Alcohol and RLS

[PeachTerrier]

I know alcohol makes RLS worse for a lot of people, although not everyone has the same triggers. My mum has never been a big drinker but has cut out all alcohol for the last 8 weeks and hasn’t seen any change in her severe RLS. Just wondering if she can therefore conclude that alcohol isn’t a trigger for her and resume having a drink now and then, or whether a longer period of abstinence would be needed to come to this conclusion? Thank you

[SueJohnson]

She can have a drink. A longer period isn't necessary.

[PeachTerrier in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you.

[Madlegs1]

There could be a whole lot of other triggers at work.

Keeping an intake diary is the only way to identify.

For me, it is rising agents as in cakes and biscuits., Most processed meats- salami etc. Alcohol- the sulphites. Even some zero beers will set me off.

Msg is a real Biggie. Almost any flavourings or enhancers contain msg.

I could keep going-- but you'll probably fall asleep 😺

[PeachTerrier in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you, it's complicated isn't it!

[Farmgurl1]

Alcohol does not trigger my RLS...I get it with or without. Tell your mum to enjoy her drink!

[PeachTerrier in reply to Farmgurl1]

Thank you, I'll pass the message on to her!

[Eryl]

To put it simply, NO. RLS is primarily caused by inflammation which could and probably is being caused by multiple 'foods'. The fact that the RLS doesn't disappear if you remove one of the causes doesn't mean that it wasn't a cause. As they say "absence of evidence doesn't mean evidence of absence".

[PeachTerrier in reply to Eryl]

Thank you, that makes sense. I need to do a lot more research on dietary guidance for RLS.

[rmbroadh]

I have a little red wine every night. Doesn't seem to affect whether it's a good or night or a horrible one. I'd say "cheers" enjoy.

[PeachTerrier]

Thank you, that's good to know!