Alcohol might just be good for you. A new research has found that a pint of beer or a small glass of wine, may go a long way in keeping you healthy. Researchers say that a diet consisting of alcohol three times a week may prove to be beneficial in your defence against arthritis (a painful condition of the joints). Symptoms are joint swelling and pain, which is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue.They believe that the action of alcohol on the body dampens the immune system, thereby reducing the rate at which arthritis progresses. They looked at alcohol consumption and rheumatoid arthritis in 34,000 women born between 1914 and 1948. The women were interviewed twice,with a gap of a decade. The analysis concentrated on their alcohol consumption, diet, smoking history, physical activity and their level of education.
It was concluded that a 150 ml drink was classified as a small glass of wine or half a litre of beer (just under a pint) were effective. About 400,000 people in Britain alone suffer rheumatoid arthritis, and it is three times more common in women than in men. Not all are old – almost half are under 65 years. Although this finding is productive , doctors warn that drinking alcohol in excess can be especially dangerous in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients suffering from this disorder may suffer sever liver damage and gastrointestinal problems which can be exacerbated by alcohol.
Source: IANS
