What to drink over Christmas

[Lovedogs1]

What is a safe alcoholic drink for someone with HF. I don’t drink much at all now, I’m to scared to do so. Just wondered if I did want a drink which is the safest. Is it wine or Gin and Tonic. I have never been told not to drink, and never drink much anyway, but I don’t want to put my self at any risk. Or is it best to avoid alcohol all together.

[Hidden]

If you have doubts about drinking alcohol and normally don't bother why make the exception at Christmas? There are other options available such as non alcoholic equivalents. If you are drinking alcoholic drinks to fit in socially I think most people are now savvy enough to understand that some folks deliberately don't drink alcohol for a variety of reasons. But if you do decide to take an alcoholic drink choose what you would really like to get the maximum enjoyment given you will be drinking in moderation.

[Captain_Birdseye]

I'll get the unpopular fact out the way first... alcohol is not good for the human body. It causes dehydration which puts extra strain on the heart, and is converted in the body to a toxin (that's where the hangover comes from).That being said, a lot of us enjoy a tipple. I've found my tolerance has decreased in the last few months, which is disappointing as I enjoyed quite a few!

Moderation is going to be key if you do decide to have alcohol... you'll need to double check your meds, but for most people, I'd imagine a glass of wine with dinner and a couple of Gin and Tonics isn't going to rock the boat... but we all react differently so listen to your body if you go down that route.

I've found some good alcohol free alternatives for when water or tea just won't cut it... rediscovered a love of ginger beer - so treat myself to a nice brand, there are some lovely kombucha varieties out there that look nice in a champagne flute, and there are a variety of non alcoholic spirits available.

Sometimes taking a "normal" drink and changing the glass you drink it from is enough.

Can't say I've found a decent alcohol free wine yet though!

[Hylda2 in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

some good alcohol free gins

[Hidden]

please look at no-alcoholic drinks again because the modern ones are fantastic replacements for their alcoholic twins.

To be honest I was { and still am } a social drinker, there is a cupboard full here of all sorts of drinks that haven't been touched from one year to another, but I now love a non alcoholic beer now and then.

Take care and Im sure you will enjoy Christmas with or without a drink containing alcohol.

[Hidden]

Hello

You say you have been told not to drink is this by your medical care team if so then I would listen to them if it is people's opinions then everyone will have one of those including your replies you get on your post but you have to make your own mind up

Have you read what the BHF have to say on people with heart conditions and drinking ?

I will put you the link on so you can read it , I would imagine their advice is most reliable and hope it helps you to make a choice what to do x

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

OP said 'I have never been told not to drink'.

[Carlg]

If you want a drink have one. Moderation is key.

I also would say have an alcoholic drink you want rather than what is best to have as you'll probably find it wont satisfy otherwise.

I drink occasionally now, mainly socially. Lots of people will say I shouldn't but life is still for living and enjoying so a bend of the rules occasionally should be fine.

In fact when discussing with my medical professionals this is there attitude.

It's the same with food. Good the majority of the time with the occasional treat or meal out.

[Shrek1974]

Hello Lovedogs1,

In my experience a few drinks is fine. You did mention G&T though - that’s one I avoid (used to love a G&T in the garden after a few hours work there too), I think the tonic water may actually be an issue as it contains quinine which can cause heart rhythm problems. I believe quinine free tonics are available but couldn’t recommend any as I haven’t tried them.

Best of luck & I hope you have a very merry Christmas.

Steve

[Blearyeyed in reply to Shrek1974]

Most tonic waters don't contain quinine these days , or the amount is far less than it used to be , below a level that can cause symptom issues.Most cheaper tonic waters have none but a flavour added to replace the quinine . A quick look at the label can ease your concerns.

It's better to keep away from artificial sweeteners with most chronic health issues so one tip is not to pick the diet mixers , use less of the standard mixer and limit the number of drinks consumed like you do.

[Shrek1974 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Well, I hope I stand corrected. Roll on the gardening next year!….

[Joby5092]

I am 7 weeks post op for AVR and enjoyed alchohol before my operation would go out couple of times month or drink at home. Since leaving hospital i have only drunk non alchoholic beer and cider, i cant tell the diffrence to be onest just dont get drunk any more or get a hang over which are both a good thing .

