Alcohol as Medicine?
Alcohol has been used as medicine for centuries. It is not as popular now as it once was, however if used properly can better your health in some aspects, particularly heart health. Alcohol in moderation can also reduce your risk of Ischemic Strokes, lower your risk of gallstones, and diabetes.
Protect Your Heart
Moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease in older adults by:
Raising "good cholesterol" (HDLs)
Lower blood pressure
Inhibits the formation of blood clots
Can be good and bad. while it can prevent heart attacks it can also increase the risk of bleeding.
Helps prevent artery damage caused by "bad cholesterol" (LDLs)
While alcohol may be beneficial to your heart Drs, do not recommend drinking alcohol to better your heart health if you:
Have heart failure
An enlarged heart
High Blood pressure
An irregular heart rhythm
Have a history of stroke
Are obese
Have high triglycerides
Are taking medication (Shuman).
Raising "good cholesterol" (HDLs)
Lower blood pressure
Inhibits the formation of blood clots
Can be good and bad. while it can prevent heart attacks it can also increase the risk of bleeding.
Helps prevent artery damage caused by "bad cholesterol" (LDLs)
While alcohol may be beneficial to your heart Drs, do not recommend drinking alcohol to better your heart health if you:
Have heart failure
An enlarged heart
High Blood pressure
An irregular heart rhythm
Have a history of stroke
Are obese
Have high triglycerides
Are taking medication (Shuman).
Reduce Your Risk of Stroke and Gallstones
Alcohol can lower your risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes because it raises the HDL levels in your body by filtering bad cholesterol to the liver where it is then filtered out of your body (National Stroke Association). It also works as a mild blood thinner, and the thinner your blood is, the less likely it is to form clots.
Consuming 2 alcoholic drinks per day can also reduce your risk of getting gallstones by 33%.because it reduces cholesterol where the stones are formed ("Alcohol Reduces Gallstone Risk).
Consuming 2 alcoholic drinks per day can also reduce your risk of getting gallstones by 33%.because it reduces cholesterol where the stones are formed ("Alcohol Reduces Gallstone Risk).
Lower your risk of diabetes
Alcohol in moderate amounts can cause your blood sugar to rise and improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, 2 major issues for people with diabetes. It could also lower your insulin levels all together, thus decreasing your risk of getting diabetes along with a healthy diet and exercise (Seibel).
What is moderate drinking?
Alcohol can benefit your health only if taken in moderation, the question is, what determines moderate drinking? Moderate drinking is said to be 1 drink/day for women, and 2 drinks/day for men (Mayo Clinic Staff). The next question is, what is one drink?
One drink is:
Beer: 12fl. oz
Wine: 5fl. oz
Liquor/Distilled Spirits (80 proof): 1.5fl. oz
One drink is:
Beer: 12fl. oz
Wine: 5fl. oz
Liquor/Distilled Spirits (80 proof): 1.5fl. oz
