June Russell's Health Facts

Alcohol - Miscellaneous

[Statistics]   [Medical Testing]   [Clearance Rate]   [Toxicity/Sensitivity]   [Media Role]   [Ethnicity]   [Lungs]   [Smoking]   [Skin]   [Hair]   [Sinuses]   [Eyes]   [Pancreas]   [Immunity]   [Chronic Illness]   [Other Studies]   [Alternatives]  

Statistics about Alcohol Use and Drinking Habits

U.S. Drinking Habits: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, Feb. 2002:

Forty percent of Americans abstain from drinking alcohol, 35% are low risk drinkers, 20% are risky drinkers and 5% are alcoholics.
{“Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention: where research meets practice,” Connecticut Medicine, 1997}

A new poll found that more than one-third of Americans do not drink alcoholic beverages (Reuters). Thirty-four percent say they never drink, and just seven percent drink every day.
{"Many americans abstain from alcohol use," jointogether.org - Dec. 2000}

According to the North Carolina Physicians Health Program, the number of substance abusers is estimated to be 10%, but among medical professionals it ranges from 10 to 20%. It is important that the general public wean themselves from thinking that doctors should have no human limitations.
{“Addicted doctors pose great peril for their patients,” Asheville Citizens-Times Journal - at citizens-times.com, Sep. 2001}

Medical Testing

Even a single glass of wine or beer consumed 24 to 48 hours before you have medical tests can throw off the results.
{“Your healthy heart,” Prevention magazine, Oct. 1995}

Alcohol elevates HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and so may interfere with HDL tests. Even a single glass of wine or beer may throw off the results. To be on the safe side and help protect the accuracy of your results, abstain from drinking for 24 to 48 hours before testing.
{“Surprising ways to skew a test. Hold the Alcohol,” Your Healthy Heart, Prevention magazine, October 1995}

Alcohol Clearance Rate and Metabolism

People metabolize alcohol differently at different times of the day.
{from the book "How Much is Too Much?" Leonard Gross, 1983}

The presence of food in the stomach slows the rate of alcohol absorption, but absorption is also influenced by other factors including the type of alcoholic beverage, the drinker’s gender, body temperature, the presence of certain medications in the body, and the types of spices in the food. A study found that the peak BAC in women subjects was higher if they drank alcohol and ate salty foods, than if they only drank alcohol and no salty foods. From the studies since 1989, most authors concluded that low alcohol levels (apparently in the 0.02 - 0.08 range) could cause significant impairment in psychomotor performance, to the extent that driving safety is compromised.
{Ferrara, Zancaner, and Georgetti, 1994}

Information about rates of oxidation of alcohol differ:

1. HealthTeacher with WebMD says it takes two hours for the body to fully oxidize one typical alcoholic drink: it is oxidized or metabolized by the liver (May 2001).
2. www.padui.org says it takes one hour for 90% of the alcohol to be eliminated by the body: 10% of the alcohol is eliminated unchanged through sweat and urine (May 2001).
3. www.oregoncounseling.org - documents. Elimination of alcohol from a healthy adult body occurs at an average rate of 1/2 to 3/4 ounce per hour. The equivalent of one ounce of 100-proof whiskey, one large beer, or about three to four ounces of wine.
   {“Biological impacts of alcohol use: an overview” by Michael P. Dunlap, Psy. D., Clinical Psychologist (May 2001).

Alcohol and Toxicity/Chemical Sensitivity

Aldehydes are extremely toxic to the body: they initiate free radicals (which accelerate aging), cause permanent changes in genetics (mutagens) which creates new diseases, starts the process of cancer (carcinogens), and are highly toxic to the systems of the body. Alcohol decreases magnesium levels. To detox your diet omit all alcohol.
{in the book, "Tired or Toxic," by Sherry A. Rogers, an authority on chemical sensitivities, 1990}   Editor's comment: The metabolism of alcohol results in the formation of acetaldehyde.

