One to Two Drinks a Day May Keep the Doctor Away
Many of my patients have heard this to be true but find it hard to believe. Can I really drink every night? Does it have to be red wine? What if I'm on medications? Whats the real deal about alcohol?
Is alcohol in moderation really beneficial? Over the years several large studies have repeatedly found a lower risk of stroke and heart disease in those who drink every night. Moderate use of alcohol decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke by 40 to 70 percent as compared to those who drink no alcohol. This relationship is true more for men and women in their 40's and 50's, those with risk factors for heart disease including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and even atrial fibrillation.
How much can I drink? Simply put it is the amount and frequency that is important. In women 1 drink a night and men 1-2 drinks a night is better than 3-4 and better than 0. It is also better to do it every night rather than, say, 5 drinks 2 nights of the week which has actually been shown to increase cardiac sudden death. Bottom line: binge drinking no good, abstinence no good and 1-2 drinks a night GOOD.
Does it have to be red wine? No. The French paradox (lower risk of heart disease even though higher rates of smoking and high fat diet) has been attributed to red wine. Studies in the U.S., however, consistently show the same protective effect for wine, beer and spirits.
What is it about alcohol that is protective? We are not really sure but alcohol raises HDL cholesterol (the "good cholesterol") and has antioxidant, antithrombotic (anti-clot) and anti-inflammatory effects that may hold the secret.
Why is it hard for primary care doctors like myself to recommend this to our patients? Even though the scientific evidence is impressive and hard to ignore I do feel conflicted recommending that my patients drink 1-2 drinks a night. I see in my practice many harmful effects of alcohol including addiction, peptic ulcer disease, liver disease and tragedies from alcohol related motor vehicle accidents. I discuss this on an individual basis with my patients and I say to you as I do to them: if it works for you and your family 1-2 drinks a night is protective against stroke and heart disease but you must be smart about it. No driving under the influence, discuss with your doctor interactions between your medications and alcohol, any stomach problems will be worse in the face of alcohol, if you find yourself ratcheting up your alcohol intake this will quickly lead to bad things. Last but not least yes you will notice alcohol will add to that layer around your waist: clear alcohols are the lowest in carbohydrates (vodka and gin) and watch the mixes.
Dr O.
Categories: Tips
Support Groups: Acromegaly, Alzheimer's Disease, Androgenic Alopecia, Anemia, Angina, Arrhythmias, Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), Back Pain, Caregivers, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Chronic Pain, Congenital Heart Disease, COPD & Emphysema, Coronary Heart Disease, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Degenerative Disc Disease, Degenerative Joint Disease, Diabetes Type 2, Diets & Weight Maintenance, Dizziness & Vertigo, Environmental Allergies, Female Sexual Issues, Fibromyalgia, Graves' Disease, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, HIV, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Insomnia, Menopause, MRSA, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Stroke, Tinnitus, TMJ
1) Chuckstent: 3-5 drinks a day is NOT the idea...as mentioned above. Cut it down a little friend...and this is an "issue" for you talk to your doc about it please
2) Re: Methotrexate..because it is metabolized in the liver and can (more often than other meds) cause liver test abnormalities--alcohol is not recommended...but everything in MODERATION if you are being closely monitored is fine
3) Just because a drug is metabolized primarily by the liver (lipitor, zocor being good examples) as is alcohol it doesnt mean you CANT drink alcohol but you would want to go gently (1 drink a night) and make sure you follow up with your doc for routine visits.
Dr O.
By DrOrrange May 16, 2008 1:48pm
Dr O,
After an MI and stent placement in my circumflex 6 mos ago, I'm on Plavix, Metoprolol, Lipitor, aspirin, 3g of Niacin and 3mg of Xanax XR per day. I have 3 to 5 drinks per day (wine or beer)and am slowly doing more. (To escape I think) I'm trying to get back to my 6 mi runs but am afraid to, so I mostly walk a lot and do my weights...Am I in danger?
chuckstent
By chuckstent May 15, 2008 11:13am
Methotrexate? That leaves me out! I have SLE, and have not had an alcoholic drink in years. I'm glad you submitted this tip, time for me to do a review of my meds.
Thank you,
Donna
By ctm3 May 15, 2008 9:00am
Yes..those of you on medications where alcohol is contraindicated (methotrexate a great example) should NOT heed this advice.
Dr O.
By DrOrrange May 14, 2008 1:06am
THANKS DOC, I'LL TAKE YOUR ADVICE - NORMALLY DRINK BEER BUT I'LL BE SWITCHING TO WINE :)
By thor37 May 10, 2008 10:49pm
I'm also on methotrexate, so it's a no-go for me. A much bigger deal for me, of course, is that I'm a recovering alcoholic, and have been for 23 years. When the first reports came out about cardiac stuff and red wine, my mom--who stayed sober also, just because she wanted to be "on my side"--did some research and found reports that you can get the same effects from drinking grape juice. Cheaper and far, far safer. (You just don't get to act like a Yuppie.) As a former therapist as well as a recovering person, I can't imagine recommending that anyone drink alcohol on a daily basis.
By galoux May 10, 2008 12:32pm
I take inderal my evening meal. Is it ok to have a drink around the same time?
I don't drink because I don't like the taste of beer or alcohol. I used to enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner, but I can't drink more than a half glass as I am apparently allergic to the histamine in wine. So, would a half glass be beneficial?
Thank you.
By wistful1347 May 10, 2008 12:29pm
Unfortunately, there are people who can be excluded from this. I am on methotrexate. I have been told by my rheumy that one drink a week can be lethal to me. This medication is toxic to my liver and I only have one. I realize that one drink a night doesn't seem too bad, but for me that translates into 7 drinks a week...too much for my liver to take at such a young age, with the mtx.
By wrknprogress35 May 9, 2008 8:32am
Thanks for the information. I must say that I do have 2 drink per night and exercise about 90 minutes a day, 5 days per week so I think that's what keeps the 'spare tire' at bay:) Also, I account for the caloric intake and don't disregard it. Thanks so much. Blessings and peace
By AnneL May 8, 2008 10:38pm
whoa. cool.. I must say..I do binge drink when I'm out with my friends. I'll take that all into consideration next time I want to down four shots of JAck with my friends.
By ChantyDS May 7, 2008 5:44pm
my grandfather sometimes has a shot of potato vodka as a digestif. Now he's a hale 91. Perhaps he is on to something . . .
By nicholas May 7, 2008 1:16pm
Great info, thanks!
By Jesse May 7, 2008 1:16pm