Before you reach for another drink, learn how alcohol contributes to chronic inflammation.
Do you gotta cut back or eliminate alcohol to promote good health?
One of the main ways alcohol can impact your body is by contributing to inflammation.
Getty Images
However, that doesnt mean you cant still enjoy a drink here and there.
Getty Images
Whats Inflammation?
Inflammation is a normal and natural part of your bodys defense system.
If you get a cut or have an infection, acute inflammation occurs.
Yet, it’s considered chronic inflammation when inflammation lasts a few months to a few years.
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to various chronic diseases.
According toStatPearls, these include:
How Does Alcohol Contribute to Inflammation?
Disrupts Your Gut Health
Yourgut healthimpacts way more than just your bathroom habits.
It also plays a role in immune health and chronic inflammation.
Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can harm your gut health.
For one, the toxic compounds in alcohol can directly harm the gastrointestinal system.
Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidants can help counter harmful oxidative stress from alcohol consumption.
You might try swapping out your favorite alcoholic beverage foran anti-inflammatory drinksometimes.
Its also helpful to cut back on or quit smoking, says Mesa.
Chronic stress can contribute to persistent inflammation, says Manaker.
How Much Alcohol Is Safe?
The quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption play a significant role in impacting inflammation.
Moderate drinking may not cause the same level of inflammation as excessive or binge drinking, says Manaker.
The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk.
What throw in of Alcohol Is the Least Inflammatory?
Mesa says, The most important thing to consider when drinking alcohol is how much and how often.
Even red wine, rich in antioxidants, can be detrimental if consumed in high amounts.
That being said, some types of alcoholic drinks may be worse for inflammation than others.
For one, Manaker says, Alcoholic drinks made with added sugar may exacerbate inflammation.
So, mixed drinks and cocktails with additional sweeteners may exacerbate the potential harm of the alcoholic drink.
Youll also want to be aware of the alcohol by volume percentage.
So, theres not really one bang out of alcohol thats least inflammatory.
