What is the link between drinking alcohol and RA (rheumatoid arthritis). RA is a chronic condition. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It usually affects the hands, wrists, and feet. Symptoms typically occur on both sides of the body. For instance, in both feet or in both wrists.

Sadly, there’s no cure for RA. But it’s important to get diagnosed quickly. That’s because RA increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and many others serious health problems.

You’re at increased risk if you

• • smoke.
  • are female.
  • have a family history of RA.
  • are older.
  • are obese.
  • don’t drink alcohol.

I. The Study 

Researchers studied RA patients. They focused on disease activity and progression as well as heath-related quality of life. What was the impact of drinking alcohol on RA and these concerns?

To do so, they used 1,228 patients with newly diagnosed RA. At the beginning of the study, non-drinkers experienced these.

• • Higher disease activity. 
  • Estimated their pain as higher than drinkers

One year later non-drinkers had these.

• • More tender and swollen joints. 
  • Greater pain.
  • More fatigue.
  • Poorer overall health. 
  • Lower health-related quality of life. 

Some stopped drinking after the study began. Those who did experienced these.

• • More disease activity.
  • Greater pain.
  • Lower health-related quality of life. 

Also, those who drank more had lower activity and higher health-related quality of life.

II. Resources: Alcohol and RA

Web pages

• • Drinking Reduces Arthritis Risk. [Essential Reading]
  • Alcohol and RA.
  • RA Risk
  • Drinking Alcohol. Reduced Risk of RA.

Source 

• • Alfresson, L. et al. Disease and life quality among RA patients. Arth Rheu, 2023.

Readings/Videos

• • Fishman, L. Yoga for Arthritis.
  • Fox, B. and Taylor, N. Arthritis [for dummies].
  • Funes, L. 2,190 Days of Healing.
  • Jones, K. Arthritis Sourcebook. Basic Consumer Health Information.
  • Taylor, P.  Rheumatoid Arthritis (Parts 1 and 2). Online video. London, Henry Stewart, 2020.
  • Toumi, H. (Ed). RA.

Note

• • This website gives no advice about alcohol and RA. Please see your doctor.