Scandinavian Journal Of Rheumatology Study
This study looked at the effect of alcohol on radiological progression in the hands, wrists, and feet.
In radiological progression, periodic X-rays are used to determine how much joint erosion or joint space narrowing has occurred over time. It helps doctors to monitor the condition of people with RA.
The study found that moderate alcohol consumption led to an increase in radiological progression in women and a decrease in radiological progression in men.
Considerations For Newer Ra Medications
When it comes to mixing newer RA medications with alcohol, the risks remain unclear, because studies on possible interactions havent been conducted. For example, many doctors consider it safe for people who take biologic drugs, such as adalimumab or etanercept , to drink in moderation. The manufacturers also indicate that its safe. Biologics work on specific pathways in the body that arent broken down in the liver, making these drugs less of a risk than RA medications that do affect the liver, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Another newer class of drugs, called Janus kinase inhibitors , also have no known interactions with alcohol. But this class of drugs, which includes tofacitinib , baricitinib , and upadacitinib , are often prescribed along with methotrexate, meaning its still important to limit alcohol to less than 14 drinks per week to avoid liver damage.
Foods High In Purines
For people who have gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet combined with the medication.
Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the , the following foods are high in purines:
- red meat
What a person eats can help:
Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by helping defend against bacteria and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for an extended period, chronic symptoms can develop.
What a person eats has an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods are inflammatory, and others are anti-inflammatory.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.
A persons body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.A person can use diet to maintain a moderate weight, which may help with inflammation and also reduce pressure on the joints.
Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods that are high in purines
Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Mattress For Someone With Arthritis
What Kind Of Research Was This
This was a case control study comparing a group of people with rheumatoid arthritis with a control group of healthy people. It looked at whether the frequency of alcohol consumption had any effect on the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis or the severity of the disease. The researchers also looked at the association between drinking alcohol and the severity of disease in a separate cross-sectional analysis.
The researchers were interested in this potential relationship as they say that there is evidence from a Scandinavian case control study that suggests that there was a dose-dependent effect of alcohol on the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis . They wanted to follow up this potential association using a UK cohort. They additionally wanted to look at whether alcohol affects disease severity, as they say there have been no investigations into this.
As this was a case control study it cannot determine whether alcohol causes a particular effect. Studies of this type can only find associations between factors, which then would require further follow up.
When To Seek A Doctors Advice
Although eating and drinking anti-inflammatory foods can help ease your daily arthritis pain, if you are experiencing prolonged joint pain or think you may have degenerative joint issues, dont delay in seeing your orthopaedist. We provide comprehensive orthopaedic and spine care at locations across Wake County. Our orthopaedic specialists can recommend the best course of treatment. Contact us to book an appointment.
You May Like: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Your Toes
Can Alcohol Reduce Ra Symptoms
Some small research studies suggest that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol could reduce RA symptoms, possibly because alcohol reduces certain types of inflammation. However, more research is needed to uncover the true effects of alcohol on RA symptoms.
A 2010 study looked at the effects of drinking alcohol in 873 people with RA. The researchers reported that alcohol consumption is associated with reduced disease severity.
A 2018 study of 188 people with early RA found no difference in the severity of joint inflammation when the researchers looked at their MRI scan results. They suggested the anti-inflammatory effects of alcohol could be systemic and not involve the joints specifically.
However, the say that nobody should start drinking alcohol for any potential health benefits. Alcohol can cause both short and long term health problems, even if it does not exacerbate symptoms of RA.
If You Have Psoriasis Alcohol Could Up Your Risk For Psa
A 2020 study in The British Journal of Dermatology investigated whether factors such as obesity, smoking, and drinking put people with psoriasis at a higher risk for developing PsA. They found that having up to three drinks per day increased the odds by 57%. But this isn’t a guarantee, notes Brett Smith, D.O., a rheumatologist at Blount Memorial Physicians Group in Alcoa, TN. Plus, you can do everything right by maintaining a normal BMI, not smoking and not drinking, and still develop a rheumatic disease, Dr. Smith says.
Read Also: Is Broccoli Good For Arthritis
Helps Prevent Gastrointestinal Issues
If you have inflammatory arthritis, then you have a 70% higher risk of getting gastrointestinal problems. There are a number of reasons why GI problems arise from people with arthritis.Common reasons for this are:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs irritate the stomach.
- Medication has lowered the bodys ability to fight against infections.
- Your arthritis could be attacking the stomach as well.
- You have another autoimmune disease, aside from arthritis.
Since the likelihood of GI problems increases when you have arthritis, you must maintain good gut health. One way to do that is by consuming red wine.If you have a healthy gut, consuming red wine can help diversify the gut bacteria that you have.
