According to Hersh and the National MS Society, most neurologists agree that people with MS can drink safely in moderation, as long as they understand how alcohol affects their individual symptoms.
“They typically recommend sticking to general guidelines, such as no more than one drink per day for women and two for men, and avoiding heavy or binge drinking,” Hersh adds. She notes that experts also emphasize being aware that even small amounts of alcohol can temporarily worsen MS symptoms like balance or fatigue.
“We still don’t know whether different types of alcohol (wine vs. beer vs. spirits) have different effects on MS,” Hersh adds. “It’s also unclear how alcohol interacts with modern MS medications or how it affects people at different stages of disease.”
Tips for Safe Drinking
When it comes to drinking safely with MS, there’s no 100 percent risk-free scenario. However, Hersh notes that understanding how alcohol affects your specific symptoms can help you make safer choices and avoid unnecessary risks.
She suggests you:
- Drink slowly and with food
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid drinking when your symptoms are already flaring
- Avoid drinking and driving
- Check with your doctor about medication interactions
- Be aware of your environment and potential fall risks (like dim lights, uneven surfaces, and crowded spaces)
“Start by noticing how alcohol affects your symptoms, such as balance, vision, mood, or sleep, and let those responses guide your limits,” adds Hersh. “Most importantly, talk with your provider about your medications and personal risk factors so you can set safe, realistic boundaries.”
An alternative to drinking with MS is experimenting with nonalcoholic beverages.
“Many people find that choosing alcohol-free versions of their favorite drinks allows them to participate socially without triggering symptoms,” Hersh points out.
When to Avoid Alcohol Altogether
Hersh notes that there may be some cases when it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether. These include factors like:
- Balance problems
- Severe fatigue
- Liver disease
- High risk of falls
- Taking medications that affect the liver or cause drowsiness
“In these cases, avoiding alcohol helps maintain safety, energy, and mobility,” says Hersh.
If you do decide to drink with MS, talk to your care team about how to best approach it.
“Providers can help by giving personalized guidance based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and medications, rather than offering ‘one-size-fits-all’ rules,” Hersh adds.
Read the full article here
