Alcohol and arthritis

[Chris]

Once again the benefits of beer show themselves.


Alcohol may reduce risk of rheumatoid arthritis: study

Good news for drinkers, a regular drink may halve your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

New research presented at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology in Spain shows drinking at least three units of alcohol a week had clear protective effects and 10 units brought more protection still.

One unit is roughly equivalent to a glass of wine or a small beer.

Previous studies have indicated alcohol may also have a beneficial role in heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer and perhaps Alzheimer's disease.

Henrik Kallberg of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said his research showed consuming three or more units was associated with a 50 per cent drop in the risk in developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

That was enough to offset the risk of developing RA caused by smoking or genetic factors, according to his analysis of 2,075 Swedes with and without the crippling joint disorder.

Although more work is needed to unravel the science behind the connection, Dr Kallberg said it was likely that alcohol suppressed the immune system and damped down the inflammatory process behind the condition.

"These data now show not only that alcohol can protect against RA and reduce the risk conferred by smoking or susceptible genes, but also give an idea of the relevant doses necessary," he said.

Tore Kvien, president of the European League Against Rheumatism, said the findings were "very interesting" but needed to be confirmed by other studies and he warned excessive drinking caused a number of other medical problems.

RA, which is distinct from the more common osteoarthritis, is a degenerative inflammatory disorder in which the body's own immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to swelling, tenderness and increasing disability.

It affects more than 20 million people worldwide.

- Reuters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/20 ... 953261.htm

[Boonie]

Didn't help my Dad.

Very good drinker in his day, yet he still suffers from it daily.

He still drinks one or two a day too.

But I will print off and give to him, as it will get my Mum off his back

Cheers

Boonie

[Paramidget]

Didn't help my Dad.

Very good drinker in his day, yet he still suffers from it daily.

He still drinks one or two a day too.

But I will print off and give to him, as it will get my Mum off his back

Cheers

Boonie

Just imagine how bad he'd been IF he didn't have a drink Boonie!!

[Chris]

That's the spirit! Always look for the positive.

[Boonie]

Just imagine how bad he'd been IF he didn't have a drink Boonie!!

I reckon that's exactly what he will say to mum as soon as I tell him.

Nice one fellas

[Jedo_03]

That was enough to offset the risk of developing RA caused by smoking or genetic factors, according to his analysis of 2,075 Swedes with and without the crippling joint disorder

so if ya drink AND smoke ya won't get Rh Arthritis...
am I reading that right...
Jedo

[Chris]

That's ONE way of looking at it.