Kinga Vereczkey: More evidence linking alcohol to decreased risk for rheumatoid arthritis

Kinga Vereczkey-Porter Image Credit: muscleprodigy.com

There’s another reason to say ‘cheers to good health.’ A recent study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption could lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Kinga Vereczkey and other rheumatologists would find this insight highly valuable considering that the long-term disease is now one of the leading causes of disability in the country.

Kinga Vereczkey-Porter Image Credit: icsdp.org

A study published in the British Medical Journal shows that women who drank alcohol at least three times a week in a span of 10 years have reduced their risk of developing the disease by half. The immune-lowering properties of alcohol might have worked well for this population since rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune disease. Alcohol has been found to contain properties which can boost the immune system and prevent bone loss. However, the study warns of excessive alcohol consumption as it has been associated with certain cancers, liver ailments, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

Kinga Vereczkey-Porter Image Credit: hopkins-arthritis.org

Rheumatologists, like Dr. Kinga Vereczkey, would believe that the study would help shed some light on the subject of the treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. There’s no established way of preventing the disease and its exact cause remains unknown. What remains clear is that it’s a systemic disease that affects joints and other organs, leading to pain, less movements, and worse, the deterioration of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common to women than men and affects children and adults.

Dr. Kinga Vereczkey is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. For more news on Dr. Vereczkey and rheumatology, follow this Twitter page.