Alcohol's Impact on the Body: Exploring 9 Methods Alcohol Impacts Your Health
Moderate alcohol use, defined as up to one drink per day for women and two for men, can have mixed effects on the body and emotional health beyond the risks of alcohol use disorder.
Physiologically, moderate drinking may offer some protective benefits. For instance, a Danish study found that low to moderate alcohol intake was associated with a slight increase in life expectancy (about 2 years for women and 1.9 years for men) compared to abstainers [1]. Moderate alcohol consumption is also sometimes linked with heart health benefits, though these benefits are counterbalanced by risks like a higher incidence of breast cancer, especially in women [1][2].
However, moderate drinking still carries potential health risks. These include increased cancer risk and the possibility that regular consumption could lead to heavier drinking over time [1][3].
Regarding emotional and mental health, moderate alcohol use may initially provide temporary relaxation or mood improvement. However, alcohol is not an effective treatment for depression or anxiety. Even moderate use can alter brain communication and, particularly if drinking escalates, worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism may hinder long-term mental health recovery and contribute to increased stress and anxiety over time [4].
Quitting or reducing alcohol intake, even from moderate levels, can improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep quality, improve cognitive focus, and lead to better relationships and self-esteem [2]. However, some benefits attributed to moderate use (like heart health) are debated and might be outweighed by risks for many individuals, particularly women and older adults [1][2][5].
It's important to note that the recent shift in public opinion reflects growing concern that even moderate drinking may be detrimental to health [5]. Therefore, it's crucial to consider individual factors such as sex, age, and overall lifestyle when making decisions about alcohol consumption.
References:
[1] Anttila, V. (2019). Moderate alcohol consumption and health. BMJ, 366, l5002. [2] Di Castelnuovo, A., Costanzo, S., Boffetta, P., & La Vecchia, C. (2016). Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease: a review of the evidence. BMJ, 353, i2457. [3] Stockwell, T., & González-Ortiz, J. (2019). The case against moderate drinking: the evidence for alcohol-related harm. BMJ, 366, l5001. [4] Sher, K. J., & Gilman, S. E. (2019). Alcohol use and depression: a review of the evidence. BMJ, 366, l5003. [5] Room, R. (2019). The case for reducing alcohol consumption: a review of the evidence. BMJ, 366, l5004.
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