Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of many health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, liver disease, depression, suicide, accidents, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism.

How does alcohol consumption affect health?

This is what science tells us about the effects of alcohol on the body.

Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood known as triglycerides. A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol has been associated with the accumulation of fat in the arterial walls. That, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Drinking excessively can also lead to high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, and even death from alcohol poisoning. And it can interfere with the brain’s communication pathways, affecting the way the brain works.

Excessive alcohol consumption (drinking five or more drinks in two hours for men or four or more drinks for women) can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, irregular or shaky heartbeats that can lead to blood clots, strokes, and heart failure.

Excessive alcohol use can also prematurely age the arteries over time, especially in men, compared to moderate drinkers.

Also, all the extra calories from drinking alcohol can lead to obesity and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

I drink every day, but not much. Is that risky?

Some studies have shown that those who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have lower rates of heart disease than those who do not drink. But drinking too much alcohol every day can lead to serious risks of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke. If you find yourself drinking more and more over time, consider reducing consumption.

Is a glass of wine a day okay if I have diabetes? Can alcohol affect glucose levels?

The flavonoids and other antioxidants in wine can protect the heart and blood vessels from the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals produced by the body. This is particularly true for diabetics because they have been shown to have a high production of oxygen free radicals.

But there is no scientific evidence specifically related to alcohol consumption and diabetes.

On the downside, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, and people with diabetes are already at high risk.

For all people, alcohol can lower blood sugar. If your doctor has given you permission to drink alcohol in moderation, be sure to eat a meal or snack when you drink to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

Is alcohol high in calories?

Alcoholic beverages contain calories, as do many mixers added to alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, or creams. Added sugars can also come in the form of syrup or simple liqueurs, which are common ingredients in many cocktails.

A beer or glass of wine generally has around 100 to 150 calories. A cocktail can range from 100 to almost 500 calories, depending on the ingredients. If you drink alcohol, remember to include it in your meal planning so you don’t get more calories than you need.

Can I drink alcohol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pregnant women should not drink. It can seriously harm the baby and can cause birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome.

If you are breastfeeding your newborn, be aware that there may be an association between alcohol in breast milk and decreased thinking and reasoning abilities in the child at a later age. Therefore, it may be better to avoid drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.

Isn’t red wine supposed to be healthy?

We have all seen the headlines about studies associating moderate or moderate consumption with health benefits and reduced mortality. Some researchers have suggested that wine offers health benefits, especially red wine, and that one glass a day may be good for the heart.

But there is more to the story.

No research has shown a cause and effect link between drinking alcohol and improving heart health.

The components of red wine, such as flavonoids and other antioxidants, can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease, but they can also be found in other foods such as grapes or red grape juice or blueberries.

It is not clear if red wine is directly associated with the health benefits seen in some studies, or if there are other factors at play. Moderate wine drinkers may have a healthier diet and lifestyle, including physical activity and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol for potential health benefits. Instead, take steps to lower cholesterol, control high blood pressure, control weight, get enough physical activity, stay away from tobacco, and follow a healthy diet.