"Health risk starts with the first sip of alcohol."

For decades, mild to moderate alcohol consumption was widely believed to offer various health benefits, particularly red wine for heart health. However, today, numerous global studies and leading health organizations, including the WHO (World Health Organization), there is a strong consensus that “there is no safe level of alcohol consumption”. Alcohol is categorized as a Group 1 carcinogen and is linked to numerous chronic health conditions.

Is light drinking healthy?

 

The belief that moderate drinking could be beneficial for health has become strong, stemming from previous studies. Various past studies found the link between light drinking and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, recently, key health authorities revealed that these findings may have been deviated by confounding variables such as diet, physical activities, socio-economic status, or preexisting health conditions.

A 2018, a comprehensive Lancet investigation, which comprises the data of 195 countries, concluded unquestionably. A study revealed that “There is no alcohol level that could be considered with zero health outcomes. The study emphasized alcohol’s significant contribution to increased cancer cases, premature death, and many chronic health conditions. The study concluded, supposed benefits of less drinking often disappear.

 

Major health risk associated with alcohol-

Drinking alcohol is associated with a variety of serious health risks even at moderate or low levels. Some of the Major conditions includes:

Alcohol as a carcinogen:

The most alarming discovery is the strong link between alcohol and cancer. As per many leading authorities like WHO or NIH, alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen and is associated with several types of cancers, including:

·       Breast cancer

·       Mouth, throat, and Oesophagus cancer

·       Stomach and colon cancer

·       Liver cancer

 The study found alarming results that have made it clear that even a low level of alcohol intake increases the prevalence of cancers. The risk heightened with greater consumption of alcohol.

 

Alcohol as a mental health enemy:

Consumption of alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters. Even a little intake of alcohol can negatively affect mental well-being. Recent research concluded that light alcohol intake diminishes cognitive function and sleep. Additionally, alcohol may worsen the symptoms of depression, mood swings, and preexisting mental conditions. According to the research, it is also one of the significant contributors to domestic violence and suicide rates.

 

Alcohol intake and heart health:

While some older studies suggested a cardio-protective effect of moderate drinking, newer research found that even light consumption of alcohol may cause many heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, weak heart muscle, and arrhythmias. Latest research also found that alcohol may cause irregular heartbeat beat known as arterial fibrillation, which raises the risk of stroke.

 

Established cause of liver damage:

Earlier modest quantity of alcohol was generally considered safe. It is important to be understand that no alcohol amount considered as secure and it is a contributor of liver damage over the time. Despite the small amount, may lead to problems like fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hence, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and to refuse to drink alcohol to protect liver health.

 

Changes in public health guidelines

Global health authorities are modifying in recommended guidelines in light of the latest research. Prominent health figures updated their national alcohol guidelines and giving a warning sign that “no alcohol level is known as risk-free”, considering it as a dangerous drug and promoting abstinence.

 

Conclusion

Moderate drinking has long been considered harmless for decades. But the latest growing research and scientific evidence strongly disproves the claims, highlighting increased risk of chronic health problems including cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and liver damage, even at lower levels or consuming occasionally. Global health authorities and healthcare professionals are re-evaluating guidelines, pushing individuals to critically analyse their frequency of drinking. Hence, eliminating drinking would be approved as the safest zone for long-term health.