Experts reveal how even a single daily drink could jeopardize your health–What you need to know
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As we age, we often become more conscious of our health and lifestyle choices.
For many in the senior community, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game is one of life's simple pleasures.
However, recent findings from a federal report may prompt us to reconsider our daily drinking habits.
The report, released by a group within the Department of Health and Human Services, has shed new light on the health implications of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels.
The study's findings are particularly relevant to our GrayVine readers, as they apply to both men and women and suggest that a single daily drink is linked to a variety of negative health outcomes.
The federal report highlights an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, several types of cancer, and injuries associated with just one alcoholic drink per day.
While there may be a lower risk of ischemic stroke with moderate drinking, this benefit is negated by the occasional binge drinking session.
Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University, emphasizes that there is no level of alcohol consumption that is entirely free of risk or beneficial to health.
This report is part of a broader effort to inform the upcoming update to the federal dietary guidelines, which may include new recommendations on alcohol intake.
The current guidelines suggest that women limit their consumption to one drink per day and men to two. However, these recommendations could be subject to change based on the latest evidence.
Not surprisingly, the alcohol industry has criticized the report, questioning the process and alleging bias and conflicts of interest.
A group of 23 trade associations linked to the industry expressed concerns that the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans might not be based on sound scientific evidence.
The report's conclusions are based on an analysis of 56 systematic reviews examining the relationship between alcohol and health. The authors found that Americans who consume more than seven drinks a week, or at least one drink a day, have a 1 in 1,000 risk of dying. This risk increases to 1 in 100 for those who have more than nine drinks a week.
Furthermore, the report identified a higher risk of dying from seven types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, liver, and several cancers of the mouth and throat, among those who consume alcohol.
Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated that there is a clear association between alcohol and cancer, with no level of alcohol consumption that reduces cancer risk.
For teens and young adults aged 15 to 20, the report showed that the risk of death due to alcohol rose with alcohol intake, primarily due to car crashes or injuries. This age group is particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related incidents, which are a major cause of death.
The report will undergo a 30-day public comment period before being submitted to Congress, and it will contribute to the finalization of the updated dietary guidelines expected by the end of the year.
Health professionals like Dr. Tawakol and Jane Figueiredo, a cancer epidemiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, advise against starting to drink alcohol for health benefits.
They suggest that there are many other ways to lower the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions without resorting to alcohol.
Aside from wine, alcohol in general has a major impact on our health. To know more, read about the links of cancer and alcohol in this story here.
Have you changed your drinking habits based on health concerns? What are your thoughts on the report's findings? Share your experiences and join the conversation in the comments below!
For many in the senior community, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game is one of life's simple pleasures.
However, recent findings from a federal report may prompt us to reconsider our daily drinking habits.
The report, released by a group within the Department of Health and Human Services, has shed new light on the health implications of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels.
The study's findings are particularly relevant to our GrayVine readers, as they apply to both men and women and suggest that a single daily drink is linked to a variety of negative health outcomes.
The federal report highlights an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, several types of cancer, and injuries associated with just one alcoholic drink per day.
While there may be a lower risk of ischemic stroke with moderate drinking, this benefit is negated by the occasional binge drinking session.
A federal report suggests that even one alcoholic drink a day can be linked to increased health risks, such as liver cirrhosis, several cancers, and injuries. Image source: Helena Lopes / Pexels.
Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University, emphasizes that there is no level of alcohol consumption that is entirely free of risk or beneficial to health.
This report is part of a broader effort to inform the upcoming update to the federal dietary guidelines, which may include new recommendations on alcohol intake.
The current guidelines suggest that women limit their consumption to one drink per day and men to two. However, these recommendations could be subject to change based on the latest evidence.
Not surprisingly, the alcohol industry has criticized the report, questioning the process and alleging bias and conflicts of interest.
A group of 23 trade associations linked to the industry expressed concerns that the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans might not be based on sound scientific evidence.
The report's conclusions are based on an analysis of 56 systematic reviews examining the relationship between alcohol and health. The authors found that Americans who consume more than seven drinks a week, or at least one drink a day, have a 1 in 1,000 risk of dying. This risk increases to 1 in 100 for those who have more than nine drinks a week.
Furthermore, the report identified a higher risk of dying from seven types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, liver, and several cancers of the mouth and throat, among those who consume alcohol.
Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated that there is a clear association between alcohol and cancer, with no level of alcohol consumption that reduces cancer risk.
For teens and young adults aged 15 to 20, the report showed that the risk of death due to alcohol rose with alcohol intake, primarily due to car crashes or injuries. This age group is particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related incidents, which are a major cause of death.
The report will undergo a 30-day public comment period before being submitted to Congress, and it will contribute to the finalization of the updated dietary guidelines expected by the end of the year.
Health professionals like Dr. Tawakol and Jane Figueiredo, a cancer epidemiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, advise against starting to drink alcohol for health benefits.
They suggest that there are many other ways to lower the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions without resorting to alcohol.
Aside from wine, alcohol in general has a major impact on our health. To know more, read about the links of cancer and alcohol in this story here.
Have you changed your drinking habits based on health concerns? What are your thoughts on the report's findings? Share your experiences and join the conversation in the comments below!
