WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 - ALCOHOL

 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 - ALCOHOL

New York Times:

Last year, a major meta-analysis that re-examined 107 studies over 40 years came to the conclusion that no amount of alcohol improves health; and in 2022, a well-designed study found that consuming even a small amount brought some risk to heart health.

Mayo Clinic:

Research on alcohol suggests a sobering conclusion: Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk increases as the amount you drink increases.

Many people drink alcohol as a personal preference, during social activities, or as a part of cultural and religious practices. People who choose not to drink make that choice for the same reasons. Knowing your risk based on your habits can help you make the best decision.

The evidence for moderate alcohol use in healthy adults is still being studied. However, good evidence shows that drinking high amounts of alcohol is linked to health problems.

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For years, moderate drinking of alcohol was largely ignored.  Here are some discussions about Red Wine:  https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/red-wine-health-benefits  January 2024

Drinking red wine in moderation may have some health benefits, including: 

Heart health
Red wine contains antioxidants and polyphenols, such as resveratrol, which can help increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. This can lead to stronger blood vessels that are less likely to clot, which can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Cognitive function
Red wine may help maintain brain function and improve intelligence and retention. 

Oral health
Red wine has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent tooth decay and loss.

Anti-inflammatory properties
Resveratrol, found in grape skins, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent chronic diseases. 

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But, taking the first quotation above:

“Last year, a major meta-analysis that re-examined 107 studies over 40 years came to the conclusion that no amount of alcohol improves health; and in 2022, a well-designed study found that consuming even a small amount brought some risk to heart health.

Okay - we have a difference of opinion:  “NO AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL IMPROVES HEALTH”.  But the Real Simple article has data to back up the Red Wine benefits.

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The Mayo Clinic defines “moderate drinking” as:

“Moderate alcohol use may not mean the same thing in research studies or among health agencies.

In the United States, moderate drinking for healthy adults differs for men and women. It means on days when a person does drink, and women do not have more than one drink and men do not have more than two drinks.”

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As a society, we have seen the adverse effects of heavy drinking.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states:

“Organs known to be damaged by long-term alcohol misuse include the brain and nervous system, heart, liver, and pancreas. Heavy drinking can also increase your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

I know of women who have been abused by alcoholic spouses.  We hear of drunk driving accidents - many involving death.  

At work, alcohol can impair judgment.  Excessive alcohol can lead to an early death.

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I am not a prude when it comes to drinking.  I remember only two times I was drunk (and I’m not proud of those times).  I have been known as “two beer White” by some people.  I had a single beer on my birthday, and I was slightly impaired.  (I wasn’t driving).  I remember a year and one-half ago when I had three beers, and I decided NOT to drive and walked for forty-five minutes to help sober myself. While I doubt I was over the limit for drunk driving if I had been given a sobriety test, I knew I shouldn’t drive.

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However, recent research suggests NO ALCOHOL.  (New York Times and Mayo Clinic).  

I rarely drink, and I never drink alone.  I don’t need a drink to “calm my nerves” or to “lighten my mood.”  

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While I doubt that the New York Times or Mayo Clinic can do more than warn us about alcohol, it seems real.  Tell your kids, tell your friends - “Drinking any amount of alcohol has no positive impacts” 

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, September 4, 2024