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If you drink alcohol every day, this will happen
Alcohol’s health benefits are overrated
When it comes to alcohol consumption, opinions are often divided. While some studies suggest potential health benefits associated with moderate wine or beer consumption, it’s important to approach these claims with caution. Dr. Nicole Avena, a research neuroscientist specializing in nutrition, diet, and addiction, provides valuable insight into the effects of daily alcohol consumption.
Contrary to popular belief, there is little convincing evidence that drinking a glass of red wine every night has any discernible health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, has been touted for its potential health benefits, but the amount present in wine is relatively small. In fact, drinking enough wine to get any benefit from resveratrol would likely have more negative consequences than positive ones.
It’s worth noting that resveratrol is also found in other food sources, such as red grapes, blueberries, peanuts, and dark chocolate. However, consuming too much resveratrol may counteract some of the health benefits of exercise. In addition, a 2014 study of 800 participants found no correlation between high levels of resveratrol and overall good health.
How everyday drinking can be harmful
From a nutritional standpoint, daily alcohol consumption can do more harm than good. Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. The cells in the stomach and intestines responsible for absorbing vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients can be damaged by alcohol, leading to potential deficiencies.
Alcohol is also high in calories and carbohydrates, but provides little nutritional value. While these calories can contribute to weight gain, they may not be stored or used by the body in the same way as calories from food. This can lead to a substitution of food calories for alcohol calories, which may result in weight loss, but in an unhealthy way. This calorie substitution may also increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Your body can become addicted to alcohol.
Even if you don’t consider yourself mentally dependent on alcohol, your body may feel differently. Regular daily alcohol use can lead to physical dependence, which can manifest itself in a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, seizures, and depression. If you stop drinking abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, insomnia, and anxiety.
There’s also a real risk of developing alcoholism, regardless of genetic predisposition. Alcoholism is a complex disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Daily drinking, especially excessive drinking, can increase the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder. While some individuals without a family history of alcoholism may be able to drink daily in limited amounts without problems, excessive drinking can have negative health effects.
In conclusion, it’s important to approach alcohol consumption with moderation and common sense. While some studies suggest potential health benefits, the evidence is limited and excessive daily drinking can have serious consequences for physical and mental well-being. Drinking alcohol should always be a personal choice made responsibly, and it’s important not to use alcohol as a “medical” excuse. Ultimately, the decision is up to the individual, and it’s important to put your health first and make informed choices.
Note: This article is based on information from the following source: “When You Drink Alcohol Every Day, This Happens” by Maria Scinto on Mashed.com.
FAQS
Is drinking a glass of red wine every night good for my health?
While red wine contains a compound called resveratrol that has been associated with potential health benefits, the evidence supporting the positive effects of daily wine consumption is limited. Consuming excessive amounts of wine to obtain these benefits may have more negative consequences than positive ones.
Can daily alcohol consumption cause weight loss?
Daily alcohol consumption can lead to weight loss, but not in a positive or healthy way. Alcohol contains calories that can contribute to weight gain, and replacing calories from alcohol with calories from food can lead to weight loss. However, this calorie substitution can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and be detrimental to overall health.
Does daily drinking interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients?
Yes, daily alcohol consumption can interfere with the body’s ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. Alcohol can damage the cells in the stomach and intestines that are responsible for absorbing vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, leading to potential deficiencies.
Can daily alcohol consumption lead to physical dependence?
Yes, regular daily alcohol consumption can lead to physical dependence. Your body can become accustomed to the presence of alcohol, and suddenly stopping drinking can cause withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, insomnia, and anxiety.
Can someone with no family history of alcoholism develop a drinking problem if they drink every day?
Yes, even people without a genetic predisposition to alcohol dependence can develop alcohol use disorder from daily drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of family history, can have negative health effects and increase the risk of alcoholism.
Should I only drink alcohol for medical purposes?
No, it is not advisable to use alcohol as a “medical” excuse. Alcohol consumption should always be a personal choice made responsibly. The potential health benefits associated with alcohol should be approached with caution, and it is important to prioritize overall health and make informed decisions.