Is there any linkage between alcohol consumption and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Q: Alcohol comsumption and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Answers (4)
5/ 8/08 10:44pm
Drinking alcohol does not cause Rheumatoid Arthritis. That being said it is my understanding that alcohol can cause inflammation, so drinking when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause a flare or more irritation. Good luck and best wishes!
5/ 6/08 11:17am
Hi Brian,
Are you asking if drinking alcohol causes rheumatoid arthritis?
If so, then the answer appears to be no.
No one is sure just what causes rheumatoid arthritis, which is a condition were your immune system attacks your joints.
Right now, the most commonly held theory is that a combination of factors, including an abnormal autoimmune response, genetic predisposition, and some environmental or biologic trigger, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes, can bring on the disease.
8/ 2/08 4:54pm
i drink beer most nights and it makes no difference to my RA
8/ 9/08 12:18am
When I asked my pharmacist whether he felt it was okay for me to drink a beer or a couple of glasses of wine each evening in spite of my RA problems he made me laugh by saying "If you've a doctor who tells you to forego enjoying a couple of glasses of wine each eve; don't change the habit, change the doctor."
He clarified that we should check for drug interactions but, if none, continue.
*Some things in life just shouldn't be messed with. 
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By Brian Sampson— Last Modified: 02/26/11, First Published: 05/05/08
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