This year is a pivotal one for alcohol consumption in the U.S. Authorities are diving into conflicting research to decide how much drinking is considered too much. This new guidance could shake up how people view their drinking habits and impact the alcohol industry significantly.
Currently, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans allow men to have up to two drinks per day and women one drink. If officials change this, it could reshape public perceptions of drinking.
For years, it’s been known that heavy drinking raises the risk of serious health issues like heart and liver disease and various cancers. In fact, around 178,000 deaths each year in the U.S. are linked to alcohol. The more you drink, the greater your risk.
The issue arises with the definition of “moderate drinking.” While it was once thought that small amounts of alcohol could be good for you, many experts now argue that any alcohol is likely harmful to health.
Recently, one group of scientists concluded that even one drink a day can increase the risk of death from several health problems, while another group suggested that moderate drinkers have a lower overall risk of dying compared to non-drinkers.
The Health and Human Services and Agriculture departments will weigh these differing opinions along with public feedback when considering new guidelines.
In January, one committee found that men and women who drink more than seven drinks a week face a one in a thousand chance of dying from alcohol-related issues. If they drink more than nine, that risk jumps to one in a hundred. And even moderate drinking was associated with higher risks of liver cirrhosis and certain cancers.
Dr. Annie DePasquale emphasized that while moderate drinking has often been seen as safe, even low levels can lead to serious health problems. New findings show that the risk of several cancers starts with any level of drinking, particularly among women.
Interestingly, another review suggested that adults who drink moderately may actually have a slightly lower risk of dying from any cause when compared to those who don’t drink at all. However, this study also noted that moderate drinkers have an increased risk of breast cancer. The benefits and risks appear to be delicate and complex.
Methodologies between the studies vary. The National Academies’ review looked at more recent data and excluded certain studies to minimize bias. This has drawn scrutiny, especially since two researchers were removed due to prior ties to the alcohol industry. Still, the remaining committee members assured that the findings stand on solid ground.
There’s ongoing debate in the scientific community about the connections between drinking and health. Some researchers argue that differences between drinkers and non-drinkers can skew results. The health status of non-drinkers may cause them to avoid alcohol, rather than their choice being purely lifestyle-based.
Alcohol research is often based on self-reported habits, which can lead to inaccuracies. Many individuals underestimate their drinking, complicating the findings further. Emerging research suggests no strong health benefits of moderate drinking, leading many health experts to discourage alcohol consumption.
Each person’s risk varies based on genetics, lifestyle factors like exercise and smoking, and drinking habits. As Timothy Rebbeck, a cancer prevention researcher, noted, individuals need to consider their own comfort with risk when it comes to alcohol consumption.
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