In the meantime, research released last month revealed that mortality linked to excessive drinking is increasing in the US, particularly among women. One of the most commonly consumed drugs in the world, alcohol has a lengthy history of usage across many civilizations. While there may be some possible health advantages to moderate alcohol intake, it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards and unfavorable effects of excessive or reckless drinking. In order to better understand the complexities of alcoholism, we interviewed eight professionals from the domains of medicine, psychology, and public health for this article.
1. From a medical perspective, said Dr. Sarah Martinez:
According to Dr. Martinez, moderate alcohol use may raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and have other positive effects on the heart. She does, however, caution against excessive alcohol intake since it may cause a variety of health issues, such as liver illness, addiction, and a higher chance of accidents.
2. James Thompson, Ph.D., Psychological Effects:
Dr. Thompson talks about how alcohol may lower inhibitions and foster social contact, among other psychological impacts. He cautions that turning to alcohol to deal with stress or worry might result in dependence and detrimental effects on one’s mental health.
3. Emily Collins, Ph.D., Social and Cultural Factors:
Professor Collins emphasizes the importance that alcohol plays in intercultural social bonding and celebration. She also emphasizes the harm that binge drinking can do to communities, families, and relationships.
4. Dr. Robert Green, “Genetics and Addiction”:
Dr. Green investigates the hereditary components that affect a person’s propensity to develop an alcohol addiction. He adds that certain individuals could be more genetically predisposed to drinking.
5. Dr. Lisa Patel, Effects on Long-Term Health:
Dr. Patel discusses the long-term health effects of frequent drinking, such as an elevated risk of heart disease, some malignancies, and liver cirrhosis. She stresses the need for moderation in reducing these hazards.
6. Michael Reid, Professor of Public Health:
Professor Reid talks about how alcohol affects society’s health, as well as how it affects the economy and health care systems. He also supports the implementation of strong laws that will reduce the negative effects of excessive alcohol use.
7. Dr. Ana Ramirez, author of “Gender Differences,” says:
Dr. Ramirez investigates how variations in metabolism and body composition between men and women lead to distinct effects of alcohol. She points out that drinking alcohol typically has more serious negative effects on women’s health.
8. Balancing Risks and Rewards by Dr. David Nguyen:
Dr. Nguyen stresses the need to balance the hazards of moderate alcohol intake with any possible benefits. He urges people to make thoughtful decisions that take into account their health and surroundings.
What do the studies that claim the beverage has health advantages mean?
The concept that having a glass of red wine every now and then can boost heart health is maybe the most prevalent alcohol benefit fallacy.
Several studies conducted over the last several decades have shown a connection between moderate alcohol use and a lower risk of heart disease. The possibility that people who don’t drink would experience alcohol’s harmful effects on their health or that mild drinking may be related to other good lifestyle variables like being active and eating a balanced diet should not be investigated, according to specialists.
Light to moderate drinkers have been shown to have a lower body fat index, consume more vegetables, and be more active, according to some prior studies, according to Dr. Krishna Aragam, a cardiologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Regarding the misconception surrounding red wine, Dr. Zhaoping Li, MD, head of clinical nutrition at UCLA Health, made note that red grapes are also believed to have antioxidants that are good for the heart.
What amount of alcohol is harmful?
Long-term health hazards from alcohol use include liver and heart problems, a compromised immune system, and various cancers. According to studies, consuming a lot of alcohol at once or even just one drink a day might raise blood pressure.
According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, moderate, low-risk alcohol consumption is one drink or less for women and two drinks or fewer for men per day. Additionally, depending on personal health variables, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a screening tool to assist individuals in estimating their alcohol intake.
However, new alcohol consumption recommendations in Canada, which were published in January, suggest consuming less. Two drinks per week are recommended as a moderate, low-risk intake.
Nevertheless, individuals are sometimes advised not to drink more frequently than twice or three times each week.
