Alcohol and Your Health

Alcohol, when consumed moderately, can not only show you a really good time, but scientific research shows that it can actually improve your health in many, many ways as compared to heavy drinkers and those who do not drink at all. Some of the areas that have been shown to be improved by regular alcohol intake are the cardiovascular system, digestive system, nervous system, respiratory system, as well as the immune system and fighting bacterial infections and cancer. These areas will be discussed in further detail below. But, first, we do want to stress that the tests conducted by The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or NIAAA and are based on one to two drinks per day. Visit the NIAAA website at NIAAA.com.

In summary, studies have shown that moderate consumers of alcohol:

Tend to live longer lives on average
Tend to live healthier lives
Have less risk of stroke
Have less high blood pressure and/or hypertension
Show less risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other dementia-related diseases
Tend to experience less risk of suffering or not surviving a heart attack and experiencing another heart attack.

Why is this? We have asked that same question and through our research here at The Hangover Network, this is what we have found:

(Please select a category)

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

NERVOUS SYSTEM

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

OTHER (Kidney stones, Diabetes, and more)

Please note:
Each person’s body is different and alcohol consumption does pose some potential risks to the digestive system such as increased risk of stomach inflammation, cirrhosis, chronic and acute pancreastitis, hypoglycemia (chronic low blood sugar) and even hepatitis for many individuals. The studies conducted are, in most cases, focused on more moderate drinkers (around 1-2 drinks per day) and does not include those who abstain from alcohol as well as those who drink heavily on a regular basis. The results found are from studies performed over periods of time decided upon by scientists and medical professionals from around the world and are not studies conducted by The Hangover Network. The information provided is for informational purposes and not to be considered as medical advice. So, please always consult with your medical professional for more details on the potential risks that may affect you individually.

Related sources:
Follow up study of moderate alcohol intake and mortality among middle aged men in Shanghai, China

Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Health: Current Evidence

Alcohol drinking and mortality among men enrolled in an American Cancer Society prospective study.

Drinking Alcohol and Longevity: Facts & Information

http://www.invisibleheart.com/Iheart/PolicyHealth.html

Alcohol Helps Reduce Damage After Heart Attack

Alcohol and stroke. A case-control study of drinking habits past and present

Chronic-intermittent ethanol exposure during adolescence prevents normal developmental changes in sensitivity to ethanol-induced motor impairments.

Body mass index, cigarette smoking, and other characteristics as predictors of self-reported, physician-diagnosed gallbladder disease in male college alumni.