Lao Liu's alcohol consumption is well-known in the town, half a catty of white wine is down, his face is ruddy, and his speech is still clear. But recently, Lao Liu's face is no longer ruddy after drinking, but sickly yellow. The doctor said that this is a symptom of cirrhosis, and if you don't quit drinking, I'm afraid you'll ...... Lao Liu smiled and said, "Quit drinking?
Such stories have been heard more or less all around us. Is liquor, this "old friend", really the "poisonous wine" in our lives?
1. Liquor and Health: Common Misunderstandings and Scientific Analysis
In the traditional view of many people, baijiu is not only a catalyst for banquets, but also believed to have a strong body. However, modern medical research has constantly warned that long-term excessive consumption of liquor is far more harmful to the body than people imagine.
Ethanol, the main ingredient in liquor, once ingested into the body, is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, enters the blood circulation, and is eventually metabolized by the liver. In the process of metabolizing alcohol, the liver produces a substance called acetaldehyde, which is much more toxic than ethanol.
Long-term alcohol consumption, especially heavy drinking, can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, triggering a range of health problems, including but not limited to liver damage, decreased immune system function, and even damage to the nervous system.
2. The link between long-term consumption of liquor and the risk of liver cancer
The liver is the main detoxification organ in the human body and the main battlefield of alcohol metabolism. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption puts a lot of pressure on the liver, which gradually develops liver cirrhosis, and then develops into liver cancer. This is not alarmist, and several international studies have confirmed this.
For example, in a study published in The Lancet, 4% of new cancer cases worldwide were related to alcohol consumption, with esophageal cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer being the types of cancers most associated with alcohol intake. Such data is undoubtedly a resounding slap in the face to those who believe that "liquor can fight cancer".
What's even more worrying is that even moderate alcohol consumption is not safe.
Studies have shown that people who drink less than 450 ml of beer, or 150 ml of wine, or 30~50 grams of liquor per day do not get protection against stroke, on the contrary, such alcohol consumption may increase the risk of stroke.
3. Is drinking alcohol in moderation really beneficial?
Moderate alcohol consumption has long been thought to have cardiovascular health benefits, especially the polyphenols in red wine, which are widely known to help with antioxidants and reduce the risk of heart attack.
However, new research data makes this view less conclusive. A study published in The Lancet noted that even small amounts of alcohol do not provide a "shield" against a stroke.
More specifically, people who drank less than 450 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 30~50 grams of liquor per day did not show signs of reduced risk of stroke. On the contrary, this drinking habit may silently increase the risk of disease.
Even more worrying is the impact of alcohol consumption on brain health. Studies have shown that the more units of alcohol consumed each day, the faster the brain ages.
The intake of just 1 unit of alcohol may cause the brain to enter a state of aging by 0.5 years, while the intake of 4 units may cause the brain to age 10 years earlier. Such data is undoubtedly a heavy blow to those who are used to having a few drinks a day.
4. Comparison of the effects of various alcoholic beverages on health
There are many types of alcoholic beverages, from white wine to red wine to beer, which vary in alcohol content and composition. When comparing the health effects of different types of alcoholic beverages, we found considerable differences.
In the case of liquor, for example, its alcohol concentration is usually higher, which makes even small amounts of alcohol can pose a greater health risk.
In contrast, red wine is thought to have cardiovascular health benefits when consumed in moderation due to its presence of certain antioxidants, such as resveratrol.
Beer is usually lower in alcohol, but because it is usually larger, it is also easy to consume more alcohol when consumed.
However, no matter what kind of alcoholic beverage it is, controlling your intake is always key to protecting your liver health. The liver is the main organ that breaks down alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption will increase the burden on the liver, which may lead to fatty liver, hepatitis and even liver cirrhosis in the long run.
Even red wine, which is known as a "health drink", can cause damage to the liver when consumed in excess.
5. How to reduce the health hazards of alcohol consumption
Defense is better than treatment, and the key to reducing the health hazards of alcohol consumption is control. First of all, it is advisable to avoid frequent drinking as much as possible, if you can do it in moderation in social situations and restraint in daily life, it will naturally have a much smaller impact on the body.
Promoting a healthy drinking culture, such as choosing non-alcoholic beverages when gathering with friends, or making sure there is enough food and water on the table while drinking alcoholic beverages can reduce the direct irritation of alcohol.
In addition to limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, you should also pay attention to how you drink. Spread out your drinking time and avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, as this can put a heavy burden on the liver and increase the risk of liver disease.
In addition, the choice of alternative drinks is also important, for example, between liquor and beer, a low-alcohol beer may be preferred, which can reduce alcohol intake to a certain extent.
Finally, developing healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity and maintaining a good diet, can not only promote good health, but also reduce dependence on alcohol.
If you're having trouble controlling yourself, consider professional help, such as talking to a mental health professional or joining an alcohol withdrawal group, who can provide effective strategies and support to help you gradually reduce your alcohol consumption or quit altogether.
summary
While it's all good to enjoy baijiu, don't forget the potential dangers when you indulge in it. Yes, an adult is responsible for his or her own health, and at the same time, it also influences the health perception and lifestyle of the relatives and friends around him.
Each of us should make the most suitable choice based on understanding our bodies and understanding scientific research. Whether you choose to drink alcohol in moderation or choose to live a healthy life, it should be a decision with clear self-awareness and strong self-control.