When it comes to your multiple sclerosis (MS), you want to do what’s best for your body. But you wonder what alcohol is. Is it okay to enjoy a drink every now and then? Or is alcohol completely off the table? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.
“For most people with MS, the answer is to consume alcohol in moderation,” says Jennifer Graves, MD, PhD, associate professor of neuroscience and director of the Neuroimmunology Research Program at the University of California, San Diego.
According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman, or two if you’re a man.
“Regularly drinking multiple drinks can worsen neurological damage and function in patients with MS, but a glass of wine or a single beer with dinner is unlikely to cause significant problems,” says Graves.
Alcohol is not all good and it is not all bad. For example, the antioxidants and flavonoids in red wine may actually lower your risk of heart disease, which is a problem if you have MS. But this is no reason to start drinking if you aren’t already doing so. These compounds are found in other foods and drinks, Graves says.
And if you’re wondering whether past alcohol use caused your MS, put your worries aside.
“Based on the available data, that is unlikely,” says Graves.
If you decide to indulge in an occasional glass of wine or beer, know that this can worsen certain symptoms of MS. Even one drink can make problems like unsteadiness worse.
“If you have a lot of trouble with balance, thinking, or memory symptoms of MS, it may be better to avoid alcohol altogether,” says Graves.
Alcohol can also lead to sleep problems and worsen bladder complaints. You also increase your risk for other conditions when you drink alcohol, especially if you drink too much. Your chances of certain cancers, high cholesterol and stroke increase. Some of these conditions can make your MS overall worse, Graves says, so it’s important to do what you can to prevent this from happening.
Several medications used to treat MS symptoms such as pain, headaches, insomnia, and depression do not mix well with alcohol. “Combining these medications with drinks can lead to excessive sedation and health risks,” says Graves.
Be sure to ask your doctor how your specific alcohol treatments may work so you know what to look for.
Remember that everyone with MS is different. Have an honest conversation with your doctor about your habits so you can make smart decisions for yourself.
It’s probably fine to celebrate with a glass of bubbly, add a nice red drink to your meal, or enjoy a beer while watching the game. Just know your limits and do your best to stay within them.