The Danger Of Combining Prescription Medications With Alcohol
Various prescription medications used to treat joint pain or other symptoms of diseases that cause joint pain may interact with alcohol, including opioid painkillers:
Non-Opioid Prescription Medications That May Be Harmful When Used With Alcohol
Used with alcohol, certain prescription medications can increase the risk of GI bleeding, such as:
- celecoxib
- prednisone
When taken with alcohol, the following prescription medications could cause liver damage or raise the risk of irreversible cirrhosis :
- methotrexate
- leflunomide
Opioid Medications That Are Dangerous When Used With Alcohol
Mixing opioid painkillers and alcohol can cause central nervous system depression. More specifically it can cause respiratory depression, a potentially fatal condition that causes difficult and slowed breathing.
The following opioids may be prescribed to manage pain caused by osteoarthritis:
- codeine
- hydromorphone
- morphine
- oxycodone
Opioids can cause dependence if misused or used for long periods of time. Because of this, many doctors may prefer to try different alternatives for pain management.
You May Like: Is Tens Good For Arthritis
Is Coffee Good For Arthritis
Coffee could potentially benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee. 5 Reducing inflammation in the body could help reduce joint pain. Also, the stimulating effects of caffeine help to fight physical and mental fatigue that is common with rheumatoid arthritis.
Does Alcohol Affect Inflammation
Inflammation causes the symptoms of RA, including joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Heavy alcohol use can increase inflammation in the body, while moderate drinking may actually reduce inflammation.
A 2015 review states that moderate drinking can reduce certain markers of inflammation, which may include c-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor -alpha receptor 2. Binge drinking, on the other hand, increases inflammation.
When a person drinks excessively, alcohol can damage the gut and liver, leading to body wide inflammation. Scientists alcohol-related medical conditions with chronic inflammation.
When taken in moderation, however, alcohol should not negatively affect people with RA.
Recommended Reading: Does Walking Help Knee Arthritis
How Does Alcohol Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis
Drinking alcohol in moderation is typically safe for people with rheumatoid arthritis .
According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking alcohol in moderation is usually safe, and may even reduce certain types of inflammation. Some research says that small amounts of alcohol could reduce the risk of developing RA in the first place.
However, heavier drinking can cause problems. Also, alcohol can interfere with some RA medications, with serious health implications. Before drinking alcohol, people can speak to a doctor about the risks and benefits.
This article looks at the research behind how drinking alcohol can affect RA, as well as the interactions between RA drugs and alcohol, and other safety considerations.
Until recently, little research has directly assessed the effects of drinking on RA.
Currently, the research is mixed, and it appears that the link between alcohol and RA differs, depending on how much a person drinks and the medications they are taking.
The following sections of this article look at what the research says about alcohol and how it affects RA.
Bone Tissue Death And Alcohol Abuse
Excessive, daily alcohol abuse, over the course of several years, is a risk factor for avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, or death of the bone tissue.
This condition occurs when a lack of blood supply causes the bone tissue to die off. This can lead to minuscule cracks, and may even cause the bone to collapse. The foot, hand, hip, knee, and shoulder can be afflicted by this painful condition.
Read Also: How To Prevent Arthritis In Knees
Supports The Cardiovascular System
Red wine has flavonols that boost the health of the cardiovascular system.It does this by dialing up the bodys production of nitric oxide, which helps dilate the blood vessels. Dilated blood vessels help improve circulation to muscles and joints and lower your blood pressure.Also, it helps reduce the type of cholesterol responsible for clogs in the arteries and reduces blood clots.
Helps Reduce Excess Body Fat
Excess body fat worsens the symptoms of all types of arthritis. The extra body weight is bad for the joints and bones.Also, certain anti-rheumatic drugs may not be as effective for obese people who use them. This can be due to the increased production of cytokines from the fat cells deposited in the body.These inflammation-causing proteins travel throughout the body, causing low-grade inflammation in joints. Thus, making anti-inflammatory medications ineffective or making people with obesity require a higher dosage.With the help of red wine, your body can have a better chance of burning off fat. This makes it easier for people with obesity to reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms.A study showed that it mimics the effect of going through endurance exercise training in terms of cardiac and skeletal muscle function. This can help improve the fat-burning results of exercises that people with obesity or arthritis perform.
Read Also: Is Arthritis And Autoimmune Disease
Potential Health Benefits Of Alcohol
A group of adults enjoying a sunny day in the yard might tell you there are lots of benefits of alcohol. Unfortunately, there is no proof that alcohol actually causes better health.
