DailyMail.com recently reported that the Biden administration is considering reducing alcohol guidelines to just two drinks per week. Dr. George Koob, the “alcohol czar” of the United States, stated that evidence has increasingly shown that no amount of alcohol is beneficial for human health. However, studies each year suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may have mild benefits. These theories include stress relief and the health benefits of the antioxidants in wine, although they have not been definitively proven.
To get a better understanding of whether any amount of alcohol can be beneficial, we consulted six experts who had mixed opinions on the matter. Dr. Dan Malleck from Brock University in Canada believes that people should not be afraid of drinking alcohol as long as it is done responsibly. He argues that most experts overlook the social benefits of drinking, as it acts as a conduit for socialization and relaxation. Drinking alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Dr. Malleck criticizes current recommendations and argues that they fail to consider the social benefits of alcohol consumption.
Dr. Malleck does not believe in sticking to a specific number of drinks per week. Instead, he suggests that individuals should be their own guide. However, he cautions against excessive drinking, stating that getting drunk several times a week is likely going too far. Personally, he consumes up to seven or eight bottles of beer a week but also has weeks where he abstains from drinking. He occasionally enjoys a glass or two of whiskey at home.
On the other hand, Dr. George Koob, the US alcohol czar, maintains that there are no benefits to drinking alcohol. He recommends sticking to the current guidelines, which advise no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. However, he also mentions the possibility of revising these guidelines based on data from Canada, where authorities recommend only two drinks per week. Dr. Koob believes that any benefits associated with alcohol consumption are actually due to other factors, such as the Mediterranean diet or socioeconomic status.
Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges from the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. According to her, the risk to one’s health begins with the first drop of any alcoholic beverage. The WHO views drinking less as better for overall health and advises individuals to discuss their alcohol consumption with a healthcare professional. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an arm of the WHO, has classified alcohol as a group one carcinogen, placing it in the same risk category as asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Alcohol has been linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer.
Dr. Farhad Islami from the American Cancer Society agrees that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk. He suggests limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, but emphasizes that it is best not to drink at all. Dr. Islami points out that even with one drink per day, there is an association with an increased cancer risk. A study from 2018 found that approximately 5.6 percent of all cancers could be attributed to alcohol consumption, with the strongest link being rarer cancers like oral and pharyngeal cancer.
Nutritionist Kim Pearson from the UK argues that people should find ways to socialize without relying on alcohol. She states that there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption and highlights the health risks associated with excessive drinking, including liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, stroke, and digestive problems. Furthermore, she warns that alcohol can negatively affect mental health due to its depressant effects.
In conclusion, while there are differing opinions among experts, it is clear that excessive alcohol consumption poses significant health risks. The current guidelines recommend moderation or abstinence for optimal health.
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