Is There Really No Safe Amount of Drinking?
"The safest amount of alcohol to drink is none, according to new guidance from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
The new report says those who drink only one or two boozy beverages per week “will likely avoid” alcohol-related health consequences including chronic diseases, liver injury, and accidents—but the safest choice, it says, is not to drink at all.
To researchers who study alcohol, that recommendation isn’t surprising. The new report reflects a long-brewing shift in the way scientists and health-care providers think about the risks and benefits of alcohol.
For “the past 20-plus years the evidence has been building and building that alcohol is not good for your health,” says John Callaci, a researcher with Loyola University Chicago’s Alcohol Research Program.
If you grew up believing that a glass of red wine per night is good for your heart, you’re not alone.
But Callaci says more recent research has called those older studies’ findings into question. Some researchers didn’t adequately account for underlying differences between non-drinkers (some of whom abstain because they have health problems) and light drinkers (who might have healthier lifestyles overall). So while it looked like light drinkers were healthier than non-drinkers, the booze may not have been the reason.
While some modern studies have found benefits associated with small amounts of alcohol, there’s been a shift in scientific consensus over the past couple decades. Researchers reexamined some previously published data on alcohol use, this time accounting for the “abstainer bias”—the idea that some people don’t drink because they have health or prior substance-abuse issues—and found little to no benefit associated with light drinking.
In 2022, the World Heart Federation released a policy brief debunking the notion that alcohol is heart-healthy. “Contrary to popular opinion, alcohol is not good for the heart,” the report says, noting that some studies that show cardiovascular benefits from drinking are flawed and more recent research points to a host of chronic conditions linked to alcohol.
In the past year alone, studies have found that alcohol consumption may accelerate genetic aging, shrink the brain, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alcohol is also considered a known human carcinogen and has been linked to a variety of cancers, including those of the breast, liver, colon, throat, mouth, and esophagus.
Still, while it’s difficult to make specific recommendations about how much an entire population should—or should not—be drinking, Hien says no one should pour themselves a glass of wine for wellness purposes. Having a cocktail now and then might not harm health, she says, but that’s not the same as helping it."
Read the full article on Time
✨Takeaway: There has been a change in the scientific opinion over the past two decades, despite the fact that some recent research have discovered benefits connected with little amounts of alcohol. However, Due to the new studies, Canada is asserting that the safest amount of alcohol is none.
✨Reflection: What are your thoughts?
#Health #Alcohol #Drinking #Wellness #Wellbeing
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I had cut down significantly because of illnesses before this was out. My doctor had given me the a-ok to drink within moderation and while that was often true before that anyway I used to participate in celebrations that met the classification for binge drinking because it really doesn't take much, especially for long events.
I mostly keep it to 2 drinks/week which I was happy to see is the low risk category but was a little surprised that 3 a week already hits past that. Will have to rethink the occasions where 2 became more - like a celebratory bbq where I had hit that but then champagne started flowing when an engagement proposal happened partway through. How much does the 3rd really hurt me when it's rare?
When I cut down to 2 a week I found most of the time it became 0, there's no open bottle of wine in the fridge and I just don't even think to have a drink.
I also discovered good non-alcoholic beers recently and suspect those will be especially nice in the summer when alcohol doesn't help with staying hydrated. Non-alcoholic wine - I'm not sure if any are worth buying.
@AffyAvo
That’s a really good point. It can be so easy to keep having drinks during long events without really giving it a second thought.
It was very surprising to read that more than 2 is not recommended. Like you said, there are so many events where it’s just like “as long as I don’t start stumbling or slurring my words, I should be good.” Especially since events like that are not an everyday thing.
Out of sight out of mind can be a great approach! Glad that has seemed to work for you. I’ve never tried non-alcoholic drinks though. May have to start giving them a go!💜
@innateJoy9602
I read the research too. In fact, I am a health news junkie. I do most of the recommended activities for a healthy lifestyle - Mediterranean diet, moderate exercise, social connections and I work full time in the healthcare field at 70 years of age,. However, I have also had a glass of wine nearly every night, sometimes two for decades. Life is stressful and I told myself it helped me relax. But the truth is, it gave me a queasy stomach in bed, a little indigestion and sometimes poor sleep. I believed since it was my only kinda-bad habit, it was OK. but it was a long time habit and in the past, I have only gone for short periods of time, like Lent -not drinking at all.
2 weeks ago, I decided it had to stop. I now tell myself- that much alcohol is damaging,- and that self talk helped. I substitute a warm cup of herbal tea, with sleep aids like CBD and chamomile, and lavender. Its is just as good to taste, and definitely helps me REALLY relax. I started by saying " I can go one night a week without wine", and it was not that hard to go 5 nights without it. I even poured a glass, and then poured it right back into the bottle. That felt virtuous. I encourage everyone who thinks they should cut back to try a method that can work for them personally. Success builds on success. We can support each other for better health even when it seems hard.
@MusicCandy
That sounds like such a healthy lifestyle you have there! I believe we’ve all fallen victim to hearing that a glass of wine at night is good. Like you said, life is stressful!
I also do a cup of tea at night. It really can be so soothing. It’s a much healthier alternative as well. I hear that 2 week is the sweet spot for breaking a bad habit. After that it should become easier. <3 Appreciate you sharing your experience. 💜