Alcohol: The good, the bad and the ugly

Editor’s note: In this weekly column addressing medical and health care issues, doctors from Mercer University’s medical school provide useful and timely information on a variety of topics. Readers with questions for the doctors can email them at groover_ce@mercer.edu.

Alcohol consumption can be a double-edged sword as far as health benefits. What are the risks and benefits of alcohol? The first thing to consider is how much is one drink of alcohol. One portion of alcohol is generally considered to be 10 to 15. This can be found in a 12-ounce can of beer, an 8-ounce serving of malt liquor, a 5-ounce serving of wine, or one shot (1.5 ounces) of 80 proof spirits.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines low-risk drinking as no more than three drinks per day and no more than seven drinks per week in women. In men, no more than four drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week is the limit. Some experts would set the daily limit at no more than two drinks for men and one drink for women.

The good effects of “safe” levels of alcohol consumption include decreases in coronary heart disease and heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic stroke and gallstones. Evidence also suggests that light-to-moderate drinking may be WHAT DOES IT MEAN protective in lowering the risk of developing dementia. Drinking more than the “safe” amount can offset these good effects. Another question is whether the type of alcohol is related to these good effects. Some studies indicate that red wine may be the best type of alcohol, because of other substances found in the red wine, while other studies seem to contradict this. The jury is still out on this question.

The bad effects of alcohol include increased risk of breast cancer in women (taking folate may lessen this effect), hemorrhagic stroke, head and neck cancers, some gastrointestinal cancers and cirrhosis in heavy drinkers, as well as acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas leading to abdominal pain). Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture.

The ugly effects of alcohol are increased risk of birth defects if used during pregnancy, and a large increased risk of accidents and trauma, including motor vehicle accidents, violent behavior and suicide. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive you should abstain from any alcohol intake. You should also abstain from alcohol consumption if you are driving.

As Oscar Wilde said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” You should consult a health care provider to determine the specific risks and benefits of alcohol use for you. Most experts would advise not starting alcohol consumption for any health benefits if you currently do not drink. Certainly, if you have a history of substance abuse, you should also not consume alcohol. If you do consume alcohol, always stay within the safe limits.

This story was originally published November 8, 2016 at 3:36 PM with the headline "Alcohol: The good, the bad and the ugly."