Stress Part: IV Alcohol and Stress

Many people love to hear when a supposed “vice” has research that supports a benefit to ones health. Alcohol is one of those things that has health benefits, in that it may help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, reduce risk of sudden heart attack, reduce risk of gallstones and perhaps reduce risk of diabetes – IF consumed in moderation.

That is the big one – if consumed in moderation!

Moderation defined: one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and NO carry over from one day to the next.

But what is the ONE drink – that is the key!

• 12 fluid ounces of beer (not 16 or 20 or 24 ounces)
• 5 fluid ounces of wine, any color (not 8 fluid ounces, or half a bottle)
• 1½ ounces spirits (one shot)

While this amount of alcohol can provide health benefits, it can also help relax and relieve some stress in some people as well.

However, it can increase stress among some individuals and to those that surround us when consumed in excess.

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase stress from the social consequences of bad or embarrassing behavior. But there are also the potential health consequences that accompany over-consumption of alcohol, best defined as chronically consuming MORE THAN moderate amounts of alcohol for several weeks, months, or years.

• Increase risk of stroke
• Increase risk of high blood pressure
• Increase risk of cancers of the pancreas, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and liver
• Increase risk of breast cancer
• Increase risk of heart damage

Of course if you are pregnant, there is no know safe amount. It is suggested/recommended that you not consume alcohol during your pregnancy.

If you have a family history of alcoholism, it is also suggested that you use caution when consuming alcohol and know your risk regarding your family history and alcoholism.

Bottom line: Alcohol can relieve stress in small-moderate amounts, but it can increase stress in greater amounts.

Be Well - and have only that one (or two) drink(s)...