Q: How much can I safely drink without worrying about damaging my health? I am 38 and drink almost every day -- a beer, a glass of wine or more. -- Thirsty in Seattle
A: How much you can drink without harming your health is highly individual, depending on other health conditions you may have, your age, how much exercise you get, what your diet is like, and if you drink alone or with others. In general, drinking alcohol isn’t smart if you have a family history of immune problems, like cancer, are a young adult with a still-developing brain, have liver or lung disease or gastrointestinal problems, are experiencing cognition problems, or are sedentary or obese. And a new study found that frequent drinking is related to the onset of atrial fibrillation with symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain and up to seven times increased risk of stroke.
So here are guidelines that make a lot of sense for folks who are basically healthy but want to avoid the potential health problems that alcohol can cause.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s smart to have three or four no-drink days every week and never drink more than one or two drinks a day. Also smart: staying away from sugary drinks and sticking with wine instead of hard liquor. And many experts suggest that the best way to achieve moderate drinking habits is to first abstain for 30 days, allowing your body to adjust, and then tipple only occasionally.
Fortunately, there are an increasing number of non-alcoholic wines, beers and cocktails available in stores and at restaurants and bars. They allow you to participate in festivities without alcohol, gaining the most important benefits of hanging out with friends and having a good time -- a sense of support and community, without the risks.
So, enjoy the health rebound -- including better sleep and more energy -- you can experience by eliminating or cutting down on your alcohol intake.
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Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
