If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Should You Raise Your Glass? The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on RA
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I used to be embarrassed to admit this, but not so much anymore. I don’t drink. I don’t drink for what I call the reasons of the three Cs: cost, calories, and control. I hate to spend money on over-priced drinks; I don’t want (or need!) the extra calories; and I certainly don’t want to be in a position where I might lose even the slightest bit of control. However, it seems that in my research for various writing endeavors, I frequently come across articles on the benefits of alcohol in terms of certain health issues.
We have all heard the premise that drinking red wine can have a positive impact on our heart health, when consumed in moderation of course. Other studies suggest that drinking small amounts of alcohol may reduce the risk of stroke and diabetes. I recently read that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be alleviated with moderate consumption of alcohol. In fact, the risk of even developing rheumatoid arthritis may be lowered with moderate alcohol consumption. If they ever conduct a study that suggests drinking alcohol may make one wealthy, I may relax my standards a bit!
A recent study suggested that people who do not drink alcohol are approximately four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who have at least one drink a day, at least three days a week. Researchers have also noted that RA patients who consume alcohol notice a reduction in their symptoms. Further, the more the patient drank, the milder their symptoms became.
Approximately 1.3 million adults in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that attacks the immune system and causes pain and inflammation in the joints. While some patients may only be bothered by mild symptoms on occasion, others are so severely affected that their whole lives are turned upside down.
Because alcohol reduces the immune activity of the body, the researchers suspect that this is the primary reason that the consumption of alcohol reduces the severity of RA symptoms. Additionally, alcohol may have a mild pain-killing effect.
However, this study does not suggest it is okay to belly up to the bar and drink yourself silly.
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Add a Comment3 Comments
I have been diagnosed w Rheumatoid Arthritis since 2005 and have always been a social drinker on the weekends prior to being diagnosed. So I don't agree with this article or perhaps I was a rare case. Welcome to check out my blog www.mommywithra.blogspot.com
March 2, 2011 - 2:47amThis Comment
It does not hold true for everyone, which is why the article was not entirely definitive. It can work for some, but not for othres. In fact, some with RA who DO drink can have the opposite reaction, as the article suggested. The article merely suggested that moderate alcohol consumption MAY help SOME with RA....not everyone! Hope that helps. Thanks for the link to your blog.
March 2, 2011 - 6:17amI read in Findrxonline that many take these beneficial effects for drinking but as also shown only in moderate doses as in excess it causes great damage to the body as any substance for example hydrocodone.
March 2, 2011 - 7:38am