Alcohol

Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases often complain of alcohol intolerance. Sometimes a negative reaction is due to something other than the alcohol itself, such as the minute quantities of vitamin D in beer or the sulfites in wine. Alcohol consumption is not contraindicated for patients on the Marshall Protocol (MP).

MP patients have reported that their tolerance for alcohol has improved after being on the MP.

According to a 2009 BMC Bioinformatics study, binge drinking can weaken the body's ability to fight infections for at least 24 hours.¹⁾ In experiments with mice, the researchers found that binge drinking affects toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a protein that plays an important role in immune system activation. Specifically, heavy drinking suppresses TLR4's ability to send signals that activate production of inflammatory cytokinesAny of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system. – signaling molecules that begin the inflammatory response to infection.

The researchers also determined that binge drinking inhibits NF-kappaBA protein that stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines in response to infection, a protein complex that controls DNA transcription and expression of some of the cytokines inhibited by alcohol.

“The time frame [after binge drinking] during which the risk of infection is increased might be at least 24 hours,” study author Stephen Pruett, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, said in a news release. “A persistent effect of ethanol on cells is indicated, such that inhibition of the response of some cytokines occurs even after the ethanol is cleared” from the body.

I have absolutely no problem tolerating alcohol while on the protocol. I enjoy my wine with my evening meal.

Guss Wilkinson

I have a glass of plum wine every few days and sometimes a little brandy, so I doubt that a little alcohol with your minocycline is going to make you explode in a puff of smoke or anything like that.

Trevor Marshall, PhD

I was a regular “social drinker”, wine mostly, prior to starting the MP and for about the first year I was on the MP. Then, rather suddenly, I developed a real intolerance for alcoholic beverages. My symptoms would come on on pretty quickly and occurred after consuming only modest amounts of alcohol.

Now, I'm back to being able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with no ill effects, but my intolerance probably lasted for a year.

Carol, MarshallProtocol.com

I would say this is a very individual thing. I for one have such problems with dizziness that I avoid alcohol, and the sulfites in most wine make me quite ill. I sure miss that Irish whiskey and Guinness. So count yourself as lucky if you can tolerate alcohol in moderation!

P.B., MarshallProtocol.com