Alcohol

Consuming alcoholic beverages is one of the most common practices that exist, associated both with moments of fun and entertainment as well as sadness. There are many types of alcoholic beverages and affordable prices for all budgets. In the vast majority of countries consuming alcohol is extremely easy and you can find it in all kinds of places such as stores, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, etc.; in some states it is even legal to consume it in public. That said, it is evident that as a society we are highly permissive of this practice, without taking into account the multiple damages it causes, not only from the point of view of the health of each individual, but also at a societal level in terms of safety on public roads, traffic, interpersonal relationships, etc.

However, in this lesson, we will approach alcohol from a nutritional point of view. In order to understand the basis for the damage that can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption and how we can achieve a moderate consumption of alcohol, we will discuss its basic characteristics in the following guide, so that you will have the necessary information when making an objective assessment of the use of these products.

Consumption

As mentioned above, the key to enjoying products such as alcohol and avoiding its serious long-term effects lies in moderation.

Keep in mind that women's and men's bodies are different for many reasons, so we make the following distinction:

• Moderate consumption in healthy adults (women): up to one drink per day.

• Moderate consumption in healthy adults (men): up to two drinks per day.

As an example of this we have the following:

• Distilled (80°)- 45 milliliters

• Beer- 360 milliliters

• Wine- 150 milliliters

On the other hand, it is considered excessive or high risk consumption:

• More than three drinks a day (women)

• More than seven drinks per week (women)

• More than four drinks per day (men)

• More than 14 drinks per week (men)

Pros and cons of alcohol consumption

Much has been studied to determine the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in the human organism, and the truth is that there are few and most of them are still inconclusive. However, here are some of them:

• It reduces the risk of diabetes.

• It reduces the risk of suffering a fatal heart disease.

• It reduces the risk of ischemic stroke.

However, we must clarify that all these benefits are much easier to achieve through a balanced diet and frequent exercise.

On the other hand, compulsive alcohol consumption causes serious disturbances to human health, and clearly no benefits. Examples of this are:

It increases the risk of cancer, mainly breast, throat, mouth, esophagus and liver:

• It causes pancreatitis

• Cerebrovascular damage

• Problems to the fetus

• Sudden death due to cardiovascular disease

• Hypertension

• Liver disease

• Heart failure

Other affectations

Alcoholic beverages also have a negative impact on body weight and the development of muscle mass, as it causes the opposite effects to what we normally seek for aesthetics and health. Alcohol generates abdominal fat and hinders the process of gaining muscle.

It also acts negatively on the mind, causing sleep disorders, nervous system affectations, loss of consciousness and emotional control, encourages stress and anxiety, among many others.

When to avoid alcohol

As mentioned above, the most acute damage of alcoholic beverages on the body arises when we abuse these substances, so once again we reiterate that the key is not to prohibit it, but to moderate its consumption to minimum levels and occasionally.

However, there are circumstances in which the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited:

• During pregnancy.

• If you suffer from alcoholism.

• After suffering a stroke.

• If you suffer from liver or pancreas diseases.

• If you suffer from heart failure.

• During treatment with certain medications that should not be combined with alcoholic beverages.