Adam Cohen and Dr. Hal Scofield
adam's diary
Here are some questions from our readers:
About 15 years ago, during my annual checkup, my doctor asked if I drank alcohol. When I replied that he enjoys one or two beers, he said that there are real health benefits to having one or two beers a day (no more). I was so excited!
Then, last summer, I heard that new research suggested that no matter how much alcohol you consume, it has no effect. (So maybe my mother was right?)
I really like these beers, especially on days when I've had a hard workout and feel virtuous. Will having a beer or two a few times a week ruin all your other efforts to be healthy?
— Name withheld by request
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Dr. Schofield prescribes
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults should not drink alcohol and, if they do, should keep it in moderation. The guidelines define a moderate amount as no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women.
However, these guidelines have not changed for some time and are increasingly divergent from the recommendations of most experts.
In fact, after years of confusion and mixed messages about alcohol consumption, a strong research-based consensus has emerged. “The less you drink, the better.''
We know that even moderate amounts of alcohol can pose health risks. Even a few drinks a week can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. And the more you drink, the more these and many other health risks increase.
As a result, Canada has adopted new, stricter guidelines regarding alcohol use. Our neighbor to the north defines abstinence as the only “risk-free” approach, with “low risk” determined to be no more than two drinks a week.
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Drinking 1-2 beers a few times a week works out to about 3-6 beers a week. On the Canadian scale, which I think is based on the best evidence currently available, this equates to a “moderate risk.”
This level of drinking increases your chances of developing many types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease may also increase.
If you're healthy and exercise regularly (like our readers), these risks may be manageable. This level of alcohol consumption does not negate a healthy lifestyle. However, it is not without risks.
Schofield is a physician and medical researcher, professor at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and deputy chief of staff for research at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Cohen is a marathon runner and executive vice president and general counsel for OMRF. Send your health questions to contact@omrf.org.