Continued
But experts do believe there are some benefits to light to moderate alcohol consumption :
Red wine can help your heart. It contains flavonoids and antioxidants, compounds that help fight free radicals in the body. Consuming it in moderate amounts may offer some benefits for your heart. However, you can get these same benefits from non-alcoholic foods and beverages without the side effects that come with alcohol.
It can make ischemic stroke less likely. An ischemic stroke is when blood flow to your brain is slowed because the arteries to your brain get narrow or blocked. Research suggests moderate drinking may lower your chances of an ischemic stroke because the alcohol causes your body to make less of a protein called fibrinogen, which helps blood clots form . However, if you drink too much, strokes of all types are more likely.
It could help your cholesterol. Alcohol boosts your HDL cholesterol, also known as the good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol clears out the bad LDL cholesterol, which can promote heart health.
These benefits are mild and only apply to light and moderate drinkers. Everyday health factors like diet and exercise can also provide these benefits, so doctors generally dont recommend alcohol as a preventative health measure.
Summary: How Excessive Drinking Impairs Your Health
Altogether, excessive alcohol consumption:
- Increases the production of harmful bacteria and endotoxins in the gut, which promotes inflammation
- Weakens the intestinal barrier, allowing harmful bacteria and endotoxins to pass from the gut into the bloodstream, spreading to the organs
- Inhibits the bodys immune response by suppressing key molecules and cells, and impairing the functions and interactions of key organs
Together, these effects lead to chronic inflammation, which can ultimately cause organ damage and disease. Alcohol-induced gut inflammation is linked to gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, inflammation of the brain, and more.
Inflammation of the gut might even influence the psychological aspects of alcohol addiction. These include depression, anxiety, alcohol cravings, and poor selective attention.
Also Check: Is Smoking Bad For Arthritis
The 10 Best Foods To Eat If You Have Arthritis
If you have arthritis, you know just how devastating this condition can be.
Arthritis is a term for a class of diseases that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one type, which develops in joints with overuse. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your joints (
Fortunately, there are many foods that can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.
In fact, one survey found that 24% of those with rheumatoid arthritis reported that their diet had an impact on the severity of their symptoms (
This article will look at 10 of the best foods to eat if you have arthritis.
What Are The Effects Of Alcohol On The Body
The risks associated with drinking a high quantity of alcohol is a topic that receives much attention. We are often told how it can increase the risk of various health problems, including heart and liver disease. However, alcohol can affect the function and health of the muscles and joints too. For example:
- Alcohol is inflammatory
- Alcohol makes it harder to build muscle
- Alcohol can make the body ache
- Alcohol hinders muscle recovery
- Alcohol relaxes the muscles.
Don’t Miss: Does Exercise Help Arthritis In Back
Not A Great Pain Reliever
However, all that said alcohol in small amounts does not seem to aggravate arthritis in most people. Good news you may think, but as always there is a little more depth to the story.
In my book Escaping The Evil Clown, I refer to booze as the ultimate magician. It is always distracting you with impressive sleight of hand to keep your attention away from what is really going on.
Alcohol has you focus on the good times, the illusion of relaxation and many other faux benefits to stop you from noticing the addiction taking root.
Alcoholism and rheumatoid arthritis are similar, but only in that, they are both progressive diseases. They will both get worse given time, never better. If you drink and have arthritis you are unwittingly creating a perfect storm for your future self.
Other Ways Alcohol Affects Arthritis
There are some other things to know about the effects of alcohol on arthritis:
- Drinking can be problematic because alcohol is a diuretic. This means your body loses water as you drink, and this can lead to problems with ligaments and tissue. Your joints require fluids to move smoothly, so if you are dehydrated you may feel the results in your joints, and it can make the symptoms of arthritis more noticeable or worse.
- In terms of rheumatoid arthritis, there is research showing that people who have at least one drink three times or more a week are four times less likely to have RA than nondrinkers, but with more than that, you may be putting yourself at risk for other conditions and diseases.
- Its important to consider the medications you may be taking to treat the inflammation and joint pain. If someone takes disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs , theyre advised not to drink alcohol because of the increased risk of liver toxicity.
- Its not just prescription drugs that may cause problems. If you take over-the-counter NSAIDs like Aleve or Motrin and you drink alcohol, you may be at a higher risk of ulcers and bleeding. Combining alcohol with acetaminophen, which can be used to treat the pain of arthritis, increases the risk of liver disease.
- Sources
Maxwell, James Gowers, Isobel Moore, David Wilson, Anthony. Alcohol consumption is inversely associated with risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology, July 22, 2010. Accessed June 4, 2020.
Don’t Miss: Can You Exercise With Arthritis