Having FM for 35 years I always thought that I had a problem with alcohol because if I have even one drink I get very warm and flushed. This happens with most types of alcohol although I seem to be able to have a margarita once in a while with no adverse effects. Recently I read in an article in the newspaper that those of us who flush or get red-faced when we drink have about a ten-fold higher risk of getting esophageal cancer because we lack an enzyme to metabolize the alcohol. I still have a mararita about once a month without incident.
That's really interesting because I've only recently tried margaritas but I have noticed that I seem to do much better with them than with most other drinks. I read recently that we tend to have more problems with alcohol made from grapes and grains (like wine, whisky, brandy, etc.) than with those which are lower in yeast, like tequila, gin, rum and sake. Since I generally don't have a drink more than two or three times a year, it's not a huge problem, but I do think I'll stick to margaritas on those rare occasions.
This is a very interesting study. Having been inflicted with FMS/CFS since 1991 and with being symptomatic since 1984 I first did in fact try to use alcohol as a way to self-medicate for pain and anxiety from pain. I soon realized , albeit did not relate to my FMS/CF, that alcohol (beeer & brandy) and I no loner were getting along and stopped drinking entirely for close to 10 years.
I now rarely drink. But when I do, interesting enough drink two differrent drinks with tequilia as the alcohol source. I am able to have a margerita or a dirty mother with friends and family with no side effects. But just one. Thankfully my body (and tastebuds) tells me immediately with a second drink that it does not taste good, nor does my head like it. So I listen and do not have that second drink.
I instinctivily knew it ws the type of alcohol that was causing the reactions immediately after drinking. I did not know why but knew that any with feremented grapes as the source of alcohol I would be ill. This is what I attributed it to, stopping there. I did not take the path and follow it further. I'm so grateful to know that someone is.
Thanks again Kern for your always enlightening posts. You help keep me informed, therefore allowing me to find the paths which work best for me.
I'd love to repost or lin this post on my blog. tonij.wordpress.com if you don't mind. I think that the few readers I have may not yet know about you and I'd like to shaare.
Wishing for you to have a Peaceful and pain-"less" 2012!!
Thank you, TJ. I really appreciate that you want to repost my piece on your blog. Since HealthCentral owns the rights to whatever I post here, we have to follow their guidelines. They ask that you reprint the first paragraph or two, then provide a link to my post for the rest of the article. I hope that's workable for you.
I also want to thank you for taking the time to make comments on many of my posts. Your feedback is so important to me.
I hope you have a very Happy New Year! – Karen
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Karen,
I'd noticed alcohol intolerance listed regarding fibromyalgia, but your post was very enlightening regarding what alcohol consumption can do to a person who has the condition. I don't drink alcohonl because I have migraine disease and take antidepressants for depression. I'm glad to know that I'm also not causing my fibro symptoms to be worse by not drinking.
Thank you for all the good information!
patsy