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This article discusses research showing that alcohol consumption can actually suppress the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but there is evidence that suggests that it can not only suppress the symptoms of autoimmune diseases in general, but help to prevent other autoimmune diseases from developing.
As I'm sure you recall, the big-name medical instutitions, (such as the Mayo Clinic), have routinely advised us to avoid alcohol, if we have MC.
Of course, as is always the case, when "medically-unpopular" substances, such as alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine, (depending on whatever the current medical fad dictates), are shown to provide significant health benefits, half the article is wasted on disclaimers and recommendations to not use the substance, despite the evidence shown by the research.
Gimme a break. Do they actually believe that only idiots read the drivel they publish? 
The research seems to indicate that regular, (daily), use provides the most benefits, but, of course, no minimum dose is known. The maximum dose is obviously dependent on other health considerations.
Interesting, for sure. As time goes on, more and more benefits are being found for all the vices that people have cherished for centuries, (precisely the same substances for which the medical community, and do-gooders in general, have spent countless time and money, trying to discourage us from using).
http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=641527
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