Even moderate levels of alcohol can be harmful
Thanksgiving stuffing and Christmas cookies lurk at every turn and there seems to be a holiday cocktail party every week from November to January 1.
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Consumption of alcohol, while there can potentially be some embarrassing moments with coworkers, can be detrimental to your health if done in excess.
So, how much alcohol should I drink during a typical night out this year?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)To drink “in moderation,” women should drink one or fewer drinks a day and men should drink two or fewer drinks in the same time period.
The agency shows that a standard beer size is 12 ounces with a 5% alcohol content (ABV), a glass of wine is 5 ounces with 12% ABV, a bottle of malt liquor with 7% ABV and a glass with 8 ounces. Is. Distilled spirits such as gin, rum, vodka and whiskey are 1.5 oz with 40% ABV.
People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol, as well as people with certain medical conditions or who are taking specific medications that may interact with alcohol.
Not drinking alcohol is also the safest option for lactating women, although moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages by a breastfeeding woman is not considered harmful to the baby – especially if the woman has been drinking for at least two hours before drinking one. Waits to feed or express.
Two out of three adult drinkers report drinking above moderate levels at least once a month.
However, the agency notes that 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that emerging evidence suggests that drinking alcohol within recommended limits may increase the overall risk of death from various causes, such as heart disease and cancer.
Alcohol consumption has been found to increase cancer risk even at low levels, and drinking at levels above the moderate drinking guidelines increases the risk of short-term harm and long-term chronic health problems.
While some studies have found better health outcomes among moderate drinkers, more recent studies suggest that this may not be true and the CDC said it is impossible to conclude whether these improved outcomes are due to moderate alcohol consumption. Or are due to other differences in behavior or genetics between people. Drink moderate and those who don’t drink.”
Alcohol consumption is associated with other risks, such as motor vehicle accidents, violence, sexual risk behavior and high blood pressure.