Moderate drinking and how to keep it that way
For example, alcohol use had a significant link to cancer in people over 50, especially women. Twenty-seven percent of cancer deaths in women and 19% of those in men were linked to their drinking habits. Department of Health and Human Services, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide recommendations on what the average American should eat and drink to promote health and help prevent chronic disease.
In addition, certain individuals, particularly older adults, who are planning to drive a vehicle or operate machinery—or who are participating in activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness—should avoid alcohol completely. Use these tips to talk with someone about cutting back or quitting drinking. Talk with a doctor or nurse if you’re having a hard time cutting back on your drinking. If you keep a lot of alcohol around, you may be tempted to go over the drinking limit you set for yourself when you’re at home. Keeping track of each drink may help you drink less overall.
Myth: Alcohol really just impacts your liver.
Not to be a buzzkill, but alcohol can negatively influence our health in a few different ways in both the short and long term. Alcohol has also been shown to influence a number of hormones linked to satiety. The results of several studies propose that alcohol may influence energy intake by inhibiting the effects of leptin, or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) 56, 57.
- The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice.
- Heavy drinking and binge drinking have been more consistently linked with adiposity.
- However, some critics of the above guidelines feel that they’re actually too generous given the data we have about the health impacts of alcohol.
Alcohol Intake and Obesity: Potential Mechanisms
People with alcohol use disorder who try to quit drinking often ask whether they have to stop consuming alcohol forever—or if they can learn to drink in moderation. Until recently, experts saw no room for social drinking or “just one.” However, programs such as Moderation Management (MM) now allow for a certain level of controlled enabler psychology drinking and have helped many learn to drink safely. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate drinking as up to two alcoholic drinks for men and one for women in any single day. Now more than ever, people are looking for no-alcohol choices to enjoy on more occasions.
Cultural norms would have you believe that drinking is integral to certain activities, like a wedding reception, football game, brunch or night out on the town. It’s important to be aware that alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of those things, Dr. Oesterle says. In addition to affecting the liver, alcohol affects the brain, the heart, and both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Receive free access to exclusive content, a personalized homepage based on your interests, and a weekly newsletter with topics of your choice.
Women Should Drink Less Alcohol Than Men
Instead of drinking beer on a Friday night, “I’d drink seltzer water … and dance in the playroom with my son,” she says. Ten years ago, Donna Dierker, who lives in St. Louis, was concerned about her drinking. She never drank during the workweek, but on weekends were different.
Moderate drinking seems to be good for the heart and circulatory system, and probably protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Heavy drinking is a major cause of preventable death in most countries. In the U.S., alcohol is implicated in about half of fatal traffic accidents. 1 Heavy drinking can damage the liver and heart, harm an unborn child, increase the chances of developing breast and some other cancers, contribute to depression and violence, and interfere with relationships. If you choose to drink, having only a moderate (limited) amount can lower your risk for health problems caused by drinking.
Is moderate drinking good or bad for you?
In the third quarter, our global no-alcohol beer portfolio delivered mid-thirties revenue growth. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Heavy drinking also has been linked to intentional injuries, such as suicide, as well as accidental injury and death. Limit milk/dairy (1-2 servings/day) and juice (1 small glass/day).
Generally, these healthier options will be low in (or free of) added sugars. When it comes to nutrient-added drinks, this could look like opting for resveratrol-rich (an anti-inflammatory plant compound) red wine or choosing a mixed drink made with nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh vegetable juice. Another common practice to encourage moderated drinking habits is the concept of ‘one for one’ where you alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.