LymeNet Flash: alcohol- why is it so bad for Lymies?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » alcohol- why is it so bad for Lymies?

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Topic: alcohol- why is it so bad for Lymies?

Lynnapin
Member
Member # 6580

posted

Hi Everyone,
You guys are so great- thanks for all your help with my other questions. I have another one!

Why is drinking alcohol such a bad thing to do when one has Lyme? I know alcohol feeds yeast, and yeast is a problem when one is on ABX, but are there other reasons to avoid alcohol.
And, if a Lymie does indulge (which we all need to do from time to time and especially around the holidays), what are the types of alcohol that are least likely to cause problems and which are the most likely? I think I remember beer is bad, vodka/gin are best, but I may be completely wrong.
TIA for any help and info you can provide!

Posts: 21 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

zipzip
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6226

posted

alcohol not only causes yeast fermentation but if you are on abx the liquour will dissolve much of the antibiotic your on.

your literally dousing yourself with alcohol.

but if your gonna indulge, and i wish i could, i guess it doesn't really matter which poison you pick.

so whatever's your tipple...

Posts: 795 | From nyc | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged |

Lisianthus
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6631

posted

Hi Lynnapin,

I would like an anwser to this too..

Not sure, but I have been told it depleats your immune system.

Not sure when your not on abx??

Happy Holidays,
Lisi

Posts: 986 | From Michigan | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215

posted

daily alcohol brought back my Lyme/infection bug time!!!

I thought I could be like everyone else and drink every nigt in my early 20s

BIG BIG mistake.!!!!!!!!!

Dont do it..

If you do be aware of how you feel the next day and stop.

If I drink now,, the next day I am very weepy and suicidal. Even my vision changes, everything turns grey and people look very scary.

TRUTH

Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged |

lymelady
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6207

posted

I don't know much but I think alcohol is taxing on the liver, which for all of us taking meds, is taxed enough trying to get rid of lyme toxins. An extra burden we don't need.

So let's toast the holidays with a nice cup of detox tea instead, which is pretty sad considering I used to love to have a couple of glasses of wine to take the edge off. But then we have given everything else up as well so what the hell. The sugar thing during the holidays is hidious too, let's face it.

Happy holidays
Lymelady

Posts: 484 | From Fredericksburg, Va USA | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged |

cmichaelo
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 5873

posted

I don't know why alcohol may have a bad influence on Lymies in particular.

I also don't know why alcohol may have a bad influence on anyone taking abx.

But as zip mentioned it may dissolve the abx.

If this is true I don't know. But I do know that you NOT supposed to take alcohol with abx, and most other drugs in general btw.

Having said all this, I do drink a glass of wine, or a beer, or a margarita on the rocks with salt.

Maybe once a week, or so.

I experience zero side-effects of this.

I feel just like I used to feel during and after alcohol consumption.

But then again, I've had Lyme for some time now...

Btw, the Margarita on the rocks with salt may actually be good for you. Since salt is a natural antibiotic and thus kills the buggers...j/k

Michael

Posts: 702 | From NY | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged |

mlkeen
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1260

posted

Lymelady is correct- In addition to the sugar/yeast issue it makes a liver that is all ready working hard to process abx and lyme toxins work even harder.

Posts: 1572 | From Pa | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged |

lymiecanuck
Unregistered

posted

I recall Dr. Burrascanos guidelines saying something about alcohol and triggering relapse. Something about alcohol causes relapse.

Lymiecanuck

IP: Logged |

James H
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6380

posted

Any of you on Flagyl need to know not to even think about alcohol. Alchol and Flagyl together cause an 'anabuse' type reaction... Very severe nausea.

That would include generics as well.

Posts: 714 | From San Antonio TX | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged |

charlie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25

posted

....you can try alcohol again when you feel like you're getting well. It's a test of sorts for me. I no longer have any unusual effects from it.

When I was really sick ANY alcohol made me feel like I'd been run over by a truck...

Posts: 2804 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

luckyLD900
Junior Member
Member # 6579

posted

When I was first very ill with lyme, I had a bad reaction and fainted in my kitchen. I only had 1/2 a daquiri (maybe alittle more) but I was on antibiotics and taking lots of ibuprofen for pain.

It was horrible-felt like I'd been hit by a truck for days. I too was in my 20s, and thought I could handle a little drink.

Just be careful about the types of meds and herbals that you take if you're going to have an eggnog. Happy Holidays!

Posts: 5 | From Southern Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

GreanPea
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 3411

posted

I have never been a big drinker. But I do like to have a drink once in a while on a summer evening. And maybe one or two at the one or two holiday parties I attend each year.

I haven't had a drop in a year or so because two of my meds advise that I shouldn't "use alcohol while on this medication". (Rifampin and Zoloft)

I'm guessing that the Rifampin might not work with alcohol.

And I'm not really sure what will happen to me if I mix Zoloft and alcohol. Anyone?

So I've just stayed away from the stuff.

I wish I could be so strong with sugar and carbs!!! I'd probably be all better by now and looking pretty svelt!

Pea

Posts: 552 | From Right here | Registered: Dec 2002 | IP: Logged |

Nancy-OH
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 3567

posted

My family doctor (not my LLMD) once told me that whenver you have any kind of joint or bone pain, alcohol is the worst thing for you. It exaggerates the symptoms and actually makes matters worse.

He's not exactly my favorite doctor, but I believe him about this one.

--Nancy

Posts: 963 | From N. Olmsted, OH USA | Registered: Jan 2003 | IP: Logged |

GEDEN13
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4151

posted

nancy oh is right about the joint pain.it get's real bad. also,if you do decide to drink,be prepared for the most hellish 2-3 day hangover.

maybe try one drink ,over a period of time.(hour or so). just be careful...toast to your holidays..lol,,,,,gary

------------------

Posts: 1108 | From PA. | Registered: Jun 2003 | IP: Logged |

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