Lao Liu has been feeling a bit down recently because during his recent physical examination, he was diagnosed with “alcoholic fatty liver.” For the sake of his health, even if he wants to drink alcohol, he can only hold back.
But as luck would have it, Lao Liu’s friend happened to invite him to drink tonight. “I think I’ll pass this time. I always end up with alcoholic liver after drinking.” Lao Liu politely declined.
“No problem!” his friend assured him, “We’re going to have beer this time. I heard that it takes 13 bottles of beer to match one bottle of liquor, so drinking a bit won’t hurt.”
01
Which is more harmful to the body, drinking liquor or beer? Male friends are advised to find out.
It depends on various factors, including the amount of alcohol and alcohol content. Generally, if the same amount of alcohol is consumed, liquor usually has a higher alcohol content than beer, so liquor may impose a greater burden on the intestines and liver, causing potentially more harm.
Liquor contains a high concentration of ethanol and may also include harmful substances such as fusel oils, aldehydes, methanol, which not only put a significant metabolic burden on the liver but may also adversely affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Long-term consumption of liquor may lead to liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, nervous system damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and impaired nutrient absorption, among other health risks.
However, if the same amount of alcohol is consumed, the amount of beer usually exceeds that of liquor, along with higher water content and calories, excessive beer intake at once may also cause disruptions in body functions.
In addition, although beer has a relatively lower ethanol concentration, it contains purines and other substances that may increase uric acid levels in the body, thereby increasing the risks of hyperuricemia and gout.
Excessive beer consumption may also lead to discomfort such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and even trigger acute gastroenteritis. Therefore, whether drinking liquor or beer, it is essential to moderate consumption to avoid harm to the body.
The harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well known; it is crucial to avoid excessive reliance on alcohol to relieve stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key.
02
How much liquor and beer is appropriate to drink daily?
Regarding the recommended daily alcohol consumption of liquor and beer, it is necessary to comprehensively assess based on one’s physical condition, health situation, and drinking habits. Here are some general recommendations:
Liquor:
In general, alcohol consumption is not recommended, especially liquor due to its high alcohol content. If liquor consumption is deemed necessary, according to the “Chinese Dietary Guidelines (2022),” the recommended daily alcohol intake for adults should not exceed 15g.
Considering that liquor generally ranges from 38-50% alcohol by volume, the daily intake of liquor should be kept around 30-50ml.
It is important to note that individuals with conditions such as gastric ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, among others, should avoid alcohol consumption to prevent worsening their conditions.
Beer:
Generally, it is recommended to drink 100-200ml of beer per day. The recommended amount per serving for adults should not exceed 300ml (less than a canned drink), and the daily intake should not exceed 500ml (a bottle of beer), with 100-200ml per serving being more appropriate.
The ideal temperature for drinking beer is between 12-15°C, at this temperature, the aroma and foam of the beer are at their best, offering a refreshing taste. Beer should not be consumed with pickled or smoked foods; instead, fruits and light dishes are recommended.
03
How many of these misconceptions about drinking have you encountered?
Alcohol helps with sleep
Misconception: Many people believe that alcohol can help with falling asleep.
Reality: Alcohol can indeed help a person fall asleep quickly, but after metabolizing alcohol, it can affect the quality of the later stages of sleep, leading to unrestful sleep, and feeling dizzy or having a headache upon waking up. Over time, this may lead to alcohol dependency and worsening insomnia symptoms.
Alcohol warms the body
Misconception: Some people think that alcohol makes the body warm and can ward off cold.
Reality: After drinking alcohol, it stimulates the capillaries on the body’s surface, dilates the blood vessels, speeds up blood flow to the skin, creating warmth, but this is only a temporary sensation. In reality, alcohol can numb the temperature regulation center of the body, causing the body to lose its ability to regulate temperature, resulting in a significant loss of heat and making the body more prone to colds, frostbite, among others.
Alcohol relieves sorrow
Misconception: Some believe that alcohol can alleviate sadness and relieve stress.
Reality: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant; initially, it may bring excitement and a pleasant feeling when consumed, but then it turns into depression and may trigger emotions like depression, anxiety, among others. Long-term alcohol consumption may lead to alcohol dependency, alcohol poisoning, and other serious issues.
Drinking low-alcohol beverages won’t lead to intoxication
Misconception: Some individuals believe that low-alcohol beverages are less likely to cause intoxication due to their low alcohol content.
Reality: The alcohol content of a beverage is not the only factor determining intoxication. In fact, low-alcohol beverages often make people feel they can handle more drinks, unconsciously increasing consumption leading to intoxication. Additionally, low-alcohol beverages may contain more impurities and additives, posing potentially greater risks to the body.
“Mixing” different drinks is trendy
Misconception: Some individuals like to mix various types of alcohol or beverages, thinking it is stylish.
Reality: Mixing different types of alcohol or beverages may accelerate alcohol absorption and metabolism, increasing the risk of intoxication. Furthermore, certain mixed drinks may lead to adverse reactions or chemical interactions, harming bodily health.
Alcohol fights cancer
Misconception: Some believe that moderate alcohol consumption can prevent cancer.
Reality: While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, this does not imply that alcohol consumption can prevent cancer. In fact, alcohol is a confirmed carcinogen, and long-term alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing various cancers. Therefore, relying on alcohol to prevent cancer is not advisable.
04
If you fall into any of these 4 categories, refrain from even a drop of alcohol!
Patients with liver diseases: Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and for individuals already suffering from liver diseases, consuming alcohol will undoubtedly exacerbate the liver’s burden, leading to deteriorating conditions. Common liver diseases include hepatitis, cirrhosis, among others; patients with these conditions should abstain from alcohol.
Patients with cardiovascular diseases: Drinking alcohol may raise blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, increase cardiac load, and for patients with cardiovascular diseases, alcohol consumption may trigger severe consequences such as angina, myocardial infarction, among others. Therefore, individuals with conditions like hypertension, coronary heart disease, among others, should avoid alcohol consumption.
Patients with gastrointestinal diseases: Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, exacerbating symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, etc. Additionally, alcohol may impact the digestive function of the gastrointestinal system, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Therefore, individuals with gastrointestinal diseases should abstain from alcohol.
Pregnant and lactating women: Alcohol can pass through the placenta to the fetus, affecting fetal development, potentially causing abnormalities. Simultaneously, alcohol passed through breast milk can affect the infant’s health. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should completely avoid alcohol consumption.
In addition to the aforementioned four groups, there are other specific populations who should also refrain from alcohol consumption, such as adolescents, drivers, etc. Adolescents’ bodies are still developing, and alcohol consumption may have adverse effects; drivers’ alcohol intake may impair driving ability, increasing the risk of road accidents.
