Alcohol was worsening my joint pain…I didn’t know this was a thing.

[Anonymous]

OP, I was/still am you but slowly cutting back. Work stress, husband's job stress, post-pandemic fatigue combined with hitting a very tough stretch with my adolescent son set me into a 1-3 tequilas a night habit. I was drinking them to avoid weight gain but started noticing weakness, leg pain, gut pain, brain fog and I was generally mean to my kids. I've stopped the tequila which I do miss because I love the flavor. I'm fading to beer which I don't love and that is helping curb my desire. My skin is also looking a ton better. Good luck and remember it can take a few months to change a habit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP-- I am 51, had a recent breast cancer scare (benign thank goodness) plus was diagnosed with mild arthritis.

I've curtailed my alcohol to about 2 glasses of wine per week and sometimes not at all. It's really made a positive difference. Drinking is highly compartmentalized and not a regular part of my life (I can take it or leave it). It took about six months to change my habits.

I would take advantage of your health reasons-- worrying about cancer and arthritis were extremely motivating and gave me the push to make the change.

Wow, I’m grateful you’re OK, PP! Thank you for sharing.

It’s impossible to deny that I feel remarkably better after only a few days of no drinking.

[OP]

OP-- also combine the curtailed drinking with some stretches, regular movement and good posture...also, if you stop drinking be aware that you might temporarily crave more sugar (also inflammatory). I handled it by eating more fruit and drinking a glass of milk with a few drops of vanilla extract (I needed more calcium in my diet). Lastly, you might feel more tired. As a lifetime insomniac, feeling tired and being able to fall/stay asleep may mean that you're sleeping better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alcohol or sugar inflame my joints. I can have an occasional glass of red wine or some gin. Doesn’t Teuqila have a lot of sugar? For me, it’s the sugary beverages that cause the most problem.

Alcohol, sugar and gluten for me. Avoiding all results in better health for me.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, everyone! Do you guys think yoga will help? …I like the stretching recommendation.

[OP]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you, everyone! Do you guys think yoga will help? …I like the stretching recommendation.

[OP]

NP-daily yoga helped get rid of the knots in my back and neck and just overall feel better. I used to get spasms in my muscles but a daily yoga practice completely fixed that.

I definitely notice joint pain after drinking. I have other health issues that keep me from drinking often, but I started noticing knee pain after drinking at about 35.

[Anonymous]

When I stop cold turkey - my joints KILL Me. I have RA and having a glass of wine at night really helps in the am.

[Anonymous]

I’m 46. Eliminating alcohol was life changing for me in terms of regulating my hormones and joint pain. I was experiencing horrible hip pain that is connected to a congenital issue - now, I can manage it and am much more active.

It’s no longer worth it to me to even have a few drinks for the way my entire body feels.

[Anonymous]

Ugh no! Say it isn’t so! Ok I’ll try it.

[Anonymous]

It’s not for everyone but going on a low dose BCP has helped me a lot with perimenopausal mood issues. That might give you the lift you need to get back into a workout regimen. I’ve always been motivated by group fitness, which was hard during the pandemic, but I just restarted and am loving it!

[Anonymous]

I don't drink, but I have joint pain. Damn, I was starting to think drinking would help me.