ups, or even worsen inflammation.
Can I Drink White Wine With Gastritis?
White wine is often considered lighter and less acidic than red, but it’s still not a free pass.
While it may contain fewer tannins and slightly less alcohol depending on the variety, white wine can still irritate the stomach. It’s acidic, and that acidity can cause issues even in people without gastritis.
If you’re going to try wine at all (and again, I personally don’t anymore), white wine might be the lesser of two evils. But don’t let that fool you, there’s still a risk.
Can I drink white wine with gastritis? Technically, maybe. But I wouldn’t recommend it unless your symptoms are completely under control, and even then, only in tiny amounts.
Can You Drink Wine With Gastritis Occasionally?
Many people ask, “Can I have a glass of wine with gastritis every now and then?”
I used to ask myself the same thing. I’d think—maybe just one glass, once a year at Christmas. What’s the harm?
But for me, even occasional indulgence wasn’t worth the risk. Every time I had wine, I was rolling the dice with my health. One small glass might not trigger anything one time, but the next time? Boom, cramps, acid, regret.
And honestly, when your stomach is already vulnerable, even minor triggers can set back your healing for days or weeks.
So if you’re wondering, can you drink wine with gastritis occasionally? The answer is: you can, but you probably shouldn’t.
What About Non-Alcoholic Wine?
If you’re craving the taste or the ritual of wine without the risks, you might consider non-alcoholic wine.
These varieties have most of the alcohol removed, typically containing less than 0.5% ABV. While they still have acidity and some sugars, they’re far less irritating than traditional wine.
That said, read labels carefully. Some non-alcoholic wines are loaded with sweeteners and preservatives, which can also irritate a sensitive stomach.
My Advice? Listen to Your Gut, Literally
Learning to live with gastritis is all about getting to know your body intimately. I have personally figured out what my body wants at what time. There are times when I feel the onset of gastritis coming on, and I quickly take some antiacid medication to stabilize my stomach.
Gastritis has made me look at every glass, every bite, every indulgence through a new lens. What used to be occasional harmless pleasures now come with a cost. I’ve learned (the hard way) that no moment of pleasure is worth days of pain and discomfort.
So if you’re like me, and you’re asking whether wine is still welcome in your life, just know this:
Sometimes, choosing your health means saying no, even to the things you used to love.
And you know what? That’s okay. Life has plenty of other joys that don’t come in a glass.
Have you tried drinking wine while managing gastritis? Did it help, or did it make things worse? Share your experience below, I’d love to hear how others are navigating this tricky topic.