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Alcohol research points to a startling conclusion: consuming alcohol at any level is harmful to your health. Although the danger is minimal with modest use, it increases with increased alcohol consumption.
Many people partake in alcohol as part of their cultural and religious customs, as a matter of personal desire, or during social events. The same factors influence people who decide not to drink. Making the greatest choice for yourself might be aided by being aware of your own risk depending on your habits.
Research on the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in healthy persons is ongoing. However, there is strong evidence linking excessive alcohol consumption to health issues.
A closer look at alcohol and health is provided here.
How much alcohol is too much?
The definition of moderate alcohol consumption may vary throughout health bodies and research groups.
In the US, men and women have distinct guidelines when it comes to moderate drinking for healthy individuals. In other words, on days when they do drink, men and women should not have more than one or two drinks each.
A few instances of a single drink are:
- 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of standard beer in fluid ounces
- 148 milliliters, or five fluid ounces, of wine
- 44 milliliters, or 1.5 fluid ounces, of hard liquor or distilled spirits
Various health bodies in other countries may have various definitions of one drink.
Additionally, the word “moderate” can have multiple meanings. It may be used, for instance, to determine a person’s risk of disease or damage depending on how many drinks they consume each week.
Dangers associated with moderate alcohol consumption
In summary, alcohol has the potential to be addicted, can lead to intoxication, and is a factor in several health issues and avoidable fatalities. The chances of developing these problems seem minimal if you now drink in moderation and keep on doing so. However, there is some risk.
For instance, drinking alcohol raises the risk of colorectal and breast cancers in any amount. These malignancies are more likely to occur as consumption increases. It’s a slight but real risk increase.
Drinking increases calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain. Additionally, drinking increases the chance of digestive system issues.
Moderate drinking was formerly believed to be associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and maybe diabetes-related death. Further examination of the data suggests that’s not the case. Alcohol has not been shown to provide the same health benefits as a nutritious diet and regular exercise, which have been the subject of more research.
Dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption
Binge drinking is one type of heavy drinking that has a high risk.
Heavy drinking is defined according to a person’s sexual orientation. Heavy drinking is defined as having three or more drinks on any given day or seven or more drinks in a week for women. More than four drinks in a single day or more than 14 drinks in a week are considered heavy drinking for guys.
When someone engages in binge drinking, their blood alcohol content rises to 0.08%. This typically translates to five drinks or more for men and four drinks or more for women in a two-hour period.
Drinking too much alcohol might raise your risk of developing major health issues, such as:
- Some cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver; others include colorectal and
- breast cancers.
- Illness of the liver.
- Cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke and excessive blood pressure.
Heavy drinking has also been connected to unintentional harm and death, as well as planned harm like suicide.
Drinking while pregnant increases the risk of brain damage and other issues for the fetus. Moreover, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may arise from heavy drinking.
When not to drink
The risk of consuming any amount of alcohol is elevated in certain circumstances. Abstain from all alcohol if you
- are either pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
- In case you consume alcohol, take medication that has adverse consequences.
- Possess an alcohol consumption disorder.
- Possess health conditions that drinking can exacerbate.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in the US.
Avoid drinking alcohol when caring for youngsters. The same holds true whether operating a vehicle or in other situations when you must be vigilant and flexible.
Making the decision to drink
Your health is affected by numerous activities. Some carry greater risk than others. For health reasons, if you don’t currently consume alcohol, don’t start.
If you’re otherwise in good health, you might be willing to take the chance of moderate drinking. However, the risk of heavy drinking is substantially higher, even for people who do not have any other health issues. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider about the best course of action for your safety and well-being.
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