To drink or not to drink…
The question of whether or not enjoying an alcoholic beverage provides health benefits seems to have sparked never-ending debate in the medical community.
It may have started with the French Paradox, a longevity theory that’s associated with drinking antioxidant-rich red wine with countering the effects of a French diet, high in artery-clogging saturated fats.
Over the years several other studies have linked moderate drinking with reduced risk for diabetes and reduced brain inflammation which could be protective against dementia.
But, at the same time, evidence has mounted demonstrating that drinking and a disease-free life simply don’t mix, especially if you want to live cancer-free.
That’s because alcohol has been found to be a direct cause of cancer — not just a supporting actor.
Now, experts have weighed in on exactly which types of cancers are fueled by alcohol and are nailing down how much drinking is too much if you want to keep that disease risk at bay.
Cancer directly linked to alcohol consumption
According to the American Association for Cancer Research drinking excessive levels of alcohol dramatically increases your risk for six different types of cancer.
These include:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Certain types of head and neck cancer
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
A report by researchers for the association found that “in the U.S., 5.4% of cancers were attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019, the most recent year for which data are available.”
How much is too much?
So if “excessive” drinking causes these cancers, how much does it take to put you at risk?
According to Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, it equates to about three or more drinks per day for women and four or more drinks per day for men.
A standard drink would be 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces (a shot) of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor.
However, it’s important to note that some studies have shown that there really is no safe level of drinking and that even for moderate alcohol consumption, the risk of cancer far outweighs any possible benefits.
How alcohol sparks cancer
According to Dr. Gounder, “Some of this (cancer development) is happening through chronic inflammation. We also know that alcohol changes the microbiome, so those are the bacteria that live in your gut, and that can also increase the risk.”
Both of those issues can not only fuel cancer development, but they can also increase risks for other chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
So if you want to disease or cancer-proof your body, it looks like the less you drink, the better. Some experts will tell you there is no safe amount.
But if you’re a beer fan and want to enjoy the taste and feel of a good brew, you’re in luck. Non-alcoholic beers were put to the test and found to have benefits that could improve cardiovascular health and sleep.
Choices for non-alcoholic beers have also greatly improved over the last few years. You can find a range of award-winning microbrew and craft non-alcoholic varieties.
Sources:
Alcohol can increase your cancer risk. What experts say about how much is too much — CBS News
Cancer deaths in U.S. fell by 33% in 30 years, but alcohol remains a lesser-known risk factor — CBS News
There’s “no safe level of alcohol,” major new study concludes — CBS News
Study seems to settle the connection between cancer and alcohol — Easy Health Options
8+ ways an ingredient in beer can boost your health and fight cancer — Easy Health Options