There's no direct evidence that alcohol has either a positive or negative impact on the condition of arthritic joints, says Rebecca L. Manno, MD, MHS, assistant professor of medicine in the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center in Baltimore.
In addition, a routine alcohol consumption can cause fat deposition in blood vessels and reduce the blood supply to bone tissues, leading to necrosis or cell death. Another major disadvantage of alcohol consumption is dehydration, which causes reduction in joint lubrication and worsening of joint pain.
Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which has potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that red wine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of knee-related osteoarthritis. It can also cut risk factors contributing to rheumatoid arthritis.
For instance, one study discovered a correlation between beer drinking and higher risks of knee and hip osteoarthritis, while another found that red wine can actually ease symptoms.
Drinking alcohol in moderation is typically safe for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking alcohol in moderation is usually safe and may even reduce certain types of inflammation.
A 1941 Time Magazine article stated, “Whiskey is one of the cheapest and best painkillers known to man.” During the civil war, paramedics would give wounded soldiers whiskey when they ran out of opioids to keep the pain more manageable.
Can You Drink if You Have RA? If you enjoy beer, wine, or a mixed drink now and then, it may be good for you even if you have RA. The catch: You need to limit how much you drink. You could lower your risk of heart disease or even death if you're a light to moderate drinker, even more than if you don't drink at all.
If you have arthritis and want to drink, talk to your doctor. Even with a doctor's ok, limit yourself to one drink a day. That's about 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of spirits. Excess drinking can damage your body in many other ways.
Berries, apples and pomegranates
Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power.
If you decide to drink brandy every day, health experts recommend you limit yourself to 2 standard drinks (for men) or 1 standard drink (for women) per day. A standard drink is a measure of moderate drinking. 1.5 ounces of a distilled spirit like brandy meets the requirement for one standard drink.
Everyone knows that alcohol works as a depressant when it enters the bloodstream, influencing the functions of your body. However, it also depletes your body of water and nutrients, which in turn increases inflammation. That exacerbated inflammation in the body can be directly linked to joint pain.
Brandy, if consumed daily in moderation, has a variety of health benefits. Brandy contains antioxidants which have the ability to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, thus keeping the heart healthy.
Unlike other alcoholic drinks, brandy contains no carbs and is low in cholesterol. This allows it to keep your weight controlled. It can also be used as an aperitif. Thanks to its antioxidant compounds which enables it to remove the bad cholesterol from the arteries and make way for good.
Red wine has greater anti-inflammatory action than other alcohols. indeed have heart health benefits over other alcoholic drinks.
It has long been known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in reducing pain associated with arthritis. Ginger contains nutrients such as manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin B6, essential for healthy joint function.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints.
Heat and cold.
Use of heat, such as applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax, can help relieve pain temporarily. Be careful not to burn yourself. Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Vitamins D and K are both important for bone strength, and vitamin K is involved in cartilage structure. Supplementing these two nutrients may be helpful if you're deficient in them. When you take supplements as directed and under your doctor's supervision, they're generally safe.
If you have morning stiffness, a hot shower or gentle stretching may help. Meanwhile, double-down on healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and relaxing with deep-breathing exercises or meditation. And don't be too hard on yourself. “No one leads a totally stress-free life.