Vodka is not recommended as a treatment for arthritis. While some studies suggest a potential link between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, or possibly reduced symptom severity in some existing patients, experts agree that there are no sufficient health benefits to start drinking alcohol for this purpose.
All alcohols cause some inflammation during the process of being metabolized. However, because vodka does not contain congeners or additional sugars, it is one of the least inflammatory alcohol drinks you can enjoy.
Red wine has a compound in it called resveratrol, which has well-established anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies show wine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of knee OA, and moderate drinking is also associated with a reduced risk of RA.
Drinking to Excess
Whatever the cocktail of choice, too much alcohol can make some people's arthritis worse. Too much of any kind of alcoholic beverage can trigger flare-ups of gout, an agonizing form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints.
Wine as an Antioxidant-Rich Beverage
It's true; studies suggest that wine is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a compound called resveratrol found in most varieties.
Vodka doesn't contain a significant amount of minerals or nutrients. Vodka has no sugar and fewer calories than some other liquors. If you already consume alcohol, vodka may be a slightly healthier option. Be careful of adding vodka to mixers, however, since they are frequently high in sugar.
Try these beverages for arthritis pain and inflammation relief:
Soda, fruit juices, sweet tea, and other sweetened drinks often contain a large amount of sugar, making arthritis pain more painful. If you want less arthritic pain, try habit number one.
But whether it's mild or severe, you can take some steps to ease the joint pain and swelling by resting it, applying an ice or heat pack and taking an over-the-counter analgesic, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or NSAID, like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Alcohol not only worsens joint pain, it can dehydrate the body thereby reducing the lubrication between the joints which can increase friction and irritation. Alcohol can also increase the level of uric acid in the blood, which can easily trigger gout.
Slowing Osteoarthritis Progression
Providers should address alcohol use in patients with RA and caution them to not consume more than the recommended daily amount – no more than 2 daily drinks for men and no more than 1 daily drink for women.
Arthritis flare-ups are triggered by physical stress (overexertion, injury, repetitive motion), emotional factors (stress, poor sleep), illness (infections), medication issues (skipping doses, changes), diet (processed foods, purines in gout), weather changes (cold, pressure), weight gain, and smoking, leading to increased pain, swelling, and stiffness as the body's inflammation worsens.
Drinking alcohol is a health risk regardless of the amount. Research on alcohol suggests a sobering conclusion: Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk goes up as the amount you drink goes up.
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of vodka contains roughly the same amount of pure alcohol as a standard 5-ounce glass of wine (around 14g), but vodka is much stronger (40% ABV vs. wine's 12-14% ABV), meaning less liquid is needed to reach the same alcohol level, though wine offers antioxidants while vodka is lower in calories if mixed with diet drinks, but both affect the body similarly.
Alcohol is not a solution for chronic pain. It might provide some short-term relief; however, it can worsen symptoms and lead to addiction in the long term. If someone relies on alcohol to help with their chronic pain, seeking professional help for alcohol addiction is important.
While full reversal of arthritis isn't possible, early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in how the disease progresses. By taking action early, you can prevent further damage to your joints and improve your quality of life.
Ice packs can help lessen pain and inflammation, especially after physical activity. Always place a thin towel between an ice pack and your skin. Massage. Massage may improve pain and stiffness in the short term.
There is no known cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment choices include medicines, weight loss, exercise, and surgery.
What foods make arthritis worse?
To maintain strong bones and joints, you should include the following drinks in your daily diet:
Are bananas bad for arthritis? Bananas are not bad for arthritis as they contain antioxidants, which decrease inflammation, as well as potassium, which is needed for healthy bones.
Here are seven simple ways to keep your joints lubricated as you get older.
The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed. What home remedies do you recommend for arthritis pain? Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
8 drinks to reduce inflammation