If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So in Moderation

Alcoholic beverages supply calories but little or no nutrients. Drinking them has no net health benefit, is linked with many health problems, is the cause of many accidents, and can lead to addiction. Their consumption is not recommended. If adults elect to drink alcoholic beverages, they should consume them in moderate amounts.

Some people should not drink alcoholic beverages:

• Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Major birth defects have been attributed to heavy drinking by the mother while pregnant. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not drink alcoholic beverages. However, there is no conclusive evidence that an occasional drink is harmful.
• Individuals who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require attention or skill. Most people retain some alcohol in the blood 3 to 5 hours after even moderate drinking.
• Individuals using medicines, even over-the-counter kinds. Alcohol may affect the benefits or toxicity of medicines. Also, some medicines may increase blood alcohol levels or increase alcohol's adverse effect on the brain.
• Individuals who cannot keep their drinking moderate. This is a special concern for recovering alcoholics and people whose family members have alcohol problems.
• Children and adolescents. Use of alcoholic beverages by children and adolescents involves risks to health and other serious problems.

Heavy drinkers are often malnourished because of low food intake and poor absorption of nutrients by the body. Too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, damage to the brain and heart, and increased risk for many cancers.

Some studies have suggested that moderate drinking is linked to lower risk for heart attacks. However, drinking is also linked to higher risk for high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke.

Advice for today: If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation; and don't drive.

Count as a drink:

• 12 ounces of regular beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1-1/2 ounces of distilled spirits (80 proof)

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