Alcohol and Your Health: What Science Really Says

Over the past few years, there has been a notion that consumption of small amounts of alcohol may be beneficial to one’s health. This messaging has been passed around through so many mediums that it has persuaded people into thinking that drinking alcohol can enhance their well-being. New evidence has revealed that the old notions of drinking a glass of wine a night can have significant health consequences and be detrimental to one’s health . In a 2022 survey, 215 million adults ages 18 and older reported having drank alcohol. Before implementing any advice or strategies mentioned, we encourage you to seek the professional guidance and expertise of a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more about how these alcohol consumption notions came to be, the impact that alcohol actually has on your physical and mental health, and the compelling evidence that has been released to demonstrate the detrimental effects alcohol may have.

The Origins of the Myth

The idea of drinking a glass of alcohol in moderation for “potential health benefits can be traced back to the 1980s to describe the low rates of heart disease in France despite diet high in saturated fats and regular wine consumption. This myth began circulating through the media quickly in the 1990s, allowing headlines to proclaim the benefits of a daily glass of wine. The concept of alcohol providing benefits to one’s overall health became normalized, and its misinformation became a more distant memory until recently.

The Scientific Evidence

Despite the popularity of the idea that alcohol may have health benefits, recent research paints a different picture. Contrary to what has been circulating the media concerning the health benefits of alcohol, studies have increasingly shown that the health benefits of alcohol are either negligible or non-existent, and the risks of consuming alcohol are overwhelmingly linked to several common health conditions.

1. Heart Health

In the past, there were studies that initially suggested that moderate alcohol consumption could benefit one’s heart health, more recent research indicates that these benefits can be achieved through much safer means, such as diet and exercise.

2. Cancer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is considered as part of the highest risk group of known carcinogens and is classified as a recreational drug. Research has established that alcohol consumption can be linked to several different types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, and throat cancers. Choosing to decrease alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of cancer.

3. Mental Health

Alcohol is rarely portrayed as a negative in the media — in fact, it’s often portrayed in media and entertainment as a way to relax and unwind, but its impact on mental health is profoundly negative. When regularly consumed, increased alcohol consumption can lead to exacerbated symptoms with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Alcohol is a depressant which can have significant effects on the brain as it slows the central nervous system.

4. Alcohol Impacts Medications

Another major concern when consuming alcohol is that it can cause havoc with other medications that are being consumed. Some medications may be rendered ineffective, or their effects heightened when combined with alcohol.

Alcohol and Physical Health

Alcohol can impact almost every system in the body, often in detrimental ways. Here’s a closer look at how it impacts various aspects of an individual’s physical health:

1. Cardiovascular System

While moderate drinking was once thought to protect the heart, evidence now shows that even small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of commonly known cardiac health problems like high blood pressure. If not regulated, the strain placed on the heart muscle can develop into more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, and eventually elevate the risk of a stroke.

2. Liver and Digestive System

The responsibility of a liver is to process alcohol and other materials so that it can be flushed from the body. If one’s alcohol consumption becomes excessive, it can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol also irritates the digestive tract, which can lead to conditions such as gastritis, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

3. Immune System

Drinking alcohol can weaken the immune system in a variety of ways. Over time, a weakened immune system can make the body more susceptible to infections and slow down recovery from illness.

Recovering from Injuries

Consuming alcohol can also have a significant impact on one’s ability to recover from surgeries and injuries. Alcohol impacts the body’s protein synthesis, blood flow, and normal immunoendocrine function which may impair muscle injury recovery. Alcohol also has an impact on the body’s ability to properly rehydrate. For those who are looking to heal from a recent injury, surgery, or address those aches and pains, consuming alcohol can have a detrimental effect on the pathway to feeling better.

Staying in Shape

Not only does alcohol impede one’s ability to recover from a workout or an injury effectively, it also decreases the ability to improve overall fitness and achieve those wellness goals. Consuming alcohol weakens hand-eye coordination, slows down reaction time, and impairs judgement. Physical therapy is an effective way to address those aches and pains and help you get in shape through the use of proper technique and tailored programs that are designed to help you meet your unique needs and goals.

Alcohol and Mental Health

The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex, as alcohol is used for many reasons. While some people use alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety, it often exacerbates these conditions over time and worsens mental health. Here are some other ways that alcohol can negatively affect your mental health:

1. Exacerbates the Effects of Existing Mental Health Disorders

Heavy alcohol consumption can exacerbate the negative symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Not only can it worsen the symptoms of these conditions, but also interfere with any treatment or recovery plans you may be pursuing.

2. Sleep and Overall Well-being

Drinking alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns, which can lead to poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue over time. It can also worsen any existing symptoms of sleep apnea, which is when the airways can collapse during sleep.

3. Can Lead to Addiction and Dependency

Without regulating your alcohol intake, alcohol may become highly addictive and develop into disorders like addiction. Regular consumption can lead to dependency, where the person feels compelled to drink. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur when someone tries to suddenly stop drinking. Symptoms of withdrawal can vary from sweating and shaky hands to increased anxiety and depression.

Alternative Ways to Improve Health

When evaluating the impact alcohol has had on your health, it is important to explore some of the healthier ways to improve your overall health. Here are a few suggestions to try out:

Re-examine Your Diet and Exercise Routine

Make sure your diet consists of fruits, vegetables and leaner proteins like chicken breasts, tofu, and tuna. Incorporate some time into your schedule to move your body whether it involves running trails, walking in the park, or attending your favorite workout class. Improving your diet and sticking to a regular fitness routine can do wonders for your overall wellness.

Address Aches and Injuries with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has numerous benefits and can be an effective way to address those aches, pains, and injuries you’ve been dealing with. PT can help to improve function, alleviate pain, restore mobility, build foundational strength, and get you back on the path to doing the things you love most.

Learn Proper Stress Management Techniques

When dealing with stress, set aside some time to practice good stress management techniques and prioritize setting boundaries. Look for ways in your day to relax like drawing yourself a bubble bath or getting out of the house and spending time with nature.

Improve Your Social Circle

Having the support of your friends, family, loved ones or like-minded groups can strengthen the sense of community surrounding you as you work to reduce alcohol consumption. Improving your social circle can also give you a group of individuals who can provide a positive influence and give you the support you need as you work to reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol does not provide any true benefits to one’s overall health despite the messaging circulating through the media and other various mediums for the last several decades. Alcohol consumption can impact both your physical and mental health. There are healthier habits to engage in, such as reducing your alcohol intake, properly managing your sleep schedule, and utilizing physical therapy to address those aches and pains you’re dealing with to alleviate pain. Making more informed choices for behaviors and habits we engage in can improve your wellness and overall quality of life. When taking care of your health, it may require you to make more informed choices about what you consume physically and mentally. If you’re ready to explore healthier habits and address aches and pains, we’re is here for you. We have a team of professionals that are equipped with the tools and education necessary to deliver the care you deserve. We offer personalized care to help you achieve your wellness goals. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle at a PT clinic near you.

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