Alcohol & Health
Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily, such as two 12-ounce beers or two 5-ounce glasses of wine, offers some health benefits, especially for the heart. It can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, lowers your risk of developing gallstones, and possibly reduces your risk of stroke and diabetes. Anything more than moderate drinking can lead to serious health problems, however, including strokes; pancreatitis; cancer of the liver, pancreas, mouth, larynx or esophagus; heart-muscle damage; high blood pressure; and cirrhosis of the liver.
Recently Answered
- Q How can alcohol affect my stomach?
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Dr. Patricia Raymond, Internal MedicineAlcohol may cause irritation of the stomach, called alcoholic gastritis. However, population studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduced likelihood of H pylori infection, the causal organism in duodenal ulcers and gastric... Full Answer
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- Q How does alcohol consumption affect aging?
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Dr. Mark Houston, Internal MedicineConsumption of small amounts of alcohol per day may increase life span and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Although any alcohol may be effective, red wine, especially those with high resveratrol content such as pinot noir,... Full Answer
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- Q What happened to 4 Loco caffeinated alcohol drinks?
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Dr. Arthur Perry, Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryIn November 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the companies manufacturing 4 Loco to prove these drinks were safe. Safety was not demonstrated and all but 4 companies ceased production. In November 2010, the FDA told the companies to stop... Full Answer
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- Q How does drinking alcohol on an empty stomach affect the body?
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Emilia Klapp, Nutrition & DieteticsBoth whether you have eaten and what you have eaten influence how quickly alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Alcohol only can be processed at a certain rate by the liver; if more is ingested before the liver can metabolize it, it absorbs... Full Answer
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- Q Why can alcohol be bad for my health if I have diabtes?
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Emilia Klapp, Nutrition & DieteticsAlthough it has calories, alcohol is not a fat, a protein, or a carbohydrate. The body considers it a poison that needs to be broken down and removed as soon as possible to prevent it from damaging cells and organs. If it moves through the... Full Answer
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- Q What is arctic root?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyNatural products found around the world are increasingly being used to treat problems such as stress. Watch as Dr. Oz talks with alternative medicine expert Bryce Wylde in this video about natural cures found around the world. Full Answer
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- Q Why does drinking red wine help reduce inflammation and pain?
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Some studies suggest that resveratrol, a natural compound found in more than seventy plants, including grapes and berries, protects against oxidation and fungal infection caused by external stresses such as temperature extremes and ultraviolet light.... Full Answer
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- Q How does drinking alcohol affect my ability to have an erection?
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A couple of drinks can loosen inhibitions, allowing people to explore their sexuality in a relaxed manner. However, alcohol can also impair sexual functioning. Alcohol is a depressant. It works on the nervous system by slowing down brain... Full Answer
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- Q Is it safe to drink alcohol?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAlcohol has health benefits if consumed in moderation, but can be very harmful if used to excess. Watch this video by Dr. Oz to learn more about drinking alcohol and your health. Full Answer
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- Q Should I drink in moderation to protect my heart?
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Despite some studies that have shown that alcohol can be beneficial in reducing the risks of heart disease; the American Heart Association does not recognize drinking alcohol as a legitimate heart-healthy activity. There also are potential downsides... Full Answer
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