How Having A Drink Can Reduce Severity Of Arthritis Symptoms

[Raistlin]

Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a study shows.

Sufferers who enjoy a regular tipple are less susceptible to the ravages of the debilitating disease, the researchers say.

It is the first time a link has been found between the amount of alcohol consumed and the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Thirsty work: Arthritis sufferers who enjoy a regular tipple are less susceptible to the ravages of the debilitating disease

Results also show that teetotallers are four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who drink alcohol on more than ten days a month.

The study, published in the journal Rheumatology, looked at 873 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compared them with 1,004 people without the disease.

Dr James Maxwell, consultant rheumatologist at the Rotherham Foundation NHS Trust, said: 'Patients who had drunk alcohol most frequently had symptoms that were less severe than those who had never drunk alcohol or only drunk it infrequently.

'X-rays showed there was less damage to joints, blood tests showed lower levels of inflammation, and there was less joint pain, swelling and disability.'

The study was led by Gerry Wilson, professor of Rheumatology at the University of Sheffield, and Dr Maxwell, who is also a senior clinical lecturer at the university.

Participants were asked how frequently they had consumed alcohol in a particular month. They then had X-rays and blood tests, and their joints were examined.

Dr Maxwell added: 'There is some evidence to show that alcohol suppresses the activity of the immune system, and that this may influence the pathways by which rheumatoid arthritis develops.

'We do know that the changes in the immune system that lead to RA happen months and maybe even years before the arthritis actually develops.

'Once someone has developed RA, it's possible that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of alcohol may play a role in reducing the severity of symptoms.'

Further research is needed, he said, adding that different types of alcoholic drinks may even have varying effects.

[Bizarra]

On top of that, research has proved that Red Wine, in moderation, is good for your heart

If a little does your Heart good, then a lot should save you from Heart Attacks & cut down on transplants

I take my Medicine !

[Raistlin]

I heard that you are normally medicated as a newt...

[Bizarra]

I heard that you are normally medicated as a newt...

Just to be sure, to be sure

[KPARRIS-JONES]

Good job I like having a drink then isn't it? All for a good cause...

[Bizarra]

Good job I like having a drink then isn't it? All for a good cause...

You have forged I.D. ?

[Raistlin]

No, he has forged beer, it's Ginger...

[KPARRIS-JONES]

Nope, I just know where it is I can get served. ;)

It's great here in Gozo, you can get served anywhere even with Police walking by, either I look older than I think I do or this is one awesome place!

[Raistlin]

They need all the money they can get...

[KPARRIS-JONES]

They need all the money they can get...

Strangely, there are no homeless and they all have two cars per family.

Not so badly affected due to their agricultural background so they seem to be fairly self-sufficient. It's the British influence you see. :D

[Parts-King]

No, he has forged beer, it's Ginger...

Oh dear, not sure if you were saying Kynan was ginger or a ginger beer either way, I'm a man of the world and dont hold it against him....

[Bizarra]

No, he has forged beer, it's Ginger...

Oh dear, not sure if you were saying Kynan was ginger or a ginger beer either way, I'm a man of the world and dont hold it against him....

"If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?" :lol2:

[Raistlin]

Gay Alert....

[Bizarra]

Gay Alert....

False alarm! Stand down ! I wasn't specific about the body, & you are aware of my penchant for Japanese girls so my inclinations are above reproach

Now if that remark was directed at Kingo........................

[Raistlin]

I know what you mean...