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 really wants to drink, he can only hold back.
However, coincidentally, Lao Liu’s friend happened to invite him to drink tonight. “I think I’ll pass this time. Drinking alcohol all the time has led to alcoholic liver disease,” Lao Liu politely declined.
“No problem!” his friend reassured confidently, “This time we’ll have beer. I heard that it takes 13 bottles of beer to equal one bottle of liquor, so a little beer won’t hurt.”
01
Which is more harmful to the body, “white liquor” or “beer”? Male friends are advised to find out.
This issue depends on various factors, including the amount of alcohol and its alcohol content. Generally, if the same amount of alcohol is consumed, white liquor usually has a higher alcohol content than beer, so white liquor may impose a greater burden on the intestines and liver, resulting in potentially more damage.
White liquor contains a high concentration of ethanol and may also contain harmful substances such as fusel oils, aldehydes, methanol, which may not only impose a significant metabolic burden on the liver but also have adverse effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Long-term consumption of white 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 consumption of beer is usually higher than white liquor, resulting in a higher water content and calorie intake. Drinking a large amount of beer at once may also cause disruptions in bodily functions.
In addition, although the ethanol concentration in beer is relatively low, it contains purines and other substances that may increase uric acid levels in the body, thereby increasing the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.
Excessive beer consumption may also lead to discomfort such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and may even trigger acute gastroenteritis. Therefore, whether drinking white liquor or beer, moderate drinking should be observed to avoid causing harm to the body.
The harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well known, and it is advisable to avoid relying too much on alcohol to relieve stress; maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
02
How much white liquor and beer is appropriate to drink per day?
Regarding the recommended daily intake of white liquor and beer, it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based on individual physical condition, health status, and drinking habits. Here are some general recommendations:
White liquor:
Generally, alcohol consumption is not recommended, especially white liquor due to its high alcohol content. If consuming white liquor is necessary, according to the “Chinese Residents’ Dietary Guidelines (2022),” the daily alcohol intake for adults should not exceed 15g.
Considering that white liquor typically has an alcohol content of around 38-50 degrees, the daily intake of white liquor should ideally be controlled to around 30-50ml.
It is important to note that individuals with conditions such as gastric ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, among others, should abstain from alcohol consumption to avoid worsening their conditions.
Beer:
Generally, it is advisable to consume 100-200 milliliters of beer per day. The recommended consumption for adults per serving should not exceed 300 milliliters (less than a can size) and should not exceed 500 milliliters per day (equivalent to a beer bottle). A consumption of 100-200 milliliters per serving is more appropriate.
The ideal temperature for drinking beer is between 12-15°C, at which the aroma and foam of the beer are at optimal states, providing a refreshing taste when consumed. Beer should not be consumed with pickled or smoked foods but rather with fruits and light dishes.
03
Have you fallen into any of these alcohol misconceptions?
Drinking alcohol helps with sleep
Misconception: Many people believe that alcohol can help with falling asleep.
Truth: Alcohol can indeed make a person fall asleep quickly, but after alcohol metabolism, it can affect the quality of deep sleep, leading to restless sleep, dizziness, headaches, and other discomfort upon waking up. Long-term alcohol consumption in this manner can lead to alcohol dependence and exacerbate insomnia symptoms.
Alcohol warms the body
Misconception: Some individuals think that drinking alcohol warms the body and can ward off cold.
Truth: After drinking alcohol, it stimulates the capillaries on the body’s surface, dilating the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the skin, creating a warming sensation. However, this is only a temporary feeling. In reality, alcohol numbs the body’s temperature regulation center, causing the body to lose its ability to regulate temperature, leading to significant heat loss and making one more susceptible to colds, frostbite, among other conditions.
Drinking alcohol relieves sadness
Misconception: Some believe that alcohol can help alleviate sadness and reduce stress.
Truth: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Initially, it may bring feelings of excitement and pleasure upon drinking, but it eventually turns into inhibition, possibly triggering depressive, anxious, and other emotional issues. Prolonged alcohol consumption can also lead to alcohol dependence, alcohol poisoning, and other severe problems.
Drinking low-proof alcohol won’t intoxicate you
Misconception: Some individuals think that low-proof alcohol, due to its lower alcohol content, will not easily intoxicate them.
Truth: The alcohol content of a drink is not the sole determining factor in intoxication. In fact, low-proof alcohol often gives people a false sense of “sobriety,” causing them to unconsciously increase their consumption, leading to intoxication. Furthermore, low-proof alcohol may contain more impurities and additives, posing greater risks to the body.
“Mixing” alcohol is trendy
Misconception: Some people like to mix different types of alcohol or beverages believing it is stylish.
Truth: Mixing different types of alcohol or beverages may accelerate alcohol absorption and metabolism, increasing the risk of intoxication. Furthermore, some mixed drinks may lead to adverse reactions or chemical responses, causing harm to one’s health.
Drinking alcohol fights cancer
Misconception: Some individuals believe that moderate alcohol consumption can prevent cancer.
Truth: While some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, this does not mean that alcohol consumption can prevent cancer. In reality, alcohol is a known carcinogen, and long-term alcohol consumption increases the risk of various cancers. Therefore, alcohol consumption should not be relied upon to prevent cancer.
04
If you fall into these four categories, abstain from alcohol!
Patients with liver diseases: Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver. For individuals already suffering from liver diseases, consuming alcohol will undoubtedly exacerbate the burden on the liver, worsening their conditions. Common liver diseases include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and these patients should abstain from alcohol.
Individuals with cardiovascular diseases: Alcohol consumption may lead to increased blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and added strain on the heart. For individuals with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, coronary heart disease, alcohol consumption could trigger severe consequences such as angina, myocardial infarction. Therefore, individuals with cardiovascular diseases should avoid alcohol consumption.
Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases: Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, exacerbating symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, ulcers. Moreover, alcohol can also affect the digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Hence, individuals with gastrointestinal diseases should refrain from alcohol.
Pregnant and lactating women: Alcohol can pass through the placenta to the fetus, impacting fetal development, potentially leading to deformities. Additionally, alcohol can affect infant health through breast milk. Hence, pregnant and lactating women should abstain from alcohol.
In addition to the aforementioned groups, there are other specific populations that should also avoid alcohol consumption, such as adolescents, drivers, and more. Adolescents’ bodies are not yet fully developed, and alcohol consumption may have adverse effects on their bodies; drivers’ alcohol consumption may result in impaired driving abilities, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
