DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

The use of alcoholic beverages in our society is very common. However, drinking alcohol can be harmful. Some people should not drink at all.

Here is some important information you should know about drinking alcoholic beverages:

Alcoholic beverages supply calories, but few nutrients.
Drinking alcohol beyond moderation increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, alcoholism and other serious health problems.
Use of alcohol can increase the risk of injury and death, such as motor vehicle crashes, boating accidents, drowning, industrial injuries, homicides, assaults, and domestic violence
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer, especially cancer of the mouth, esophagus, throat and vocal chords (larynx).
Alcohol stays in the blood of some persons up to 2 to 3 hours after a single drink.
Drinking a large amount of alcohol is defined as more than 3 drinks per day.
If you have a family history of alcoholism, you are at risk for alcohol addiction.

What is drinking in moderation? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines, moderation is no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. This is based on the differences in body size and metabolism between women and men. One drink means no more than one-half ounce of pure alcohol. Examples of one drink are:

12 ounces of regular beer
5 ounces of wine and
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits

Some people should not drink alcoholic beverages at all. These include:

children and teens
persons of any age who cannot control their drinking at moderate levels
persons who plan to drive, operate machinery, or take part in other activities that require attention, skill, or coordination
persons with certain medical conditions and
persons taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that interact with alcohol

Before choosing to drink alcoholic beverages, even in moderation, consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your health. If you already drink alcohol, drink it in moderation and with meals to slow absorption. Avoid drinking and driving, or whenever it puts you or others at risk.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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