Alcohol, Wine, and Atrial Fibrillation

Annoymous asked the question: Is red wine good for you?

The science around red wine is still inferential, at best. There are as many researchers and doctors who say that red wine, in fact any alcohol, is "Good" as who say "Bad".

The good things about red, or even white wine, is the content of "anti-oxidents", known as resveratrol. Also, some people find a drink to be "relaxing". Often people have a glass in the company of other people such as friends or relatives. Such socializing is very healthy.

The bad things about alcohol?

1. For us A-Fibers, we must remember that alcohol screws up the electrical signals of the heart. So, if we already have problems with our electrical signals--and that is what A-F is all about--then we might be smart to stay away from alcohol, period! That certainly is your judgement call. [I drink a glass or two of red wine because I enjoy it and have found no immediate problems when doing so. But be careful.]
2. Reduces B-12 which affects your ability to relax, ability to remember, and size of your brain.
3. Reduces folate, a "vitamin" that is essential to keeping bones and immune systems strong and healthy, [folate and supplemental Vitamin-D, helps to head off osteoporosis].
4. Increases homocysteine which is very tough on arteries and the heart itself.
5. Destructive to many organs of the body. The theory is: if consumption is less than 1 ounce per hour, your liver should be able to process most of the toxins from the alcohol. If this theory is true, then each time you drink more than approximately 1 ounce per hour, you are overpowering your liver and causing organ damage.

Bottom line? The social benefits to light drinking probably weigh in favor of having the occassional drink, if you don't have alcoholism or any other allergy to wine or alcohol.

Cheers.