The primary classes of the most common toxic offenders are solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. The primary action of the solvents is neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity.
{Arlien-Soberg P., Solvent Neurotoxicity, CRC Press 1992}; {J. Tox. Env. Med. 1996 & J. Occup. Med. Tox. 1992} and {"Environmental Medicine: Excerpts from Articles on Current Toxicity, Solvents, Pesticides and Heavy Metals," Walter J. Crinnion, ND, in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Jan. 2001}   Editor's comment: Alcohol is a solvent and the ethanol produced during the fermentation of wine is a solvent.
{The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1999}

Because alcohol consumption produces toxic compounds it would be better not to drink alcohol at all. Alcohol consumption results in the formation of two very toxic compounds: acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde. These compounds generate massive free radical damage to cells throughout the body. The free radical damage generated by these alcohol metabolites creates an effect in the body similar to radiation poisoning. Free radical damage is a major mechanism by which ethanol damages the liver. Chronic (regular) alcohol consumption can constrict arteries in the brain and lead to neurological deficit. Aging makes us increasingly vulnerable to damage.
{"Alcohol induced hangover: prevention," Life Extension - lef.org, Dec. 2000}

Alcohol, Beer, Ale, and Wines are made with: Fish Glue, Pepsin, Peptone, Lactic acid, Lactose, Glycerin, Gelatin, Egg White, Albumin, sturgeon's bladder, and/or malo-lactic bacteria. There are over a hundred additives permissible in various alcoholic beverages, and they are not required to be declared on the label.
{"Alcohol is not vegetarian," jainworld.com, Dec. 2001}

MCS can be triggered by many chemicals, mostly petrochemicals that can be found in alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, paints, wood treatments, glues carpets, furniture, shampoo, soap, detergents, medications, plastics, solvents, markers, raw fuels, engine exhaust, caffeine and food additives, to name a few.
{"Multiple chemical sensitivity: the afflicted," allergies.about.com, April 2002}

Alcohol and the Media

Alcohol advertisements: Alcohol consumption is found in nearly half of children's movies, the Associated Press reported. This study, reported in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics, showed that 40% of the films showed alcohol use, while 37% depicted tobacco use. However, there is a downward trend, and researchers said these findings should make it more important for parents to discuss the dangers of alcohol and tobacco with their children as they watch movies together.
{"Alcohol prevalent in children's films," substance abuse on jointogether.org - March 2002}

Alcohol, Ethnicity and Ethnic Toleration

Sixty one percent of Asian American women abstain from alcohol; 52 percent of black women; 40 percent of Latina women; and 35% of white women.
{National Institutes of Health, Women of Color Health Data Book, 1996}

People vary in their vulnerability to the effects of alcohol. Some of these differences result from genetically determined variations in the body's ability to break down or metabolize and eliminate alcohol. For example, after drinking, many Asian sub-populations experience flushing of the skin, nausea, headache, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
{"Contributors to ethnic differences," Alcohol Alert, NIAAA, January 2002}

Half of all Asians can't tolerate alcohol because of a heredity deformation in an enzyme that regulates alcohol metabolism, says Bruce Ames, National Medal of Science-winner and University of California at Berkeley biochemist.
{"Free radicals," Discover magazine, October 2002}

Alcohol, Lungs and Lower Respiratory System

Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake for laryngitis.
{Johns Hopkins Family Health Book, 1999}

Alcohol causes an increase in the fluid accumulation in the lungs and can lead to chronic lung infections.
{“The Effect of Alcohol on YOUR Body,” according to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VA ASAP)- 2001}

Alcohol can suppress activities of certain immune system cells, called macrophages, that keep the lungs free from infection.
{Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine and Clinical and Experimental Research, NIAAA Alcohol Alert, alcoholism. about.com, Mar. 2003}

Alcohol and Smoking

In the June 15 issue of Cancer Research researchers from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that drinking alcohol dramatically boosts the risk of a common gene mutation in smokers developing lung cancer. Also patients developing lung cancer who drank were nearly twice as likely to have mutations than non-drinkers who smoked, and more than five times more likely to have these mutations than non-drinkers who didn't smoke.
{"Alcohol impairs the action of a tumor suppressing gene in smokers with lung cancer," Medical College of Wisconsin Physicians & Clinics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, healthlink.mcw.edu - Jan. 2002}

