How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of health related problems including injuries and liver disease.  As alcohol consumption goes up, so does the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver and breast, according to the National Cancer Institute.  When it comes to alcohol and health, less really is more to stay healthy.

Recent studies show that moderate use of alcohol may have a beneficial effect by raising the good cholesterol and blood protein levels, thus lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. In general, for healthy people, one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men is considered the maximum amount of alcohol consumption to be considered “health safe”.

Always be aware of the alcohol content of your drinks.  A “drink” is considered to be four or five ounces of wine, or twelve ounces of beer, or one and a quarter ounces of distilled liquor, such as vodka, scotch, or rum.

“According to the guidelines developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and endorsed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, you can minimize your risk by having no more than two drinks a day with a weekly maximum of nine drinks for women or fourteen for men.”

Alcohol consumption tips:

Before taking your first sip, make sure that you have eaten, and that you are not drinking on an empty stomach.  A healthy meal before you go out, and snacks between drinks can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and will reduce high alcohol levels and the sensation of intoxication.

If you decide to drink more than the recommended amount, try sipping water or a non-alcoholic beverage, which will keep you hydrated, give your liver a chance to process the alcohol and will ensure that you drink less alcohol. With moderate drinking, the liver can process alcohol fairly safely, however, heavy drinking overtaxes the liver resulting in serious consequences.

Whether you abstain from alcohol , or sip your glass of wine with dinner, be aware of the risk and benefits alcohol has on your health.