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Alcohol and lyme... Good or bad idea?

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Posted 5/11/2018 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't had alcohol since my symptoms began approx. 2 years ago. My only symptoms left now are eye and head pressure, eye dryness, and some minor sleep issues. (Also, ocular migraines when I herx, I believe). I have a strict diet.. no sugar, low carbs, and absolutely no caffeine (it really used to mess with my symptoms, and caused my lyme-induced panic attacks, which ended last August). I also have been on herbals for a few weeks now, which I see some minor improvement, it's hard to tell really.

This weekend, my friends and I are going out to a bar. I was going to try just one drink and see how I feel, or if I can tolerate it.

Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with drinking alcohol with lyme? (I also have bartonella)

If so, what are some drinks I could get that won't upset my symptoms too bad? I figure I'll be okay if I have a drink with no yeast or sugar

Thanks smile

Post Edited (kml1997) : 5/10/2018 8:17:15 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/11/2018 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
I don’t think it’s ever a ‘good’ idea in that it won’t be I’d much benefit, saying that I’ve had a glass or 2 of wine on special occasions or sometimes just because I’ve had a heck of a week.

I did ok with it, not advocating it though everyone is different. I went with red wine as told myself I’m kinda just having berries smile
Posted 5/11/2018 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
I had one dark beer(16 oz.) and I was OK a few months ago. I don't believe it set me back. I just wouldn't drink too much.

Just make sure to drink a glass of ice water so you get hydrated too.
Posted 5/11/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I drink occasionally and don't seem to take angry effect from it. I don't get hammered though. I try to stay with red wine but take a beer now and then. I have stayed away from licour
Posted 5/11/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I would stay away from beer and sweet drinks. I actually feel great when I drink bourbon (surprise). What I mean is that all of my symptoms are gone when I have a drink or two. I usually mix with something like LaCroix which is sparkling water with no sugar, I also add lemon or lime. I also don't feel bad the next, in fact I usually feel better as long as I don't over do it. I believe it kills some bugs but I couldn't prove that. I've heard of people who didn't drink in the old days (whenever that was) being more susceptible to infections, but who knows? I drink 2-3 times a week with no issues that I can speak of. Just make sure it doesn't become an issue. I think the pure alcohols are the best, vodka, bourbon, with no flavors (fireball,etc..). I usually get the stuff that is charcoal filtered i.e. Evan Williams bourbon, etc...
Posted 5/11/2018 3:53 PM (GMT 0)

elvin said...
I would stay away from beer and sweet drinks. I actually feel great when I drink bourbon (surprise). What I mean is that all of my symptoms are gone when I have a drink or two. I usually mix with something like LaCroix which is sparkling water with no sugar, I also add lemon or lime. I also don't feel bad the next, in fact I usually feel better as long as I don't over do it. I believe it kills some bugs but I couldn't prove that. I've heard of people who didn't drink in the old days (whenever that was) being more susceptible to infections, but who knows? I drink 2-3 times a week with no issues that I can speak of. Just make sure it doesn't become an issue. I think the pure alcohols are the best, vodka, bourbon, with no flavors (fireball,etc..). I usually get the stuff that is charcoal filtered i.e. Evan Williams bourbon, etc...

This.

I enjoy the smoky/peaty varieties of Scotch. Never had any setbacks from having a couple pours each week. If anything, I do feel better (and no, not better from the buzz, I mean symptoms). I have also wondered about the alcohol killing any foreign invaders.
Posted 5/11/2018 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
i cannot tolerate it, it brings lots of symptoms back, so i just stopped drinking COMPLETELY. not even half glass every 2 months. nothing... well ... i was not a serious drinker anyway.

what i do miss is beer during hot summer. just because of taste. i do not eat gluten so alcohol free gluten free beer tastes like ....
Posted 5/11/2018 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'm surprised most of you feel better or decent when drinking! I may actually try one tomorrow and see how it goes. But, only one. Not taking too much of a chance.