--- Alcohol, Smoking, and Vitamin Supplements ---

The media has reported health studies that have shown vitamin supplements to be less than effective in reduction of heart disease or cancer and a slight increase in deaths for smokers taking beta-carotene. Many subjects in these studies smoke and/or drink alcohol, and the researchers need to examine how these drugs alter test results. Consider:

• Smoking and drinking alcohol appear to reverse the anti-cancer effects of beta-carotene.
  {Journal of the National Cancer Institute, May 2003}
• Alcohol use generates free radicals. Also, alcohol hastens the breakdown of the antioxidants in the blood, speeding their elimination from the body.
  {CNN.com, July 2000}
• Alcohol promotes a deficiency of vitamin A and enhances the toxicity of both vitamin A and beta-carotene.
  {American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999}
• Alcohol interferes with the nutritional process by affecting digestion, storage, utilization and excretion of nutrients.
  {Nutrition Reviews, 1988}
• In individuals who smoke, if adequate amounts of vitamin C and E are not present, beta-carotene uses up its antioxidant capacity inactivating free radicals from the cigarette smoke, and then becomes a pro-oxidant. Other factors, such as alcohol, can conceivably tilt the balance.
  {UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, June 2003)
• Even in small amounts, alcohol will destroy vitamins B-12, B-6 and folic acid.

{“The ultimate anti-aging program,” Gary Null, nationally syndicated talk show host, investigative reporter, consumer advocate, New York Times best-selling author and award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer of PBS specials, 1999}

There have been more than 200 scientific studies that have shown that antioxidants, including beta-carotene, play a major role in preventing cancer and heart disease.
{“Is beta-carotene bad, or just the studies,” Jack Challem, The Nutrition Reporter, 1996}

Two studies found that beta-carotene can actually increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. The problem is partly the smoking, partly the beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is oxidized as it inactivates the free radicals from cigarette smoke, and its antioxidant capacity is “used up.” In the process, it can turn into a pro-oxidant or form oxidized by-products, particularly if adequate amounts of C and E aren’t present. These vitamins also help limit the oxidation of beta-carotene and/or recycle it after it is oxidized so that it won’t damage cells. The fact is, any oxidant can become a pro-oxidant under certain conditions in the body   especially if other antioxidants are lacking, since they protect one another from oxidation. Other factors, beside smoking, that could conceivably tilt the balance include alcohol, sun exposure, certain medications, intense exercise, or disease. There is a delicate balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, and eating fruits and vegetables is the safest way to get your antioxidants because they don’t pose any risk.
{‘Turning pro,” UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, June 2003}

Editor's comment: Many health studies fail to examine how the drugs, alcohol and tobacco are altering test results. The public needs to be aware of deceptive studies and inaccurate reporting which can lead them to think that antioxidants are useless, or frighten them away from beneficial nutrients that could improve their health or prevent disease.

Alcohol and Skin

“Ten Steps to Beautiful Skin. Limit your Alcohol Intake” - Alcohol prematurely ages the skin because it dehydrates, robbing precious moisture. Alcohol impedes circulation so oxygen and vital nutrients are restricted in their ability to reach the skin. Alcohol consumption can lead to broken or distended capillaries, especially over the nose and cheeks. For good health and the sake of a beautiful complexion, alcohol consumption should be as limited as possible.
{Energy Times, March/April 1995}

Suggestion for eliminating wrinkles: avoid alcohol-based toning products, which dry the skin.
{James and Phyllis Balch in their book “Prescription for nutritional healing.” In Jan. 2000, Let’s Live magazine}

Sanitizing gels, which contain more than 60% alcohol, can dry the skin by removing the natural protective oils. Prudent use of these products is recommended.
{"How to fend off nasty germs," Jack Brown, PhD, Professor of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He is the author of "Don't Touch That Doorknob," BottomLine Health newsletter, Feb. 2002}

