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Drink to your Health and Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk |
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Health in The News -
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Alcohol consumption on a regular basis could reduce your risk of rheumatoid Arthritis, according to a new study.
Lead researcher Henrik Kallberg at the Institute of Environmental Medicine explains that alcohol consumed in moderation, in some contexts, can cut the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis by up to 50 percent. The same results have also been seen with regards to cardiovascular disease. Kallberg and his team further report in their study that smoking may increase the chance of occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis as well as cardiovascular disease.
Kallberg’s report was published online at the ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES on June 4th. The studies for the report were compiled of data relating to 2,750 people, 1,650 of which had rheumatoid arthritis, who participated in two different studies
The lifestyle of each participant was studied, along with their smoking and drinking patterns being highlighted. Their blood was also analyzed for possible Genetic risk factors relating to rheumatoid arthritis.
The tests concluded that those participants who consumed alcohol regularly had a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Kallberg associated three drinks per week with a decrease of 50% of rheumatoid arthritis development.
Additionally, Kallberg notes that although smoking is big risk in developing rheumatoid arthritis, even the smoker’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is reduced by drinking alcohol on a regular basis.
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not known, but occurs when the Immune system uses antibodies to attack the joints, resulting in Pain, swelling, and loss of function. Genetics and lifestyle are suspected to play a big part in the occurrence of the autoimmune disease.
Chief Science Officer Dr. John Hardin of the Arthritis Foundation isn’t surprised by the effects of alcohol on rheumatoid arthritis development. He explains that it reinforces the fact that not only genetics, but environmental factors are also at play.
From the report, Hardin deduces that things that cause an inflammatory state in the body promote the disease and Alcohol, being a mild anti-inflammatory, would naturally work toward prevention. Hardin, however, adds a precaution with regards to drinking alcohol and reminds us that alcohol causes its own problems when abused.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 25 July 2008 )
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