How much and how often do you drink?

[GaryT]

Never touch the stuff until at least 9 pm. Too damn busy. After 9 all bets are off. After all I've got a mini gazebo in my house. :grin:

Ideally, I'm turning in around 9pm so I can get up at 4:30am. But on the plus side, on a good day I'm back home at 5pm with nowhere else to go And my house is a far cry from a mini gazebo (unless you ask my wife, whose never seen the gazebo but doesn't understand how any one person can have more than 10-20 bottles of whiskey - let alone 40+). I think I may have to hide the ETL when it comes in :grin:

[Alden]

Yes Alden, I am sui generis.

You are indeed unique.

[Jono]

Liver transplants are easy in, easy out these days. No problemo!

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/scientists-develop-pill-to-lower-blood-alcohol-content-and-reduce-liver-damage/story-fneuz9ev-1226579808742

Scientists develop pill to lower blood alcohol content and reduce liver damage

Rosie Squires

News Limited Network

February 18, 2013 12:00AM

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/scientists-develop-pill-to-lower-blood-alcohol-content-and-reduce-liver-damage/story-fneuz9ev-1226579808742#ixzz2SGyKteDm

http://health.ninemsn.com/healthnews/8612392/new-pill-could-cut-hangovers-and-undo-alcohol-damage

Health

New pill could cut hangovers and undo alcohol damage: research

Kimberly Gillan

Monday, February 18, 2013

Edited May 3, 2013 by Jono

[Alden]

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/scientists-develop-pill-to-lower-blood-alcohol-content-and-reduce-liver-damage/story-fneuz9ev-1226579808742

Scientists develop pill to lower blood alcohol content and reduce liver damage

Rosie Squires

News Limited Network

February 18, 2013 12:00AM

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/scientists-develop-pill-to-lower-blood-alcohol-content-and-reduce-liver-damage/story-fneuz9ev-1226579808742#ixzz2SGyKteDm

http://health.ninemsn.com/healthnews/8612392/new-pill-could-cut-hangovers-and-undo-alcohol-damage

Health

New pill could cut hangovers and undo alcohol damage: research

Kimberly Gillan

Monday, February 18, 2013

[squire]

I don't consider alcohol in me a problem, lack of it would be a problem.

[ethangsmith]

This is probably going to be the strangest reply here.

Growing up I was always cold, too skinny, and always sick with something. I had lots of stomach and intestinal issues too. As I got older (early 20's), winters became intolerable for me. I was literally sick from November to April with flus, colds, and stomach bugs. I couldn't be out in the cold for more than a few minutes without extreme pain in my hands, face, and feet. I finally consulted the help of my doctor. It was determined after some testing that I have Raynaud's Syndrome. This is a "disease" where your body does not respond to cold or stress the proper way and leads to very poor circulation. The doctor believed that the poor blood circulation led to a lack of white blood cells being where they needed to be to fight infection and also put extreme stress on my circulatory system- which also made my body burn up its energy at a rapid rate. He gave me three options- 1. Take Aspirin. This would thin my blood, but not deal with the constriction of my blood vessels. 2. Go on prescription meds. He strongly urged me not to do this since it was expensive and the side effects could be bad. 3. Drink in moderation. He said if it was not against my religious beliefs, daily alcohol consumption could be very beneficial and not only thin my blood slightly, but also allow my veins to relax a bit. He warned against the effects of too much alcohol and told me that I should only take this route if I had good self-control. I tried the Aspirin, but it didn't work. I noticed little change and if anything, it started to thin my blood too much. So then I tried a shot of whiskey each day. It took a few weeks, but the change was dramatic. Not only did I tolerate the cold much better, but I was SIGNIFICANTLY healthier. I've gone from a dozen bouts of sickness per winter to maybe one or two. I also am now a proper weight and my digestive system is in the best order its been ever. I believe in the power of whiskey and I respect it like a medicine! What do I consume each day? I may have a Yuengling beer with dinner if I'm in the mood, then before bed, I have 2-4ozs of whiskey. I had started consuming more (Maybe 4-6ozs) but I started feeling crappy and I found it started to affect me adversely so I am scaling back. I've had seasonal allergies the past few days and I've been taking medicine, so no alcohol for me right now! I NEVER take medicine and consume alcohol at the same time!

[HighHorse]

What an extraordinary story, Ethan. I hope you find a good bottle from time to time for that good doctor. How many years have you been on this routine now?

It's good to hear that drinking this lovely elixir in moderation really does have some health benefits.

Cheers .. and .. to your health my friend!

[mosugoji64]

That's right. And always over 100 proof.