Thank you all so much
Posted 5/11/2018 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm gonna have a little taste tonight myself. Just remember to stay away from sweet, juicy beverages, although honestly that doesn't affect me. I would stay a away from beer due to candida if you have it. I drink beer with no issue but I know people mention it a lot. Enjoy yourself sometimes!
Posted 5/11/2018 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
elvin-

I'll keep that in mind! And good for you. We all need a break once in a while
Posted 5/11/2018 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
I only really drank beer in the past, and pretty much gave it up.

I will say - with candida and gluten issues always knocking on my door- more than one beer always makes me feel worse into the next few days. Never "better".

I'm pretty much a non-drinker when I only had 10 beers and maybe one holiday glass of wine in 2017.
Posted 5/11/2018 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Astroman-

I’m going to stay away from beer just because I had yeast issues in the past.. probably will stick to vodka and some sparkling water
Posted 5/11/2018 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Alcohol is an antiseptic and commonly used as a disinfectant so it actually does kinda make sense that it could possibly help, right? Maybe those that feel worse afterwards are experiencing an increase in herx symptoms from a bunch of bacteria dying off? Just a theory but it sure would be a much more fun way to kill the buggers! Although if it kills bad bacteria, it could be killing the good too so maybe ramping up on both pre and probiotics could be a safe and simple way to counteract that possibility?

**Tucks this little gem into her pocket just in case** mwahahahaha
Posted 5/12/2018 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
I have a vodka or two on a weekend if I go out. I'm usually ok as long as I don't overdo. If I have too much I will be very very tired the next day and not feel great. So I keep it to two at the most.
Posted 5/12/2018 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Rare Squirrel-

Hahaha, I’d like to think that that’s what the case is! Only makes sense, right?
Posted 5/12/2018 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Plus I assume it crosses the blood brain barrier.
Posted 5/12/2018 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I feel as if I"m on the very tail end of my recovery, and so once a week after I climbing with friends I have one beer. I don't feel bad from it, nor do I feel as if one beer makes me tipsy, but I have noticed it seems as if my heart really works hard after I have a beer, and my heartrate gets elevated quickly when I walk around afterward. I don't like this and hope it goes away.
Posted 5/12/2018 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I was drinking pretty much around the time I got sick so don't think I can use it as treatment. I just hope it's not making things worse
Posted 5/12/2018 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
They do make "gluten removed" beer now, which is different than gluten free sorgum beer (yuck).

Its brewed with the normal grains, then the gluten is extracted later, so the taste is still there.

Its even way better than your typical, popular, cheap beers too but not hoppy bitter like the India Pales Ales of the Micro Beer industry.

Its still a candida loving grain / carb brew with alcohol though and is about $9-10 USD for a six pack.

I hear acetone and gasoline kill lyme bacteria, ..........this must be good in low doses then right? my bad.
Posted 5/13/2018 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
How do they extract the gluten? I'm wondering how that is even possible without traces of gluten left?
Posted 5/13/2018 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Kml1997 how'd it go?
Posted 5/13/2018 3:57 AM (GMT 0)

Girlie said...
How do they extract the gluten? I'm wondering how that is even possible without traces of gluten left?

/www.verywellfit.com/is-gluten-removed-beer-safe-on-gluten-free-diet-562406

Like sourdough bread, its not 100% celiac safe, but close enough to make a difference for the gluten sensitive population.
Posted 5/13/2018 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
I went out last night and had a few vodkas for the first time in over a year, I was unsure how it would effect me but have woken up this morning feeling pretty good.
Posted 5/14/2018 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
elvin-

I ended up having two drinks, vodka tonic with lime, and it went well! Didn't notice any affect on my Lyme. Honestly, I felt a little better the morning after. My symptoms seemed better. Today, they're back to normal.
Posted 5/14/2018 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear! Thats been my experience too.
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