With the help of pertinent specialists’ insights, The Pioneer’s Shikha Duggal tells the readers that while moderate drinking can be beneficial, it’s not always the case.
We have debated the benefits and drawbacks of drinking for as long as we have been doing it. Even now, there is a lively back and forth over the health benefits or drawbacks of alcohol consumption. With the help of pertinent specialists’ insights, we’re only letting readers know that, while moderate drinking can be beneficial, it’s not always the case.
The senior hepatologist and gastroenterologist at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad, Dr. Kavya Dendukuri, says, “Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol is complicated and always changing. Limited information is caused by individual variability, difficulties in controlled trials, effects that depend on dosage, and possible hazards such as liver disease and addiction. The public health message overshadows possible advantages by emphasising caution due to known hazards. Confounding elements in research, such as lifestyle circumstances, increase complexity as scientific understanding advances. Priorities of public health include harm reduction, which results in a comparatively low emphasis on the benefits of alcohol.” Potential cardiovascular benefits, such as raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, have been related to moderate alcohol intake. On the other hand, heavy or excessive drinking can cause a number of health issues, such as addiction, liver illness, and a higher chance of accidents.” It is frequently advised to abstain from alcohol in a variety of situations in order to improve general health and reduce hazards. This includes people using certain medications and those with particular medical conditions like pancreatitis or liver illness. It is recommended that pregnant women abstain in order to save the growing fetus. Furthermore, abstaining from alcohol is advised for those with a history of substance misuse in order to lower their chance of relapsing. Selecting not to drink alcohol in these various circumstances is a preventative step that promotes greater health,” suggested the physician. Encouraging a healthy attitude towards alcohol intake includes identifying and resolving triggers, creating attainable objectives, and asking friends or support groups for assistance. Key tactics include communicating intentions with a support network, setting clear goals for cutting back or quitting drinking, and identifying situations or feelings that may act as triggers. These steps add to a comprehensive and encouraging framework for controlling alcohol intake and promoting general wellbeing. “Being aware of your boundaries is essential to maintaining a healthy attitude towards alcohol usage. Recognise typical drink quantities and follow the standards for moderate drinking, which typically include one drink for women and two for men per day. It’s also critical to routinely evaluate your general health. Drink water in between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. This habit not only helps you control your alcohol intake but also improves your general health. This well-rounded strategy encourages sensible and health-conscious drinking practices. Furthermore, ethical and health-conscious drinking practices are supported by family and a strong social network, which promotes a comprehensive approach to overall wellbeing,” doctor Kavya concluded.
The delicate relationship between alcohol’s effects on the human body and our limited understanding of its advantages is well-established. Scientific studies struggle with the difficulty of proving benefits that apply to everyone, as well as the wide range of individual reactions, the impact of genetics, and the myriad of different health issues. The subjectivity goes even farther to include things like physical mass, eating patterns, and alcohol consumption style. It is difficult to identify and measure certain advantages because of these characteristics. It becomes more challenging to understand the whole range of alcohol’s negative health impacts because of the interchange of cultural and social factors. So, Dr. Neeraj Goel, Senior Consultant, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Liver Transplant, and HPB Surgery at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, breaks it down for us: “Alcohol use and health have a complex and multidimensional relationship. The kind of alcohol drank, a person’s unique genetic composition, and their general state of health are all important factors in assessing the effects of alcohol. These include well-known dangers like liver illness as well as the sneaky dangers of addiction and an increased chance of developing specific diseases. It is clear that people who are dealing with certain medical issues, have a history of substance misuse, or have negative interactions with pharmaceuticals should not drink. The need for complete abstinence becomes evident when the possible hazards — such as the threat of addiction, the complex effects on mental health, or the harmful effects on critical organs—become greater than any apparent advantages.” Developing a thorough plan is necessary to take the best possible approach to avoiding alcohol. It goes beyond just being aware of the hazards; it also entails developing a strong support system and, if necessary, obtaining expert advice. Participating in non-traditional recreational pursuits is crucial; this includes the escape that comes with travel, the healing vibration of music, the endorphin-rich haven of the gym, or the soul-stirring endeavour of art. Understanding the subtle dangers, identifying one’s own triggers, and developing coping skills become essential elements of a successful alcohol detox.
A nutritionist and fitness trainer, Nupuur Patil, adds, “When we attempt to comprehend alcohol, we typically discuss its drawbacks rather than its advantages. It’s time to embrace the complex aspects of alcohol, to highlight the benefits that are often disregarded, and to promote a more thoughtful conversation about its consequences. A balanced viewpoint that acknowledges both alcohol’s possible advantages and related concerns is necessary to comprehend the intricacies of alcohol’s effects on health. Avoiding alcohol is a personal decision, just like drinking it. Avoiding alcohol’s health concerns means embracing vigour, clarity, and a life free from possible hazards. Genuine fulfilment can be attained with sobriety, which opens the door to a robust and conscious life.” It is now crucial for drinkers to maintain balance. Accept awareness, establish boundaries, and enjoy the moment. Self-evaluation on a regular basis guarantees a positive relationship with alcohol. Put your health first, pay attention to your body, and follow moderation as a guide to enjoying the social elixir in a responsible and peaceful manner.
