Rheumatoid How Does Alcohol Affect
Positive effects:
* Pain relief: Alcohol can help to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. This is because alcohol has a sedative effect and can also inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory molecules.
* Improved sleep: Alcohol can help people with RA to fall asleep and stay asleep. This is because alcohol relaxes the muscles and reduces stress.
* Reduced stress: Alcohol can help to reduce stress levels, which can worsen RA symptoms.
Negative effects:
* Increased inflammation: Alcohol can also increase inflammation in the body. This is because alcohol can damage the liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood.
* Worsened symptoms: Alcohol can worsen RA symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
* Medication interactions: Alcohol can interact with some medications used to treat RA, such as methotrexate and leflunomide. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects from these medications.
In general, it is best for people with RA to avoid alcohol or to drink only in moderation. This means drinking no more than one or two drinks per day for women and no more than two or three drinks per day for men. If you have RA and are concerned about how alcohol may affect you, talk to your doctor.
Here are some tips for drinking alcohol in moderation if you have RA:
* Choose lower-alcohol drinks.
* Drink slowly.
* Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
* Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
* Be aware of your limits and stick to them.
If you have RA, it is important to talk to your doctor about how alcohol may affect you. Your doctor can help you develop a plan for drinking alcohol safely and in moderation.
