Buzzkill

Most people are aware that heavy drinking is bad for you. Liver damage and injuries from accidents while impaired are the most common health threats that we tend to think of when it comes to consuming a lot of alcohol.

But it’s becoming more and more clear that even relatively light alcohol consumption on a regular basis presents significant health threats from a wide variety of negative effects on the body.

It’s not just the liver and accidental injuries that are problematic with alcohol. For example, I’ve written previously on the damage to the brain and long-term diminished cognitive function causes by excess alcohol intake.

While those issues with alcohol are relatively well-known, what is less familiar to many people is that alcohol is a well-established carcinogen and regular consumption significantly increases the risk of several types of cancer.

But what about red wine? Doesn’t it have antioxidants that protect you from cancer? Yes, the primary antioxidant in red wine, resveratrol has been shown to have anti-cancer effects; however, the ethanol (alcohol) in wine more than negates any benefits it might have. It’s been estimated that for every cancer prevented by the resveratrol in red wine, the ethanol causes 100,000 cancer cases!

Another aspect of alcohol risk, and one that is subject to differing definitions, is how much qualifies as “light,” “moderate,” and “heavy” consumption. Since those terms don’t have consistent meanings, I think it may be more useful to speak in terms of actual consumption and how that compares to health risk.

From that standpoint, a recent review of the research found that regular consumption of 7 “standardized” alcoholic drinks per week (each containing .6 fluid ounces or about 14 grams of pure alcohol) carries a risk of about 1 in 1000 of dying from alcohol-related health conditions. When consumption went up to 9 drinks per week, the risk went up to 1 in 100!

So, even just a small difference within what many would consider light to moderate consumption can have major impacts on health.

Because of the significant health risks, the World Health Organization has recommended that alcohol consumption be avoided altogether.

I’m mostly a non-drinker myself (my consumption is typically in the low single digits per year), but I think that there is a case to be made for light (averaging one to two drinks per week or less) alcohol consumption on the basis of social benefits and simple enjoyment of life. If wine or other alcoholic beverages brings one enjoyment, I think there are intangible benefits to light consumption that at least somewhat offsets the relative health risks. Likewise, if having the occasional drink or two with friends eases social interactions, the benefits probably outweigh the risks, particularly if it’s not an every day thing.

But I do recommend that those who drink as a matter of course every day reconsider that activity and their reasons for it. We really can’t pretend to drink wine because “it’s healthy” anymore. And if you’re drinking to relax, there are other ways to achieve relaxation without alcohol that don’t damage your health.

Until next time…

George F. Best, D.C.