Is there a link between Alcohol and Neuropathy?
We all know that chronic, heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions such as liver failure and heart disease, but did you know that long-term alcohol use can also result in neuropathy?
Over time, people who engage in heavy alcohol use can damage peripheral nerves which can lead to uncomfortable burning and tingling sensations in their limbs, particularly their feet. This is called alcoholic neuropathy and can vary in severity and length of duration, sometimes even causing permanent damage.
In order to reduce the risk of developing this condition, or prevent it from worsening if it’s already present, reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption is crucial. Alcohol has become a big part of our culture, but reducing your use doesn’t have to be seen as a punishment.
Not only will reducing or cutting out alcohol improve your nerve health and overall wellbeing, but there are some really tasty, nourishing alcohol-free alternatives that will make you forget all about that bottle of wine.
For those of you experiencing chronic pain or neuropathy (or anyone else for that matter!), we’ve rounded up some healthy, non-alcoholic drinks that will help you enjoy this holiday season while reducing your pain.
4 Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Enjoy the Holidays Pain-Free
- Sparkling Immunity Juice
This beverage, dreamed up by Darn Good Veggies, packs a triple health punch: immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and great for your digestion. Not to mention, it’s absolutely delicious and a breeze to make!
What you’ll need:
Serves 2
- 2 cups orange juice (fresh is better, but not necessary)
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger
- 1-inch knob fresh turmeric
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 2 tsp honey or agave, if desired
How to make it:
- Combine the orange juice, turmeric, ginger, and honey (or agave) in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and top each glass with sparkling water.
- Enjoy!
- Healing Turmeric Tonic
This warm, anti-inflammatory drink, created by Minimalist Baker, only requires three ingredients, takes five minutes to make, and boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It’s perfect for cozy nights in front of the fire or as a soothing nightcap before bed.
What you’ll need:
Serves 2
- 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 whole lemon juiced (plus leftover rind)
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch ground black pepper (helps with the bioavailability of the turmeric!)
- 3 cups filtered water
How to make it:
- Combine the turmeric, ginger, lemon juice, leftover lemon rind, maple syrup, black pepper, and filtered water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat, and then turn off the heat.
- Hold a small strainer over your mugs as you pour it.
- Enjoy!
- Spiced Pomegranate Wassail
The word “wassail” comes from an Anglo-Saxon greeting “wæs þu hæl”, which translates to “be in good health.” This festive recipe from Wendi’s AIP Kitchen lives up to its name, providing plentiful antioxidants.
What you’ll need:
Serves 2
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider (not from concentrate)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 16 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon
- 8 orange slices
- 3 tbsp honey (more or less to liking)
DIRECTIONS
- Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and keep at a low simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Ladle into mugs.
- Enjoy!
- Vegan Turmeric Eggnog
Who said eggnog has to contain eggs? This vegan version of a holiday classic from Abra’s Kitchen contains a symphony of fragrant spices that will waft through the air as you prepare it. This creamy beverage provides a good dose of anti-inflammatory benefits and is sure to nourish both your body and soul.
What you’ll need:
Serves 2
- 1 can light coconut milk
- 5 cups water
- 3 pitted dates
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 1/8tsp black pepper
- 1tbsp coconut oil
How to make it:
- Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend for 2-3 minutes until well mixed and hot.
- If you don't have a blender that will heat your beverage by blending, warm the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat.
- Enjoy!
These non-alcoholic drinks are perfect for the holiday season, and will help support your body, rather than hurt it. Whether you’re snuggled up with a cozy blanket or having a special dinner, these delicious, anti-inflammatory beverages will bring the holiday cheer without the beer!
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This pain tracking sheet is a simple to use form that you can print several copies and put them in a binder. You can fill it out throughout the day or every night with a warm cup of tea. Writing things down can also help to get them out of our mind.
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References:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy/causes/alcohol/
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcoholism/alcoholic-neuropathy#diagnosis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassailing
https://wendisaipkitchen.com/2019/11/21/spiced-pomegranate-wassail/
https://abraskitchen.com/vegan-turmeric-eggnog/
https://minimalistbaker.com/healing-3-ingredient-turmeric-tonic/
https://www.darngoodveggies.com/sparkling-immunity-juice/
