The alarm has been sounded on the health effects of drinking alcohol.
But is it as alarming as they say?
Design elements: Getty Images.
Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell collage/Cassie Basford.
Yet, more and more, the science is pointing to the health risks of drinking alcohol.
In January, the U.S. Fast-forward to today, and we are facing a similar wake-up callthis time with alcohol.
The new health advisory challenges the way weve long viewed alcohol consumptionas a harmless enjoyment, particularly in moderation.
But these effects only kick in when you down too many drinks, right?
So, whats the real deal?
Meanwhile, heavier drinkers often had additional health risks, making alcohol look better than it actually is.
As a result, you end up feeling more anxious the next day.
Every glass chips away at your brains natural ability to manage those feelings.
But its not just about how you feel.
Its also about how alcohol impacts your memory.
Over time, alcohol can pile on the pressure, causing the liver to become overloaded and inflamed.
Sleep Disruption
Think that nightcap is helping you sleep?
Its actually doing the opposite.
After all, alcohol is deeply woven into our social celebrations, cultural traditions and even daily routines.
Need Support?
This period allows you to identify triggers and develop new coping mechanisms, she explains.
Rethinking Moderation
When it comes to drinking alcohol, health institutions recommend moderation.
The good news is that, nowadays, its pretty easy to find nonalcoholic options in bars and restaurants.
But what do you do when your friends start pouring the pressure as freely as the drinks?
Creating New Rituals
Finding new ways to celebrate and unwind without alcohol can help build lasting change.
Rather than feeling like youre giving something up, replace it with a new ritual, she wisely advises.
Looking for inspiration?
The Bottom Line
With the U.S. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.U.S.
Surgeon General Issues New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.A History of the Surgeon Generals Reports on Smoking and Health.
2019;116(26):12767-12774. doi:10.1073/pnas.1902668116
Khaderi SA.Introduction: Alcohol and Alcoholism.Clin Liver Dis.
Rumgay H, Murphy N, Ferrari P, Soerjomataram I.Alcohol and cancer: Epidemiology and biological mechanisms.Nutrients.
2021;13(9):3173. doi:10.3390/nu13093173
National Cancer Institute.Alcohol and Cancer Risk.
2024;7(2):e2354270.
2020;20(1):64.
2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.03.
2024;47(4):zsae003.
doi:10.1093/sleep/zsae003
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Understanding Alcohol Drinking Patterns.
