So alcohol will probably never get an invitation to be on “Superfoods” list. But is it really to Bad for you? Unfortunately, yes, it can be quite harmful to the body – especially at certain levels of consumption.
“Alcohol is generally consumed for social and cultural purposes, but as a doctor I have to emphasize the importance of understanding its effects on the body, both immediate and long-term, as they can significantly affect general health,” says Kristine Propeta-Gedroic, MD. Alcohol can affect anything, from your cognitive function to your heart health to your motor reflexes.
As I said, 67 percent of Americans identified themselves as social drinkers in a 2024 NC Solutions Trends Report. So how harmful is alcohol, exactly? And what are the risks of drinking every day? Continue browsing for alcohol 101, according to doctors.
Experts displayed in this article:
Kristine Profeta-GedroicMD, is an integrative medical physician and founder of the Gedroic Medical Institute and the Propheta Institute.
Laura PurdyMD, is a family medical physician and founder of Telehealth Company Swell Medical.
Andrew KulikMD, is a psychiatrist and chairman of behavioral health at Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago.
What is alcohol, exactly?
“Alcohol, or ethanol, is a psychoactive substance and central nervous system depressive that is usually found in drinks Like wineBeer and different spirits, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. Beer, wine and cider are created by fermentation that uses yeast or bacteria to convert sugars into fruits, vegetables or barley into alcohol and carbon dioxide, she explains. Harder harder drinks such as gin, rome, tequilaAnd vodka is then distilled to remove all water from the liquid for a stronger concentration of alcohol.
The exact nutritional information about alcohol varies on the source, but the alcohol itself does not have nutritional value, says Andrew Kulik, MD. It is calorie -tight, but contains no protein, vitamins, minerals or important nutrients.
How does alcohol affect the body?
First and foremost, because alcohol is a psychoactive substance and depressive in the central nervous system, it lowers neurotransmittern levels in your brain and then slows down brain activity, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. The result? Mood changesawareness, thoughts, feelings, behavior, muscle function and potential cognitive damage when used in abundance.
In addition, alcohol affects several systems in the body negatively. One of the main problems is liver health, since excessive alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, which leads to condition such as oily liver disease, hepatitis and in severe cases, chronic liver disease, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic.
The bowel is not spared either. “Alcohol disturbs the sensitive balance of the intestinal microbiome and damages the intestinal lining, increases intestinal permeability, a condition often called as leaking gut“Says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. This allows toxins and harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, which drives systemic inflammation, which can aggravate various health problems.
Alcohol can also affect your rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which can make you feel drowsy the day after, says Dr. KULY. In addition, when you go to bed with alcohol in your system, you are likely to experience problems falling and falling asleep, According to the Sleep Foundation.
From a cardiovascular perspective, alcohol consumption can be a double -edged sword, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. “While moderate intake can provide some protective benefits, excessive drinking raises blood pressureincreases triglycerides and increases the risk of the risk of heart disease And stroke. So the risks often outweigh the benefits, especially for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions. “
So, what if you drink alcohol every day? An increased risk for all of the above. “The more you drink, the greater the health risk,” says Laura Purdy, MD.
Health benefits with alcohol
To be honest, there are not many. In fact, the World Health Organization recently declared That no amount of alcohol is safe for your health.
That said, if you had to choose a “healthiest” form of alcohol, red wine has a reasonable reputation thanks to its high antioxidant content, which can increase the immune function, Improve skin healthAnd lower blood pressure, says Dr. Purdy. But she also notes that there are much healthier antioxidant sources (such as berries, tomatoes, peppers, nuts and seeds) that offer a greater range of nutrients.
The polyphenols, specifically resveratrol, found in red wine have also been associated with improved heart health due to their ability to increase HDL levels (aka good cholesterol), which potentially lowers the risk of coronary artery disease, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. But again you are much better Snacks on fruit And vegetables, which also offer health -promoting polyphenols.
How much alcohol is it safe to drink daily?
The Center for disease control and prevention (CDC) Defines safe alcohol use as having one drink or less per day for women, and two drinks or less per day for men, but this should not be seen as a recommendation to drink daily, says Dr. Profeta-Gedroic. “For optimal health, it is best to limit alcohol consumption to rare occasions or avoid it completely.”
If you choose to drink, stick to one type of alcohol at a time and limit yourself to a single portion. As a reference, Dr. Profeta-Gedroic that a standard drink size contains 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of spirits.
Is alcohol bad for you?
“It’s not good for you,” says Dr. Purdy. “Alcohol is a psychoactive, addictive substance that affects your mind, mood and mental state,” she explains.
Dr. Profeta-Gedroic seconds this, and notes that although individual drinks are not the end of the world, alcohol is actually toxic to the body. As a result, liquor can track your health goals, which can lead to poor sleep, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, dementiaDepression and anxiety. Often alcohol consumption is also linked to cancer, poor brain function and heart disease, she says. “As a doctor, I understand the importance of balance and the desire to fully enjoy life, but alcohol often becomes a significant intervention in any wellness trip.”
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and degree from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and elsewhere.