[vbonariensis]

I've found that Guinness no alcohol and Brooklyn Special Effects 0.4% work well for me.

If someone could recommend a no/low alcohol red wine that tastes remotely like Shiraz, then I'd bless you.

Seasons greetings everyone, and thanks for so many excellent tips this year.

[Gundoglady]

I'm firmly in the 'a little bit of what you fancy does you good' camp.All things in moderation whether that be food or alcohol, if you fancy a drink have one, if you don't then don't x

Whatever you do, ENJOY it x

Have a good Christmas x

[Becksagogo]

I haven't had an alcoholic drink for about 5 years and don't really miss it because there are so many non alcohol alternatives. Fruit ciders, gin, lager etc. Just watch the sugar content!

[Hidden]

Well I don't know wether I should reply.I start off with a few pints of Guinness then I either hit the vodka or the spiced rum.Think what you like I am 66 years old and very fit and intend to enjoy the rest of my life be it long or short.Quality over quantity for me.Enjoy. x

[Radars in reply to Hidden]

Have a drink it won't harm you if you are out with other people who drink they will seem daft after a couple and you are sober so have a drink and all be daft together, get into the swing of things. Ha.ha.

[Blearyeyed]

It sounds like you are having the same worries that many people have , especially at this time of year.A little part of you fancies the chance of enjoying a drink or two that you used to love. The big part of you worries about how it will make you feel or the cost to your symptoms.

If you are going to feel concerned all the time you drink , eat or do anything that you worry about effecting you you aren't going to enjoy it anyway , and it will colour your happy memories of having those things in the past , in which case it's really not worth doing at all.

If you really miss a drink , as long as it isn't a drink you know could give you symptoms ( not just heart ones but also gas or acid reflux) then you could just treat yourself with one small one , drink it slowly and savour it , and make sure anyone you are socialising with knows that's going to be your only one and ask them to please not encourage, or push you to have another.

I would also avoid most of the alcohol free and diet versions of drinks. They often have ingredients that cause their own problems not just to heart issues but blood sugar balance , liver , kidneys and stomach symptoms too.

Avoid anything with artificial sweeteners and flavourings as these do cause issues with health in general.

I haven't been able to drink , even on the odd occasion, for a few years. When I could I went for a small glass of red wine , which is packed with flavonoids and in moderation can be beneficial for health like good dark chocolate.

I actually make a non alcoholic version of mulled cider or mulled wine which I enjoy instead of alcohol and still feels christmassy.... that's when the rest of the family haven't spotted it and choose to drink all my tipple instead!

I use a good freshly squeezed apple juice , not the foul concentrated type. Or I use a good quality unsweetened red grape juice .

I steep about two cups ( about a third of the juice ) in a saucepan for an hour with a chopped orange , a lemon , some broken cinnamon sticks , some grated ginger or ginger juice , 5-10 cloves , generous grating of nutmeg , a spoon of good honey , half a teaspoon of vanilla paste or extract ( not flavouring ) or a broken vanilla pod, a handful of squashed fresh cranberries or a generous slug of juice (optional) .

Some people can't use certain spices with their medication types , especially ginger , so just double check which things you can use and don't add the ones that can interact with meds when you create your own drink.

After the hour you put the pan of juice on a low simmer , stirring occasionally until it's hot but not bubbling . Turn off the heat then add the rest of the juice. Give it a stir then strain the juice into a jug or serving bowl . You can make it in advance just leave it to cool then pour the jug of juice into a bottle and keep it in the fridge. You can drink it cold or reheat the amount you want in a pan or in a cup in the microwave for about a minute , then pour it in your favourite glass , if it's very hot use a metal spoon or straw to prevent glass breaks.

If you are serving it all at once as a punch , serve straight away or gently reheat in a pan to warm not hot , add fresh slices of lemon and orange to serve.

Freshly squeezed pear juice is also good , or a combo of the juices , have fun experimenting with the flavour you like best. Be prepared , you can have a whole bar of alcoholic drinks or mulled wine for guests and if they try this you may find your tipple gets snaffled up by everyone. It's also a nice winter drink that helps boost your immunity too.

[Alphakiwi]

You know you dont have to drink alcohol . It makes complete sense not to. I dont. Heh its just not worth it. Look after your ticker.