The senior hepatologist and gastroenterologist at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad, Dr. Kavya Dendukuri, says, “Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol is complicated and always changing. Limited information is caused by individual variability, difficulties in controlled trials, effects that depend on dosage, and possible hazards such as liver disease and addiction. The public health message overshadows possible advantages by emphasising caution due to known hazards. Confounding elements in research, such as lifestyle circumstances, increase complexity as scientific understanding advances. Priorities of public health include harm reduction, which results in a comparatively low emphasis on the benefits of alcohol.” Potential cardiovascular benefits, such as raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, have been related to moderate alcohol intake. On the other hand, heavy or excessive drinking can cause a number of health issues, such as addiction, liver illness, and a higher chance of accidents.” It is frequently advised to abstain from alcohol in a variety of situations in order to improve general health and reduce hazards. This includes people using certain medications and those with particular medical conditions like pancreatitis or liver illness. It is recommended that pregnant women abstain in order to save the growing fetus. Furthermore, abstaining from alcohol is advised for those with a history of substance misuse in order to lower their chance of relapsing. Selecting not to drink alcohol in these various circumstances is a preventative step that promotes greater health,” suggested the physician. Encouraging a healthy attitude towards alcohol intake includes identifying and resolving triggers, creating attainable objectives, and asking friends or support groups for assistance. Key tactics include communicating intentions with a support network, setting clear goals for cutting back or quitting drinking, and identifying situations or feelings that may act as triggers. These steps add to a comprehensive and encouraging framework for controlling alcohol intake and promoting general wellbeing. “Being aware of your boundaries is essential to maintaining a healthy attitude towards alcohol usage. Recognise typical drink quantities and follow the standards for moderate drinking, which typically include one drink for women and two for men per day. It’s also critical to routinely evaluate your general health. Drink water in between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. This habit not only helps you control your alcohol intake but also improves your general health. This well-rounded strategy encourages sensible and health-conscious drinking practices. Furthermore, ethical and health-conscious drinking practices are supported by family and a strong social network, which promotes a comprehensive approach to overall wellbeing,” doctor Kavya concluded.
The delicate relationship between alcohol’s effects on the human body and our limited understanding of its advantages is well-established. Scientific studies struggle with the difficulty of proving benefits that apply to everyone, as well as the wide range of individual reactions, the impact of genetics, and the myriad of different health issues. The subjectivity goes even farther to include things like physical mass, eating patterns, and alcohol consumption style. It is difficult to identify and measure certain advantages because of these characteristics. It becomes more challenging to understand the whole range of alcohol’s negative health impacts because of the interchange of cultural and social factors. So, Dr. Neeraj Goel, Senior Consultant, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Liver Transplant, and HPB Surgery at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, breaks it down for us: “Alcohol use and health have a complex and multidimensional relationship. The kind of alcohol drank, a person’s unique genetic composition, and their general state of health are all important factors in assessing the effects of alcohol. These include well-known dangers like liver illness as well as the sneaky dangers of addiction and an increased chance of developing specific diseases. It is clear that people who are dealing with certain medical issues, have a history of substance misuse, or have negative interactions with pharmaceuticals should not drink. The need for complete abstinence becomes evident when the possible hazards — such as the threat of addiction, the complex effects on mental health, or the harmful effects on critical organs—become greater than any apparent advantages.” Developing a thorough plan is necessary to take the best possible approach to avoiding alcohol. It goes beyond just being aware of the hazards; it also entails developing a strong support system and, if necessary, obtaining expert advice. Participating in non-traditional recreational pursuits is crucial; this includes the escape that comes with travel, the healing vibration of music, the endorphin-rich haven of the gym, or the soul-stirring endeavour of art. Understanding the subtle dangers, identifying one’s own triggers, and developing coping skills become essential elements of a successful alcohol detox.
A nutritionist and fitness trainer, Nupuur Patil, adds, “When we attempt to comprehend alcohol, we typically discuss its drawbacks rather than its advantages. It’s time to embrace the complex aspects of alcohol, to highlight the benefits that are often disregarded, and to promote a more thoughtful conversation about its consequences. A balanced viewpoint that acknowledges both alcohol’s possible advantages and related concerns is necessary to comprehend the intricacies of alcohol’s effects on health. Avoiding alcohol is a personal decision, just like drinking it. Avoiding alcohol’s health concerns means embracing vigour, clarity, and a life free from possible hazards. Genuine fulfilment can be attained with sobriety, which opens the door to a robust and conscious life.” It is now crucial for drinkers to maintain balance. Accept awareness, establish boundaries, and enjoy the moment. Self-evaluation on a regular basis guarantees a positive relationship with alcohol. Put your health first, pay attention to your body, and follow moderation as a guide to enjoying the social elixir in a responsible and peaceful manner.
