Do we drink too much alcohol? What science says

The answer is not so simple, but new studies are making it clear that excess can have very serious consequences for public health.

Scientists are adjusting their recommendations on alcohol consumption, and, spoiler alert: it's not good news for party enthusiasts!

Although many consider alcohol a normal part of social life, warnings about its adverse effects are becoming increasingly urgent. In this sense, the million-dollar question remains: how much is too much?

The Dark Side of Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol, even in amounts that could be considered "moderate," can lead to serious health problems. Did you know that recent studies have linked alcohol to various types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer?

Yes, you heard it right! In addition to this, alcohol is also associated with heart and liver diseases. In other words, the only way to be completely safe is to avoid alcohol altogether. But let's be realistic, for many this is not a viable option.

According to research, the risk of cancer increases when exceeding the recommendations of one drink per day. And to put things into perspective, a study from the American Cancer Society journal revealed that in 2019, alcohol was responsible for approximately 24,400 cancer deaths in the United States. As they say in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: the first step is to recognize the problem!

Guidelines on the Radar: How Much is Too Much?

The guidelines on alcohol consumption vary from country to country, but a consensus seems to emerge: less is more! In the United States, for example, it is recommended that men do not consume more than two drinks a day and women no more than one.

However, some Canadian studies suggest that the risk of alcohol-related death increases when exceeding two drinks per week. That's a real game changer!

The new Canadian guidelines categorize alcohol consumption into different levels of risk. Does it seem complicated? Let's break it down: up to two drinks a week are considered low risk; three to six, moderate risk; and seven or more, high risk. So the next time you're thinking about ordering that "extra" at the bar, you might want to think twice.

Strategies to Moderate Consumption

If you decide that alcohol will remain a part of your social life, there are several strategies that can help you reduce the risks. One of the most effective is to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Not only will you reduce your total consumption, but you will also allow your body to process alcohol more gradually. Additionally, remember not to drink on an empty stomach. Eating before and during drinking can be your best friend.

But the impact of alcohol doesn't stop there. Did you know that the body metabolizes alcohol by converting it into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage your DNA?

Yes, it's that serious! And here comes the interesting part: the risk of breast cancer in women increases with alcohol consumption. As the saying goes, "better safe than sorry".

So, the next time you raise your glass, ask yourself: is it really worth it? Perhaps a toast to health, instead of excess, is the true way to go. Remember that moderation is key, and as the saying goes: "too much of anything is bad". Cheers, but with responsibility!