By Diana Macian, M.D. – WellcomeMD – Naples
Its seems every few months a new study comes out about alcohol. It’s bad for you, then it’s good for you, then it’s bad for you again. Between the mixed messages from scientific (and many unscientific) studies and the cultural norm of consuming alcohol at most social and holiday gatherings, it’s no wonder that most of us don’t really know what to think or how much may be too much when it comes to consuming alcohol.
Moderate vs heavy
The definition of “moderate” alcohol consumption according to Dietary Guidelines for Americans is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. One drink can be 12 fluid ounces of beer, eight fluid ounces of malt liquor, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of a distilled spirit or liquor.
Most studies that link any health benefits to alcohol connect it specifically to low and moderate consumption. It is widely agreed upon that there are zero health benefits, and many health risks, linked to heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy or high-risk alcohol consumption is defined as 15 or more drinks in a week for a man, and 8 or more drinks in a week for a woman. Binge drinking, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is consuming four or more drinks within two hours for women, or five or more drinks within two hours for men. Drinking more than three drinks in a given day for women, or more than five drinks in a given day for men, is also considered binge drinking.
Drinking affects men and women differently
If a man and a woman who weigh the same amount drink the same alcoholic beverage, the woman will have a higher Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). This is because women are often smaller, have less water in their body, and metabolize alcohol slower than men do. This can cause women to feel the effects of alcohol quicker and for a longer duration of time. These differences place women at a higher risk to the long-term negative health effects caused by alcohol. Studies show that women who drink just one drink a day have a five to nine percent higher change of developing breast cancer than women who don’t drink at all. Women who drink heavily are also at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, heart disease and reproductive issues, including infertility.
Other risk factors
Not all risk factors from drinking alcohol are internal health related. Alcohol is a key factor in about 30% of fatal motor vehicle crashes and suicides. It is also a factor in 40% of fatal burn injuries, 50% of drownings and homicides, and 65% of fatal falls. Most of these injuries occur in males ages 15-39 which is why the Global Burden of Disease study published by the Lancet concluded that for young adults aged 15-39, there are no health benefits to drinking alcohol, only health risks.
Not all the news about alcohol is bad. For those over the age of 40, without any underlying health conditions, drinking a small amount may provide some health benefits including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. While abstaining from alcohol altogether if you’re under 40 may be unnecessary and unrealistic, it’s important to understand that moderation is key and that we all need to be a bit more mindful about how often and how much alcohol we drink.
Looking for Guidance on Making Healthy Choices?
I have more time than some to work new research and healthy lifestyle changes into my conversations with patients. The journey to optimal health looks different for everyone, and WellcomeMD can help!
Membership medicine (sometimes called “concierge medicine”) re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace.
WELLCOMEMD and your health
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you well.
• In the event of a hospitalization, you have a health advocate. We also help guide your specialist treatments.
• Unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conference appointments — or just a quick call – you choose. Our members even have my cellphone number for emergencies.
If you are ready to plan your healthcare for your specific needs, let’s talk. To schedule a tour of our practice and a complimentary consultation with me, contact WellcomeMD today at (239) 451-5105 or wellcomemd.com/naples-florida.
WellcomeMD
11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 2260
Naples
(239) 451-5105