Drinking and Your Immune System: Science Has Some Surprising Insights

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Cheers to science! It turns out that moderate drinking can actually give your immune system a helpful boost. A study from 2013 conducted at Oregon Health and Science University backs this up, showing that a little alcohol can help fend off infections.

The researchers studied rhesus macaque monkeys, whose immune systems closely resemble ours and, like us, have varied drinking habits. Picture it: some monkeys are savoring a nice glass of wine with a side of banana crème brûlée, while others are more like Uncle Joe at Thanksgiving, nursing a six-pack. Some might enjoy a margarita with their nachos, and others could be found diving headfirst into a pool of tequila. You get the idea.

In this study, scientists injected the monkeys with smallpox (which, honestly, sounds a bit intense) and then vaccinated them to observe their immune responses. They had a control group and a drinking group, and the results were telling.

The heavy drinkers—those who were downing shots and maybe singing off-key karaoke—showed a weaker immune response to the vaccine compared to their sober counterparts. So, maybe ease up on the whiskey and karaoke night, folks.

On the flip side, the moderate drinkers—the ones who might enjoy a glass of wine after putting the little monkeys to bed—exhibited a stronger immune response. They clearly had the upper hand over the sober crowd sipping on sugar water in the corner.

Here’s what I gleaned from this study:

1. There are dedicated researchers out there doing important work.
2. I had to look up “What constitutes moderate drinking?” after reading this. Let’s not discuss my post-November 8 habits.
3. How did I miss this study for three years after it was published in Vaccine magazine?
4. Just how can you tell if a monkey is drunk? Are they already swinging from trees and throwing things? Do they even have the capacity to curse? So many questions!
5. I might have underestimated the fun side of being a scientist.
6. Did the researchers get those heavy-drinking monkeys into a treatment program? I’m genuinely concerned.
7. I can sleep a tad easier tonight knowing I can enjoy a glass of wine while binge-watching my favorite shows.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s refreshing to learn that enjoying alcohol in moderation might actually help your body fight off that pesky cold. So, here’s to good news—cheers!

If you’re curious about more insights, check out this post on our other blog. And for those looking into home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource, as well as March of Dimes for everything pregnancy-related.

Summary:

Moderate drinking has been shown to boost immune responses in studies conducted on rhesus macaque monkeys. While heavy drinking can diminish immune function, moderate consumption may help fend off infections, providing some relief for those who enjoy a glass of wine now and then.