New Studies Show Even a Light Consumption of Alcohol Has Detrimental Effects on Health
New information has been published on the connection between light drinking and long-term health.
The study has found that consuming just one alcoholic beverage per day can drastically shorten your lifespan. Some researchers suggest that a pint of beer or a glass of wine can reduce your lifespan by two-and-a-half months.
Significant Alcohol Intake Has Detrimental Effects
Dr. Tim Stockwell, a member of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, said in his research that anyone drinking substantially more than one drink per day can have even more detrimental effects on their health.
![Several alcohol and beer bottles displayed on a table next to a clip board menu](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/c008692a-alcohol-bottles.jpg)
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Anyone consuming around 35 drinks per month will most likely be reading their lifespan by roughly 2 years. The information presents a rude awakening for those who like to relax at night with a glass of wine or a pint of their favorite beer.
Alcohol Is the Most Popular Recreational Drug
Stockwell says, “Alcohol is our favorite recreational drug. We use it for pleasure and relaxation, and the last thing we want to hear is that it causes any harm.”
![Two people cheers brown beer bottles with the sun setting in the background in a grassy field](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/bc305e42-beer-bottles.jpg)
Source: Wil Stewart/Unsplash
However, researchers think that the outcomes are worth knowing about. Even though drinking has become proliferated in society, the negative ramifications are no less real.
No Amount of Alcohol Is Recommended by Doctors
According to doctors and researchers, no amount of alcohol is safe for adults.
![A doctor wearing a mask looks defeated with his head in his hands](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/06/853b6d53-img45.jpg)
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Frequent or casual alcohol consumption can create a myriad of health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and more.
High Amounts of Alcohol Related Deaths in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 20,000 people die due to alcohol-related cancers in the United States.
![A doctor looks at an X-Ray](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/10d92322-cancer-diagnosis.jpg)
Source: National Cancer Institute/Unsplash
Most of these people self-identified as “moderate drinkers,” which means one drink per day for women and two drinks for men.
Health Warnings Are Becoming More Popular
Adding informational health warning labels on alcohol is becoming more commonplace to warn the public of the dangers of drinking.
![A woman holds a bottle of wine in one hand and her head in the other, a glass of wine sits on the table](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/28617958-f-hghkewmaaiq_f.jpeg)
Source: @AlcoholJustice/X
Ireland became the first country to pass a new bill requiring all alcohol bottles sold in the country to come with a specific health warning. Meanwhile, Canada has changed its health guidelines to recommend avoiding more than two drinks per week.
The Case of Red Wine
In the past, many people have considered a glass of red wine good for the body due to the high levels of antioxidants found in fermented grapes.
![A table of people hold up glasses of red wine to cheers](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/5c152c41-red-wine.jpg)
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Many studies show a link between heart health and reduced inflammation to drinking red wine daily.
Studies Can Give False Results
Unfortunately, the outcomes of studies can often be skewed due to uncounted variables.
![A table filled with glasses of red wine and plates of food](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/ccae3c97-red-wine-with-dinner.jpg)
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Often, with the case of finding health benefits of red wine, the studies often focus on individuals who live extremely healthy lives in other ways, such as exercising often and eating a nutritious diet. When a study confirms findings like these, it can often ignore the other variables in a persons life.
Many Young People Choosing Sobriety
Choosing sobriety and abstaining from drinking and smoking has become something of its own trend in recent years. Many people who avoid stimulants like alcohol and tobacco have no previous history of substance abuse.
![A woman sits alone in her home, happy](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/06/d4b3053f-1-3.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Instead, younger generations like Millenials and Gen Z have opted to take charge of their health and eliminate toxins and cancer-causing substances such as booze and tobacco.
Experts Warn To Always Avoid Alcohol on Planes
Having a drink before a flight and following it up with another few to pass the time on a plane can be commonplace for many travelers. However, experts are recommending avoiding all alcohol on planes for a surprising health benefit.
![A large ad for alcohol in an airport seating area](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/653b8a9f-alcohol-ad-in-the-airport.jpg)
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The combination of alcohol and the high altitude of flying can often be the reason why so many people experience anxiety, headaches, and even blood clots while on a flight.
Take Care When Drinking
Stockwell’s groundbreaking study has shown a clear link between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality.
![A group of friends sit at a table outside together and hold up drinks in a cheers](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/5c019649-friends-drinking.jpg)
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His findings might be a bit depressing for people who prefer to partake in libations as it contradicts the widely held belief that a little bit of booze can be beneficial for a long and healthy life.
Make Choices Freely
Although it has been scientifically proven that no amount of alcohol is good for you, it’s still wise to make your own choices for your life. Anything can be safely added to your diet when consumed in moderation.
![Four women stand together holding glasses of beer while talking and smiling](https://images.caredoctor.com/2024/07/3eee70b0-friends-drinking-1.jpg)
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Spreading information to society so that everyone knows the facts is the best thing to do for public health.