I've seen the man drink. He can hold his liquor.

[Special Reserve]

Ethan what a great story, the diagnosis should have been easy, but the remedy much less so. I'm glad you had a clinician that could think outside of the box.

[Jono]

This is probably going to be the strangest reply here.

Growing up I was always cold, too skinny, and always sick with something. I had lots of stomach and intestinal issues too. As I got older (early 20's), winters became intolerable for me. I was literally sick from November to April with flus, colds, and stomach bugs. I couldn't be out in the cold for more than a few minutes without extreme pain in my hands, face, and feet. I finally consulted the help of my doctor. It was determined after some testing that I have Raynaud's Syndrome. This is a "disease" where your body does not respond to cold or stress the proper way and leads to very poor circulation. The doctor believed that the poor blood circulation led to a lack of white blood cells being where they needed to be to fight infection and also put extreme stress on my circulatory system- which also made my body burn up its energy at a rapid rate. He gave me three options- 1. Take Aspirin. This would thin my blood, but not deal with the constriction of my blood vessels. 2. Go on prescription meds. He strongly urged me not to do this since it was expensive and the side effects could be bad. 3. Drink in moderation. He said if it was not against my religious beliefs, daily alcohol consumption could be very beneficial and not only thin my blood slightly, but also allow my veins to relax a bit. He warned against the effects of too much alcohol and told me that I should only take this route if I had good self-control. I tried the Aspirin, but it didn't work. I noticed little change and if anything, it started to thin my blood too much. So then I tried a shot of whiskey each day. It took a few weeks, but the change was dramatic. Not only did I tolerate the cold much better, but I was SIGNIFICANTLY healthier. I've gone from a dozen bouts of sickness per winter to maybe one or two. I also am now a proper weight and my digestive system is in the best order its been ever. I believe in the power of whiskey and I respect it like a medicine! What do I consume each day? I may have a Yuengling beer with dinner if I'm in the mood, then before bed, I have 2-4ozs of whiskey. I had started consuming more (Maybe 4-6ozs) but I started feeling crappy and I found it started to affect me adversely so I am scaling back. I've had seasonal allergies the past few days and I've been taking medicine, so no alcohol for me right now! I NEVER take medicine and consume alcohol at the same time!

Alcohol can aggravate Raynaud'd too so it is a delicate balance:

"Alcohol Consumption

Smoking, Alcohol and Raynaud's. Heavy alcohol consumption was independently associated with increased odds of Raynaud's among women and red wine consumption was associated with reduced odds of Raynaud's. Men who drank red wine also had a lower prevalence of the condition than those who did not. Smoking negated the positive effects of moderate red wine consumption in men. Arthritis Foundation."

"Dr. Fredrick Wigley responds:

Alcohol is a mild vasodilator, and it can relax the body and make one feel warm. However, alcohol has several side effects and is not recommended for Raynaud’s; its use should be limited to modest amounts..."

Smoking is the key thing to quit.

[Alden]

Red wine has reservatol in it. Liquor and beer do not.

[ethangsmith]

Thanks guys. As for smoking, I maybe have 1 cigar a year and that's it. I have found that too much alcohol consumption does adversely affect the Raynaud's. I found that no more than 2 2oz. shots is just right. More than that, I start to notice the relaxation become constriction. This is a great problem to have as it limits my alcohol consumption and my body makes it clear when it's had enough! As for my doctor, he does not drink. It is a conservative Christian practice and few of the doctors there drink. I have much respect and trust for them.

[ethangsmith]

As for how long I've been doing this- 4 years. I went from a sickly 120 pounds to 150 healthy pounds since then.

[TheRod]

Sorry. Posted in the wrong thread.

Edited May 5, 2013 by TheRod

[Danger]

Congrats on finding that solution, Smith, and love that solution.

[Pieface]

My doctor friends automatically double the amount their patients claim to drink.

[Eggman]

Howdy,

1.5-2.0 oz. nightcap 5 days per week. Mixed with 2 cubes and equal amount of cola. Liquid sleeping pill

[bllygthrd]

LOL ... what a question ...

I've started watching Mad Men on Netflix, and have adopted Don Draper behavior ... I have a cocktail when I get home, and another cocktail before I retire, 7 days a week. So to quantify ... 2 shots a day.

No, I haven't started a wet bar in my office and I don't drink at work (yet).

[theDon]

Boilermaker +1 shot. So basically a bourbon sandwich with bourbon as the bread and the beer as the meat. 8 days a week!

[ratcheer]

I don't drink everyday and on days when I do drink, I rarely have over two drinks and I have a hard limit of three. But usually just one.

Tim