In daily life, it is often enjoyable to exchange cups and encourage each other to drink at the wine table. However, drinking alcohol is likened to a slow death, and toasting is considered deliberate murder. While enthusiasts may not like hearing this truth, the reality is that drinking leads to the decline of many lives. Globally, the alcohol consumption rate among males is 39%, positioning alcohol consumption as the 7th leading risk factor for male deaths in the world. Approximately 2.8 million people worldwide die due to alcohol consumption annually, with China accounting for a quarter of these deaths, securing the top spot among nations. Such remarkable statistics are undoubtedly correlated with the ubiquitous drinking culture at the wine table.
What are the hazards of drinking alcohol?
1. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
A study published in Circulation in 2016, involving 29,457 CVD patients (including heart attacks, ischemic strokes, and hemorrhagic strokes) in a 24-hour risk assessment, revealed that regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed within 24 hours, it raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This risk persists regardless of regular alcohol consumption. Therefore, claims that limited drinking brings pleasure while excessive drinking harms are baseless. Whether in moderation or excess, alcohol consumption escalates the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks.
2. Alcohol-related cancer risks are real
According to a global cancer report released by The Lancet Oncology on July 13, 2021, there were 740,000 new cases of alcohol-related cancers globally in 2020. If cases of gastric and pancreatic cancer are included, the number would surpass 810,000, indicating a significant and alarming figure. Alcohol has been classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, with esophageal, liver, and breast cancers having the highest association with alcohol consumption. Studies published in The Lancet Oncology specifically highlight several countries, including China, as having the highest risk of alcohol-related cancers, surpassing a 6.8% risk level.
3. Significant damage to the gastrointestinal tract and liver
Alcohol directly stimulates the stomach, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion, which can cause gastric mucosal damage, gastritis, and an increased risk of gastric ulcers. Liver metabolism processes alcohol, aggravating liver damage while affecting its fat metabolism, resulting in conditions like alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. About 70% of alcohol is absorbed and metabolized in the intestines, leading to intestinal irritation and raising the risk of colon polyps and chronic colitis. Alcohol consumption also stimulates the gallbladder, causing abnormal bile excretion and conditions like gallbladder inflammation and gallstones.
In summary, alcohol consumption inflicts significant harm on the body, affecting all organs and blood vessels. Drinking alcohol is akin to committing slow self-destruction. Quitting alcohol, like quitting smoking, poses a significant challenge for many individuals, some of whom view alcohol as indispensable. Despite the temptation to drink regularly, the benefits of quitting are far greater than we might imagine.
What are the benefits of quitting alcohol?
Improves blood pressure and lipid levels
Alcohol raises heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to several cardiovascular diseases. Excessive drinking can lead to obesity and high blood lipid levels due to the calorific nature of alcohol. Quitting alcohol in time can effectively address these issues.
Reduces the risk of digestive tract diseases
Alcohol’s impact on the body is extensive, with the digestive tract being particularly affected due to its direct contact with alcohol. Quitting alcohol can lower the risk of digestive diseases such as esophagitis, gastritis, and colitis, ultimately reducing the risk of related cancers.
Decreases the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis
China faces a high incidence of liver diseases, with liver cancer predominantly caused by viral hepatitis and, secondarily, alcohol consumption. Prolonged alcohol intake damages liver cells, leading to necrosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is often a prelude to liver cancer, posing a significant danger once it manifests.
Improves sleep quality
Many perceive alcohol as aiding sleep, but as mentioned earlier, alcohol offers no real benefits and merely induces a state of intoxication mistaken for sleep. Although one might pass out after drinking, the brain’s neural functions are disrupted, resulting in shallow sleep and compromising overall sleep quality. For actual sleep assistance, consuming warm milk containing tryptophan, which promotes the secretion of serotonin and melatonin, is more effective.
Alcohol has long been recognized as a carcinogen, gradually damaging the body. Therefore, quitting alcohol is crucial. In daily life, many find themselves compelled to drink due to work commitments and social gatherings.
How should we respond when urged to drink?
â‘ Avoid drinking whenever possible
As alcohol offers no real benefits, politely decline by citing reasons like driving, work commitments, or health issues, as these must take priority over drinking.
â‘¡ Eat before drinking
Consuming food before alcohol intake is vital. Eating staple foods like rice and noodles beforehand fills the stomach, minimizing direct contact of alcohol with the stomach lining, thereby reducing irritation and preventing intoxication. This approach isn’t about binge drinking but rather about minimizing harm.
â‘¢ Have a substantial meal along with alcohol
Eating food alongside consuming alcohol can reduce stomach irritation and slow down alcohol intake, allowing for a more controlled drinking pace. By moderating alcohol intake, the body has more time to metabolize ethanol to acetaldehyde, reducing the risk of intoxication and lightening the body’s burden.
Alcohol consumption offers no health benefits, and while it may be challenging to avoid in daily life due to work commitments and social gatherings, moderation is key. Strive to drink less, avoid excessive consumption, and mitigate the harm alcohol can cause to your body.
References:
“Moderate Alcohol Consumption Good for Cardiovascular Health? This Claim Isn’t Credible!” dated October 31, 2020, Medical Channel Cardiovascular
“The Lancet Oncology Sub-Journal Releases 2020 Alcohol-Related Cancer Report” dated July 18, 2021, Medical Channel Tumor
“Can’t Decline Alcohol? Experts Teach You Essential Tips” Guangzhou Daily dated February 18, 2019
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