I don't drink much now, though I did in the past. Over Christmas, however, I had the odd glass here and there. But as we all know, the odd glass becomes a daily glass, then a glass and a half...
However, I felt this morning that my Parkinson's symptoms seemed a little more obvious, which led me to questioning what I might be doing differently. Suspecting that it might be what I'd been enjoying, I started with a search for 'alcohol and vitamins' and read -
"Not only is alcohol devoid of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, it actually inhibits the absorption and usage of vital nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc."
Well, no more alcohol for this girl! I am not willing to risk what I have gained! Thiamine (B1) has changed my life as it has for many on this forum. I'd be interested whether others on B1 have become alcohol free?
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Dap1948
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It may seem very low to you because I take the sublingual version which passes straight into the bloodstream so you don’t need to take so much because none is lost going through the digestion. In 2017 I started on 100mg daily. Within three months I’d lost my rigidity, my handwriting was faster and normal, and I had more energy. I’ve reduced this B1 dose slightly since 2017 and now take a 100mg pill just four days a week. My symptoms have stayed improved.
Well if you were to decide you would like to have the best of both worlds, there is a way to minimize any effects of alcohol, providing your intake is moderate or occasional. The trick is: before going to bed take a good size dose of b1, (and if you think you might need it B12 and b6), and a good dose of aspirin, suggesting at least two 325 mg tabs on up to a 1000 mg some time after your last drink. this will counter any effects of the alcohol that might linger, including stripping of B1. alcohol is not the greatest thing for your mitochondria, but as long as you don't become a habitual Challenger to your liver you'll be okay with the Parkinson's end of things. Best thing of course is to not make it a daily thing, but a glass of wine or beer everyday is not a problem.
Hi Marion - not sure it's wise to take so much aspirin every day, particularly last thing at night when the stomach is probably empty. It's strongly associated with gastric bleeding.
Who said every day? Where did you read that? What I gave was a palliative for when you decide to imbibe too much, which is not that much by the way. Try to read closer and think before responding.
Alcohol is basically shit loads of sugar, as a general observation. Everything in moderation of course however if we as PWP are watching everything that goes into our body, alcohol consumption is a biggie. (Particularly as its awesome to drink).In ocasional moderation your liver should naturally handle it without the need for supplements, however that may change if your consumption increases significantly
I used to drink wine but found it dehydrating and consumed my energy. I switched to beer and generally have one glass a day and find it beneficial. It is conversely hydrating, relaxing and I believe hops are good for pwp. So that’s my excuse!
Agree @Buckholt: A lot less dehydrating and bonus: lower in gluten if Corona Light or even better: drink Angry Orchard (cider) for Those wanting Gluten Free.
It's good that you connected the dots - being consciously aware of what helps and especially what does not help - is a worthy insight. Being healthier is the greatest benefit for our lives. So glad you noticed.
I too started drinking over the holidays and then the last two weeks, it became an almost daily habit to have a glass or two as I prepared dinner. Today is my first day back into my usual alcohol stance (only in the company of others who are drinking/celebrations and only 1 glass) and I am so happy to be off the streak of holiday drinking. It is not good for PwP and I'm thankful it doesn't call to me often or loudly!
I find that having a drink at dinner made me reallllly slooooow. I don’t like the feeling so I don’t really drink anymore. I just steal a sip from my spouse on occasion which is ok.
My first neurologist told me that both alcohol and antihistamines ,( not together) were at one time used to treat PD. They were both discontinued because the path to misuse was obvious because it required more and more to be effective until finally it was not effective anymore. He suggested not using alcohol every day or in access but to save it for maybe when a friend comes over and you have a beer or a glass of wine. One glass can very helpful at say your daughters wedding. If you cant just limit it to one once in a while then I suggest that you dont have any . In my prime, I could not drink more than 3 beer without falling asleep, now usually my wife and I split one. Highly recommended.
I have not given up on alcohol but do not swallow my b1 with alcohol. One fois in the morning with breakfast and one dose on its own In the afternoon. And I enjoy my glass of wine in the evening!
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