Just one little drink a day may seriously affect your health

[Rimmer]

 

The idea that "moderate" alcohol consumption is safe—or even beneficial—has been increasingly challenged by scientific research. Here’s a closer look at how alcohol affects the body and why even small amounts may be harmful:

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1. Risks of One Alcoholic Drink a Day

• Cardiovascular Health: While some earlier studies suggested that moderate drinking, such as one drink per day, might reduce heart disease risk, more recent research indicates that these benefits are not as clear. Any amount of alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of arrhythmias and stroke.
• Cancer Risk: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Even one drink per day can increase the risk of cancers like breast, esophageal, and liver cancer.
• Liver Strain: Alcohol is processed by the liver, and even small amounts can contribute to liver inflammation and damage over time.
• Mental Health: Alcohol is a depressant and can contribute to anxiety and depression, even at low levels of consumption.

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2. Risks of Two Alcoholic Drinks a Day

The risks become more pronounced with two or more drinks per day:

• Increased Mortality Risk: Studies have found that drinking two or more drinks daily can significantly increase the risk of premature death, primarily due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
• Cognitive Decline: Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Two drinks daily can accelerate this process.
• Addiction Potential: Regular consumption of two drinks a day may lead to dependence over time, as tolerance develops.
• Digestive System Damage: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis and ulcers, and contributes to pancreatitis.

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3. The "J-Curve" Myth

The "J-curve" hypothesis suggests that light drinkers have lower mortality than non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. However, this has been questioned:

• Bias in Studies: Many studies did not adequately separate lifelong abstainers from former drinkers (who may have quit due to health issues).
• Confounding Factors: Light drinkers might have other healthy lifestyle habits, skewing results.

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4. Alternatives for Cardiovascular Health

The supposed benefits of alcohol for heart health, like red wine’s antioxidants, can be obtained from non-alcoholic sources such as:

• Eating fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols (e.g., berries, grapes).
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Maintaining a balanced diet low in processed foods.

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5. Emerging Guidelines

Public health guidelines are moving toward stricter recommendations:

• WHO Position: No amount of alcohol is considered safe for health.
• Canada’s 2023 Guidelines: Strongly recommend limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per week.

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Conclusion

Even one alcoholic drink per day carries risks, particularly for cancer and cardiovascular health, and the harms escalate with two drinks. Choosing alternatives like non-alcoholic beverages or focusing on other health-promoting habits is a better way to reduce the risk of long-term harm.

 

[soalbundy]

Breathing is pretty risky as well.

[save the frogs]

maybe you can get away with a couple of drinks a week without any negative impact. 

 

or try your luck drinking daily if you're feeling lucky, punk.

 

 

 

[georgegeorgia]

I do believe alcohol especially as you get older weakens you 

Could you for example still drink heavy the night before and go to work the next day ?

I couldn't and I noticed red faces in older adults who drink ,red veins in their nose looking washed out 

[georgegeorgia]

31 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

Breathing is pretty risky as well.

Brain cells my friend 

[bkk6060]

There is only so much brain equity unfortunately, ethanol kills brain equity.

I agree the older you are the worse it is for you.  Sure does not seem to be stopping people many bars are busy some busy in the early afternoon. 

[georgegeorgia]

Does anyone here over say 60 still drink the night before and have energy the next day ?

 

What side effects do you get ?

[Tropicalevo]

There is not much point in trying to identify just one thing that is bad for you.

Life style, diet, exercise regime, taking drugs (yes, cannabis/smoking as well), even genetics all get into the mix.

I am almost 74 and have two regular check ups every year. Work permit and life style.

I have been drinking alcohol daily for 60 years.

Too much when younger, not so much now.

Results from the medicals - very strong heart, could go on until I am 100.

Liver OK, but the rest........ oops.

Stage 4 COPD, Stage 3 kidney disease, bladder issues (prostate gone now) oh, and I was found to have 'inherited' gout when I was in my early 20's.

Usual old folk's tremors and forgetfulness - tryping (sic) is tricky these days.

Cannot exercise so much - cannot breath with the COPD but still do daily walks and running around looking after guests.

Still riding the ancient scooter- love going around the island on a sunny day - except in high season (now) and even go across to the mainland for a 'blast' now and again.

 

Which is more dangerous?

One drink per day, or the roads in Thailand.

 

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, bkk6060 said:

There is only so much brain equity unfortunately, ethanol kills brain equity.

I agree the older you are the worse it is for you.  Sure does not seem to be stopping people many bars are busy some busy in the early afternoon. 

 

3 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

There is not much point in trying to identify just one thing that is bad for you.

Life style, diet, exercise regime, taking drugs (yes, cannabis/smoking as well), even genetics all get into the mix.

I am almost 74 and have two regular check ups every year. Work permit and life style.

I have been drinking alcohol daily for 60 years.

Too much when younger, not so much now.

Results from the medicals - very strong heart, could go on until I am 100.

Liver OK, but the rest........ oops.

Stage 4 COPD, Stage 3 kidney disease, bladder issues (prostate gone now) oh, and I was found to have 'inherited' gout when I was in my early 20's.

Usual old folk's tremors and forgetfulness - tryping (sic) is tricky these days.

Cannot exercise so much - cannot breath with the COPD but still do daily walks and running around looking after guests.

Still riding the ancient scooter- love going around the island on a sunny day - except in high season (now) and even go across to the mainland for a 'blast' now and again.

 

Which is more dangerous?

One drink per day, or the roads in Thailand.

 

78 and have no diseases yet. don't drink though until about 35 yfears ago I did have an occasional beer but in those days some years I had none.  Smoked for 3 years - VN war days but survived both obviously, and haven't ever had any drugs.  I haven't even had a headache for more than 30 years, never need aspirin or the like, eat healthy IAW Dr. Li's diet books, maintain a healthy weight, do 6 kms a day, lift weights 2-3 times a week, do hour-long core exercises on the weight's days and awake each day without pains.  I drink a glass of water just before getting into bed, sleep 7.5-8 hours daily and drink another glass of water before getting out of bed.  I drink 2-3 cups of green tea a day mixed with ginger, and 2 cups of coffee a day.  I eat during a 5 hour period each day and fast for 19 hours daily (during my sleep period ).  I noticwe that now the FDA people in the US want health warnings on all alcoholic beverages as they too recognize that even a drink a day could possibly cause cancer, or heart disease.  I do wish good health to all readers.

[KhunLA]

Certainly shouldn't surprise anyone.  Thinking 1 or 2 drinks a day wasn't unhealthy or even considered healthy could have only been funded by alcohol groups.

 

Luckily never addicted, but certainly is habit forming.  I stopped indulging 'almost' completely.  Don't miss it at all.

 

Definitely a hard habit to break, as the marketing is very effective.

[bokningar]

Listen to scaremongering is dangerous for you.

Being happy is healthy for you.

[Hummin]

2 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

I do believe alcohol especially as you get older weakens you 

Could you for example still drink heavy the night before and go to work the next day ?

I couldn't and I noticed red faces in older adults who drink ,red veins in their nose looking washed out 

Alchohol was fun when younger, now I enjoy a glass or two in good comapany and dinners. 

 

Alchohol is not good for old men, who already have lifestyle problems and health challenges.

[Hummin]

28 minutes ago, bokningar said:

Listen to scaremongering is dangerous for you.

Being happy is healthy for you.

Tell us your happiness formula.  I hear that quite often related to unhealthy lifestyles, and from people who obviously do have lifestyle issues.