alcohol

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There is little doubt that heavy alcohol consumption while pregnant is harmful, but moderate alcohol consumption carries both risks and benefits. For example, alcohol consumption may decrease the risk of heart disease but increase the risk of cancer, heartburn and liver inflammation. Alcohol also increases liver disease mortality, but has a neutral effect on atrial fibrillation. The American College of Cardiology suggests limiting alcohol intake to reduce high blood pressure.

Alcohol and Women’s Health

Even “light” drinking increases the risk of breast cancer. One study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, reviewed results of over 100 prior studies and concluded that 5,000 breast cancer deaths annually can be attributed to light drinking. For women, breast cancer risk from alcohol is dose-dependent, meaning there may be no safe threshold.

The Harvard Women’s Health Study suggests little to no risk from red wine, possibly because red grapes suppress the activity of aromatase — the enzyme used by breast tumors to produce estrogen – and counteract elevated breast cancer risk linked to alcohol intake. And de-alcoholized red wine may improve arterial function.

Alcoholic beverages do not count toward one’s phytochemical index (one type of healthy eating score). And some types of mushrooms, such as morels, should never be consumed with alcohol. Strong alcoholic drinks such as wine or spirits are not considered hydrating.

As for non-dietary alcohol, the smell of isopropyl and rubbing alcohol may reduce nausea and vomiting.

Image Credit: Amanda Rae. This image has been modified.

Topic summary contributed by Wyatt

All Videos for Alcohol

The Food Industry Wants the Public Confused About Nutrition

The “Fairness Doctrine” example shows to what extent the purveyors of unhealthy products will go to keep the truth from the American public.

Is It Better to Advise More Plants or Less Junk?

It may be politically more expedient to promote an increase in consumption of healthy items rather than a decrease in consumption of unhealthy items, but it may be far less effective.

The Effects of Avocados and Red Wine on Meal-Induced Inflammation

Whole plant sources of sugar and fat can ameliorate some of the postprandial inflammation caused by the consumption of refined carbs and meat.

Best Foods to Improve Sexual Function

Selecting foods to improve pelvic blood flow and decrease inflammation both long-term and immediately after a meal may improve sexual functioning in men and women.

Does Aspartame Cause Cancer?

How should we parse the conflicting human data on aspartame (Nutrasweet) intake and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer?

Is Miso Healthy?

Miso is packed with sodium, which is linked to both stomach cancer and high blood pressure, so is miso safe to consume?

What are the Effects of the Hops Phytoestrogen in Beer?

When it comes to breast cancer risk, does the phytoestrogen in beer act more like the animal estrogens in Premarin, or the protective phytoestrogens in soy?

The Most Potent Phytoestrogen is in Beer

The reason why women who handle hops start menstruating is because of a phytoestrogen that ends up in beer, called 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN).

The Risks and Benefits of Sensible Sun Exposure

The Risks & Benefits of Sensible Sun Exposure

We don’t have to choose between the lesser of two evils: skin cancer versus internal cancers from vitamin D deficiency.

Is it Worth Switching from White Rice to Brown?

What happens when brown rice is put to the test in a randomized controlled crossover trial?

Slowing Our Metabolism with Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

The reason greens are associated with a significantly longer lifespan may be because, like caloric restriction, they improve our energy efficiency.

Can Vinegar Help with Blood Sugar Control?

The consumption of vinegar with meals was used as a folk remedy for diabetes before drugs came along, but it wasn’t put to the test until recently.