Beer is arguably a firm favorite when it comes to drink options, with numerous people across the globe consuming it daily. The Brewers Association noted that the overall beer industry reached an astounding estimate of $115.4 billion in 2022, portraying the popularity of this drink. One of the primary elements associated with alcohol consumption is the health concerns related to its intake.
A global statutory warning is printed on all alcoholic labels, stating that excessive drinking is hazardous to your health. Although beer is not a toxic beverage, moderate consumption is greatly encouraged when seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Is Drinking Bad for Your Health?
The amount of beer you drink determines whether it represents a healthy or unhealthy practice. Moderation consumption is highly recommended for individuals who choose to drink. The average beer features an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) level of 5%, but there are numerous alternatives with higher or lower ethanol levels.
Moderate drinking, as per the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is defined as an average of two pints a day or less for men and one pint or less a day for women. CDC classifies excessive drinking as 15 drinks a week and over for men and 8 drinks a week and over for women.
As the global statutory warning notes, excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Drinking in moderation, however, is not only okay but can come with a few benefits as well.
Risks of Prolonged Heavy Drinking
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that heavy drinking is responsible for more than three million deaths across the globe each year. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NAAA) conducted a study in 2016 that found that 21.3% of alcohol-attributed deaths were related to digestive diseases, 19% were due to cardiovascular diseases, and 12.9% were attributed to infectious diseases. Some of the common health-related problems connected to excessive alcohol consumption include:
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning can be defined as the intake of excessive amounts of alcohol, negatively affecting the nervous system and basic life support functions. The American Addiction Centers notes that individuals with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) between 0.31% – 0.45% face the life-threatening risk of alcohol poisoning.
Cancer
Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to cancer of the rectum, voice box, liver, breast, mouth, and throat. Alcohol contains ethanol, whose by-product acetaldehyde is toxic and damaging to cells. Acetaldehyde binds with your cells, causing them to replicate erratically.
Medical Complications
Persistent excessive consumption of alcohol leads to a wide variety of issues that affect bodily functions, including high blood pressure, digestive problems, and heart and liver disease. It also weakens the immune system, enhancing a person’s chances of getting sick.
Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol dependency can be defined as a state where an individual feels like they are unable to function. This reliance leads individuals to ignore their responsibilities, leading to social and financial problems. There are different levels of alcohol dependency ranging from mild to moderate to severe.
When Should You Not Drink?
There are several circumstances when individuals are advised to avoid alcohol consumption for the sake of their health. Some of these include:
When your Pregnant
Women are advised to avoid alcohol consumption when pregnant. Drinking beer at this stage can potentially lead to a miscarriage or premature birth. The baby may also suffer a low birth weight, as well as potentially develop a selection of lifelong conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). They include cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.
When on Medication
Certain medications can be deadly when combined with alcohol. Many medicines come with a label warning individuals against drinking during their prescription period. The consequences can vary from mild headaches and drowsiness to internal bleeding and respiration problems.
When Suffering from Alcohol Intolerance
Alcohol Intolerance refers to a condition where an individual does not have the needed enzymes to metabolize the by-products of alcohol. It is generally a result of a genetic trait in an individual’s family line. Some ingredients in beer are also repellent to individuals with alcohol intolerance.
Underage (Below 21 years)
All countries conform to the guidelines of legal age drinking to ensure individuals are mature enough to imbibe the product. Beer consumption at a young age can hinder the normal development of several organs and bodily functions. Studies have found that drinking before the age of 14 significantly enhances health risks in children, including the increased risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
Benefits of Moderate Beer Consumption
Alcohol can be classified as an optional element when it comes to consumption, meaning there are no downsides to abstaining. Its intake in moderation, however, can offer several benefits. Some of these include:
Decreased Chances of Heart Disease
Research has found that modest levels of beer consumption can potentially decrease the chances of heart disease. According to research, adopting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans regarding moderate drinking can improve HDL antioxidant properties while encouraging lower cholesterol levels.
Boost Blood Sugar Control
Research has also found that moderate beer consumption can lower insulin resistance, which is a risk factor in type 2 diabetes. The National Library of Medicine published a study that reported men and women who consume moderate levels of alcohol have a 43% and 58% lower risk of contracting diabetes, respectively. This particular benefit, however, is only applicable to beers with low sugar levels.
Conclusion
All in all, beer consumption is not liable to directly make an individual sick unless taken in excessive amounts. Sticking to moderate drinking is crucial to ensuring your health is not affected by the practice. It should be noted that there are multiple choices in the market when it comes to brew options. Finding the right beer can be a good way to not only avoid potential health hazards but also improve your overall experience. Having a beer or two every weekend with friends is not something to be frowned upon and in some instances, it can even be beneficial to your health.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
