Alcohol drinking is a much debated subject in the medical world. While alcohol is generally considered to be have many negative effects, literature have begun to surface, proving that it has many advantageous effects as well. This paper aims to illustrate both the negative and positive effects of alcohol drinking.
There is very strong evidence that alcohol, especially in the cases of heavy drinking, could cause one or many of the following diseases. These include several forms of cancer, most especially in the liver, pancreatitis and alcohol withdrawal syndrome, among others. It could also cause fetal brain damage when taken by pregnant women. It is also a main cause of accidents such as car crashes leading to loss of life and limb. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014)
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol wreaks havoc on the heart and the immune system as well. Drinking copious amounts could lead to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and stroke. It could also compromise the body’s immune system, making it a more susceptible target for infections and other diseases. (2015)
A research paper by Shield, Parry and Rehm estimates the burden of chronic diseases and conditions attributable to alcohol abuse. These chronic diseases include cancers of the digestive tract, diaetes, cardiovascular and circulatory diseases and neuropsychiatric conditions. The also provided a list of conditions which are 100% attributable to alcohol. The most significant effects include mental disorders such as acute intoxication, psychotic disorder and amnesic syndrome. Degeneration of the nervous system could also be contributed to alcohol abuse as well as alcoholic polyneuropathy. They estimated that in 2006, a quarter of a trillion dollars was the cost incurred by both alcohol and alcohol related circumstances. These include health care costs such as treatment of the medical conditions incurred, productivity losses such as mortality and other effects such as crashes and victim property damage. (2015)
These being said, a study by Thakker states that effects of alcohol vary according to each individual risk factors and risk situations. It also illustrates that a net benefit of alcohol consumption may be achieved by other ways such us a healthier diet and smoking cessation. (2006)
Alcohol consumption could also lead to beneficial effects. This is referring to minimal to moderate alcohol consumption. As stated earlier, alcohol abuse could very likely lead to various health problems. A meta-analysis of several studies has suggested that moderate alcohol drinking is linked to improving the survival rates in various populations. These include diabetics and patients with heart conditions. Analysis of 51 epidemiologic studies reveal a 20% decreased risk of coronary artery disease with moderate alcohol intake. A significant effect noticed in studies is the increase in High Density Lipoproteins otherwise known as good cholesterol by up to 12% after a consumption of 1 to 2 glasses per day of an alcoholic drink. Even with these facts presented, researchers do not recommend non-drinkers to start drinking in order to improve their health. The evidence supporting this is still not very strong. Inducing cardio protection by increasing alcohol consumption is not yet justified. Patients are advised to treat this conundrum on a case to case basis. (Szmitko, 2006)
With all these in mind, it is important to remember that alcohol can do both good and bad to the human body. It has numerous benefits as well as drawbacks. The key is in moderation and knowing how much is too much.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 11). Alcohol use: If you drink, keep it moderate. Retrieved March 28, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551?pg=1
National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse [NIAAA]. (2015). Beyond Hangovers. National Institute on Health.
Szmitko, P. E. (2005). Red Wine and Your Heart. Circulation, 111(2).
Shield, K., Parry, C., & Rehm, J. (2015). Focus On: Chronic Diseases and Conditions Related to Alcohol Use. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 35(2).
Thakker, K. D. (2006). An Overview of Health Risks and Benefits of Alcohol Consumption. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 22(Supplement 1), 285.
