EVEN YOUR OCCASIONAL GLASS OF ALCOHOL IS NOT THAT GREAT FOR YOU

"It's just a glass of wine."

"I only drink on special occasions."

"I only drink during weekends."

If you're here, it kind of implies that you, too, have indulged in the occasional glass of liquor or experienced those nights we don't quite remember (all credit to alcohol's capacity to disrupt the nerves in our brain). 

But then the next day, you might have reassured yourself that 'you're fine' because you drink occasionally.

Well, if that's what you think, we've got (disheartening) news for you.

Several new studies now suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption is not beneficial for your health, compared to the old studies that used to claim that having a drink once in a while might be good for you.

What are these studies?

Alcohol being bad for you is no breaking news; we've all heard this since childhood. However, as adults, occasional drinking might seem acceptable, as a quick Google search will reveal through numerous well-articulated studies.

These studies also suggest that moderate drinking can have some health benefits, particularly for the heart.

• For instance, the American Heart Association says moderate alcohol consumption can help protect against heart disease by raising HDL ("good") cholesterol and reducing plaque build-up in your arteries. 
• Another study quoted by Harvard also further explains that moderate drinking, a concept of drinking where you drink alcohol only in the quantity where it does not 'harm' your body, is okay. 
• In fact, the study also shows that 1-2 drinks a day for men, and no more than 1 drink a day for women 'is not that harmful'.

The underlying subtext 

• However, unlike every other one, these studies come with a set list of limitations which we clearly ignored.
• For instance, let's talk about the study mentioned above where it is claimed that limited alcohol might positively impact your heart. 
• According to the study, drinking limited alcohol could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease in men over 45 and women over 55. 
• However, for younger people, there are no health advantages.
• Furthermore, it's important to note that many of these studies are purely observational, i.e, include those who self-reported their alcohol intake every day (which can be manipulated) and granted access to their health information over a specified duration. 

• Experts believe that there is no point in believing such studies, or even starting having alcohol to get healthy. 

'Risk starts from the first drop'

Now, let's talk about the recent studies that demonstrate why you need to keep your body away from alcohol. 

• The World Health Organization labels alcohol as a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance, as well as a Group 1 carcinogen.
• According to WHO, alcohol is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including common types like bowel cancer and female breast cancer.
• The WHO also attributes this increase in cancer to "light" and "moderate" alcohol consumption. 

"Currently available evidence cannot indicate the existence of a threshold at which the carcinogenic effects of alcohol 'switch on' and start to manifest in the human body," says WHO. 

Another March 2022 research shows that even low levels of drinking increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Experts agree

Dr Nazia Dalwai, a general physician at HCL Healthcare, Mumbai, says that according to recent studies of the effects of alcohol on the body, any form or quantity has been associated with hazardous effects. 

"Alcohol prohibition is the new norm. Earlier, wine or a moderate quantity of alcohol was thought necessary for optimal health. However, risk factors [of drinking alcohol] include liver complications such as fatty liver, liver cirrhosis[liver damage], hepatocellular carcinoma [liver cancer], obesity, acute and chronic pancreatitis, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis [thickening or hardening of the arteries] etc," says Dr Dalwai. Is that good enough?  

Dr Shyam Sharma, a general physician from Assam, also agrees, and cites a national study released by the US government which says that both the options of "drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health." 

What can be done?

Dr Dalwai explains that the only way out is to quit alcohol for good. Here are some steps to quitting alcohol: 

1. Set realistic goals   

Define why you want to quit drinking. Whether it is for health reasons, personal growth, or to improve relationships, having a clear purpose will motivate you during difficult times.

2. Seek help

Having the support of your friends, family, or support groups is very important if you really want to quit. Remember, it is not cool to drink, even though social media and your friends tell you otherwise.

So, if you want to quit drinking, don't be afraid to inform the people who care about you. 

This will also help when you're out at parties or gatherings, and no one is forcing you to drink.  

3. Develop coping strategies

Identify healthier ways to cope with stress, boredom, or social situations that may trigger the urge to drink. 

For instance, if you are bored at a party, instead of slurping on cocktails, speak to people at the party and play games. 

"Opt for non-alcoholic drinks instead of alcoholic ones," says Dr Dalwai.

4. Make lifestyle changes

It is okay to adjust your lifestyle since you are not drinking any more. This may include avoiding places or events where alcohol is readily available (clubs or cafés). 

Instead, find places that do not require alcohol, like swimming, horse riding, playing golf, working out, etc.

Remember

Quitting alcohol is a gradual process, and every time you turn down that drink, it is a step towards a healthier future!

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2024-05-14T08:51:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd