22. Can alcohol consumption be beneficial?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD explores the complex and often controversial topic of alcohol consumption and its impact on health. From historical context to modern studies, he provides a balanced look at the potential benefits and risks of alcohol, encouraging viewers to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion.

Summary: Dr. Hassell discusses the nuanced role of alcohol in health and lifestyle. While heavy drinking poses clear dangers—such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and societal harm—low to moderate consumption might have benefits in certain contexts. Evidence from large studies suggests reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of dementia for moderate drinkers, particularly when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

• Moderation is Key: Up to 7 drinks per week for women and 10-14 for men may provide benefits, but heavy drinking is harmful.
• Context Matters: Alcohol's benefits are most evident in a healthy lifestyle, alongside good nutrition and regular exercise.
• Potential Benefits: Includes improved heart health, reduced type 2 diabetes risk, and enhanced cognitive function.
• Risks to Consider: Alcohol can still pose risks, including cancer, dependence, and societal harm, even at low levels.
• Preferred Choice: Red wine may offer additional health benefits due to its antioxidants.

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More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org

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References:

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Yoo JE, et al. Association between changes in alcohol consumption and cancer risk (supplemental data, tables e1 and e2). JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2228544. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28544

CDC.gov. (2024). About moderate alcohol use. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html#:~:text=to%20not%20drinking.-,Moderate%20drinking,or%20less%20in%20a%20day

Pierre-Louis, T., et al. (2020). Effects of alcohol consumption in general, and wine in particular, on the risk of cancer development: a review. Oeno One, 54(4). https://doi.org/10.20870/oeno-one.2020.54.4.3569

Hong, S., et al. (2020). Alcohol consumption and the risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis. Nutrients, 12(8), 2188. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082188

Zhang, X., et al. (2021). Alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Nutrition Journal, 20(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00671-y

Ortola, R., et al. (2024). Alcohol consumption patterns and mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2424495. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24495

Lofterod, T., et al. (2020). Exploring the effects of lifestyle on breast cancer risk, age at diagnosis, and survival: the EBBA-Life study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 182(1), 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05679-2

Tamimi, R. M., et al. (2016). Population attributable risk of modifiable and nonmodifiable breast cancer risk factors in postmenopausal breast cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology, 184(12), 884–893. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kww145

Cancer.gov. (2021, July 14). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet#how-does-alcohol-affect-the-risk-of-cancer

Colditz, G. (2024). Overview of Cancer Prevention. UpToDate.com https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-cancer-prevention

AICR.org. (2024, July 5). New study finds AICR/WCRF’s cancer prevention recommendations are associated with reduced mortality risk from all causes, cancer and heart disease. American institute for Cancer Research. https:// www.aicr.org/news/new-study-finds-aicr-wcrfs-cancer-prevention-recommendations-are-associated-with-reduced-mortality-risk-from-all-causes-cancer-and-heart-disease/