At a family gathering, Uncle Zhang, a 60-year-old retired teacher, raised his glass and said to his friends with a smile: "I have been in control, only a little bit, and the doctor said that moderate drinking is still good for the body." His words elicited a nod of approval. But surprisingly, just a month later, Uncle Zhang was urgently admitted to the hospital with heart problems. The doctor's diagnosis was shocking: a long period of "moderation" of alcohol consumption had a serious effect on his heart.
This story is not isolated. We often hear the phrase "drinking in moderation is good for your health", but in reality, for some people, this advice may not apply. For specific types of people, it is even recommended to "not drink a drop of alcohol". So, who are these specific demographics, and why do they need to avoid alcohol altogether?
Uncover the true face of alcohol - an invisible blow to the body
Alcohol, a substance widely accepted in many cultures, has a much more complex and profound impact on the human body than is commonly recognized. When we refer to "moderation" of alcohol consumption, we tend to overlook the profound effects of alcohol on body organs, especially in the case of long-term and recurrent drinking.
Alcohol and the body: not just the enemy of the liver
It is generally accepted that alcohol consumption mainly affects the liver. In fact, alcohol has potential effects on the entire body system. When alcohol enters the body, it is first metabolized through the liver, but this process produces a series of by-products, such as acetaldehyde, which has a direct toxic effect on liver cells. Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis, hepatitis and even liver cancer.
But the liver isn't the only target for alcohol. Alcohol can also affect brain function, leading to memory and judgment loss, and long-term alcohol consumption can also trigger neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the normal function of the heart and increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and high blood pressure.
The illusion of drinking alcohol "in moderation".
There are a variety of recommendations for "moderation" of drinking, but in fact, there is no universal scientific standard for what is meant by "moderation". Different people vary in metabolic capacity, health status, and alcohol tolerance, which complicates determining a universally applicable standard of "moderate" drinking. For example, for people with certain chronic diseases, even small amounts of alcohol can pose serious health risks.
Studies have shown that even low amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of certain diseases in the long run. For example, some studies have found that even light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast and colon cancer.
Alcohol and chronic disease: a relationship that cannot be ignored
When discussing the relationship between alcohol and chronic disease, we often ignore the effects of alcohol on blood sugar control. For people with abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar fluctuations, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. In people with high blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension), drinking alcohol may cause a further increase in blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5 types of people should best practice "not dripping alcohol"
1. Liver Guardian: Why people with liver disease should stay away from alcohol
Alcohol is the "invisible killer" of the liver. Even a small amount can increase the burden on the liver, especially for people who already have liver function problems. Alcohol interferes with liver metabolic processes, leading to fatty liver, hepatitis, and even cirrhosis. The safest option for people with liver disease is to not drink alcohol at all.
2. Heart concerns: The dangerous relationship between patients with cardiovascular disease and alcohol
People with cardiovascular disease drink alcohol, even in small amounts, which can cause fluctuations in blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Alcohol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially in people with high blood pressure (increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries) and coronary artery disease. It is recommended that these patients avoid alcohol altogether to protect their heart health.
3. The Enemy of Sugar Metabolism: Diabetics Interact Poorly with Alcohol
For people with abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar fluctuations and even cause a risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can affect the effectiveness of insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs and pose a threat to blood sugar control. To maintain a stable blood sugar level, such patients are advised to avoid alcohol.
4. High Voltage Alert: Alcohol Risk in Patients with High Blood Pressure
In people with high blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension), drinking alcohol can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, which increases the burden on the heart and blood vessels. Long-term alcohol consumption may even lead to persistent high blood pressure. For the sake of health, such patients should try to avoid alcohol.
5. Hope for the future: Zero-alcohol policy for pregnant women and those trying to conceive
Pregnant women and people trying to conceive drink alcohol, even in very small amounts, can cause irreversible damage to the fetus. Alcohol can affect the fetus through the placenta, increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and fetal alcohol syndrome. The best choice to maintain the health of the next generation is to "drink without sticking".
How to deal with drinking situations smartly: Stay healthy and stay away from alcohol
In social life, especially among middle-aged and elderly people, drinking alcohol often becomes part of social activities. However, for those who need to "drink without sticking", how to refuse alcohol while maintaining social harmony becomes a must-learn skill.
1. Understand and stand firm in your choices
First, be clear about why you need to avoid alcohol. Whether it's due to a health problem (such as abnormal glucose metabolism or increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries) or by personal choice, this decision deserves respect. Inner firmness is the first step to rejecting alcohol.
2. Prepare an appropriate way to say no
In social situations, a direct and polite refusal is the most effective way. It's okay to simply say, "Thank you, but I don't drink." If needed, a short explanation, such as "I'm concerned about my health," can also be provided, but without much justification.
3. Plan your coping strategy ahead of time
Before attending social events, consider possible drinking scenarios and prepare coping strategies. For example, you can communicate with the organizer in advance and request non-alcoholic beverages, or bring your own.
4. Create healthy alternatives to drinking
Choose healthy drinks such as juice or sugar-free drinks as alternatives. This not only helps to integrate into the social environment, but also maintains a healthy lifestyle.
5. Find like-minded partners
Make friends or colleagues who also choose to "don't drink at all". Shared choices will make you feel supported and understood, making it less stressful in social situations.
6. Emphasize a healthy lifestyle
Think of refusing alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle, not as a sacrifice or limitation. Such a positive mindset helps to remain steadfast in the face of the temptation of alcohol.
7. Deal with social stress
If you are under pressure or advised to drink, be firm and polite. Remember, people who genuinely care about you will respect your choice.
With these practical strategies, you can gracefully assert your health decisions while maintaining social harmony, even in social situations where alcohol is overflowing. This is not only a responsibility for one's own health, but also a demonstration of self-control and decision-making ability.