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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| The Claim: A Little Alcohol Can Help You Beat a Cold |
| 2007-12-18 |
| When it comes to quick remedies for colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or a hot toddy — whiskey with hot water and lemon juice — is just what the doctor ordered. Works for me! It’s not difficult to see how mild inebriation might have the potential to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but so far no study has shown that alcohol has the ability to kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold in its tracks. And while alcohol may provide temporary relief, it can prolong symptoms by increasing dehydration. It may not cure me but it certainly makes me forget about the aches and pains. Nonetheless, two large studies have found that although moderate drinking will not cure colds, it can help keep them at bay. One, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon in 1993, looked at 391 adults and found that resistance to colds increased with moderate drinking, except in smokers. I only smoke if I'm on fire. Then, in 2002, researchers in Spain followed 4,300 healthy adults, examining their habits and susceptibility to colds. The study, in The American Journal of Epidemiology, found no relationship between the incidence of colds and consumption of beer, spirits, Vitamin C or zinc. But drinking 8 to 14 glasses of wine per week, particularly red wine, was linked to as much as a 60 percent reduction in the risk of developing a cold. The scientists suspected this had something to do with the antioxidant properties of wine. More proof that booze is good for us. MMMMM, wine! THE BOTTOM LINE Or the bottom of the bottle, Alcohol will not help cure a cold, though moderate consumption may reduce susceptibility. So party on, people!! By ANAHAD O’CONNOR |
| Posted by:Deacon Blues |
| #4 If a little is good, a lot should be better, right? |
| Posted by: gorb 2007-12-18 23:44 |
| #3 "It's called a stinger. It removes the sting." |
| Posted by: Eric Jablow 2007-12-18 23:19 |
| #2 Works against venomous snake bites too (middle of the road, like rattlesnake, not sure about heavier caliber venom). 1/4 liter of 40 proof, on one take. Don't get bitten too often! ;-) |
| Posted by: twobyfour 2007-12-18 18:34 |
| #1 I have found this to be true in my own studies. People have called me crazy but it does work for me. I *assume* I simply sleep deeper when a bit loaded and deep sleep helps fight off the cold more than the booze damages my defenses. They also say when you are happy all sorts of good things happen in your body. I'm a happy drunk. I'd be curious to see the effects on a fighting-type drunk. |
| Posted by: rjschwarz 2007-12-18 18:09 |