Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who reported consuming alcohol also reported experiencing less disease activity and a higher quality of life than nondrinkers, according to a study published by Alfredsson et al in Arthritis & Rheumatology. In a study of over 1,200 newly diagnosed patients with rheumatoid arthritis, at baseline, nondrinkers had higher disease activity and were more likely to estimate that their pain was more severe than patients who drank; 1 year later, nondrinkers reported having more swollen and tender joints, more pain and fatigue, and lower global health and health-related quality of life.
May 25, 2023