Don’t burden your liver any more than necessary. Alcohol increases the absorption of toxins from your bowels, and significantly worsens psoriasis. If you are serious about improving your skin, you need to eliminate alcohol completely. Aspirin and NSAIDS and fats in meats produce inflammation because they inhibit a needed enzyme which results in toxic by-products called arachadonic acids — also greatly reduce dairy and animal products. Omega-3 fats are beneficial.
{“Spring: an ideal time to treat psoriasis,” Women’s Health Letter, May 2003}

Alcohol can cause blood vessels to enlarge and make your face red.
{“Flushed face,” by the editors of In Health magazine, Jul./Aug. 2003}

Alcohol and Hair

If you are concerned about your skin, hair and eye appearance, it is suggested that you have no alcoholic drinks at all. Alcohol can leave a sharp smell on the breath for 24 hours and stimulate odor in perspiration.
{in the book, "You Are What You Drink," Luks and Barbato, 1989}

Reduce alcohol consumption if you have thinning hair, since doing this will help balance hormones.
{Dr. Andrew Weil, Self Healing newsletter, Mar. 1997}

For the problem of hair loss, limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.
{Kimberly A. Tessner, RD, LD, healthology.com, 2001}

Decrease caffeine and alcohol, which sabotage the cleansing process of the hair as well as the overall health, says Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman. They are primary intestinal irritants, and deplete B vitamins, magnesium and zinc, which are all necessary for detoxification.
{“Natural hair saver,” Anne Louise Gittleman, MS and CNS, nutritionist and author, Let’s Live, Mar. 2000}

Alcohol and Sinuses

To keep sinuses clear avoid alcohol, which can cause congestion and dehydration, making mucus thicker.
{Parade, Feb. 1992}

Thirty-eight million people have sinus problems (one out of seven). Avoid alcohol if you have sinus problems.
{ Robert Ivker, DO, author of "Sinus Survival," on "Health Talk," WINA radio, March 2000}

Alcohol and Eyes

The cause of vision disorders include the use of alcohol, and alcohol contributes to depleting essential nutrients. Cataracts are aggravated by both smoking and drinking alcohol.
{"Removing the threat of darkness," Dr. Glenn Swartwout, OD of Hilo, Hawaii - findings supported by the individual research of Gary Todd, MD (from NC), and Stuart Kemeny, MD (from CA), both ophthalmologists, Alternative Medicine, 1993}

The use of alcohol can cause puffy eyes because of the resulting water retention.
{"Seven ways to wake up," Howard Murad, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA, McCall's Jan. 1997}

Avoid alcohol in any medications for the eyes because it is toxic to the surface of the eye and causes tissues to break down.
{Lecture on "Cataracts and the eyes," at the Charlottesville, Virginia Senior Center, by Dr. Richard Morton, ophthalmologist, Feb. 9, 1999}

To keep your eyes healthy, reduce alcohol intake, says Dr. Marc Grossman, co-author of "Natural Eye Care," and practitioner of "Behavioral Optometry" for over 20 years.
{HealthNotes online, 2000}

Alcohol interferes with zinc and vitamin A metabolism in the liver and can negatively affect night blindness.
{"Eye signs can reveal your nutritional health," alternativemedicine.com, June 2001}

What you eat and how you live can indeed affect your vision. According to recent findings you should eat a healthy diet and take your vitamins: E, A, and the B's. Nutrients that appear to prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) are fish, carrots, spinach, corn, zucchini, kiwis, red seedless grapes, and egg yolks. Vitamin C has been linked with a reduced risk of cataracts (just 250 mg seems enough, and taking a daily multivitamin daily reduced the risks of cataracts by a third.
{"Tried and True Ways to Protect Your Eyesight," www.healthy.net - July 2001}  Editor's comment: Alcohol use interferes with the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, and can change the action of vitamins in the body. See Alcohol and Vitamins.

Alcohol blocks the formation of a compound in the eye called retinal, which is responsible for vision in low light.
{Intelihealth.com, Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information, Nov. 2002}

Alcohol and the Pancreas

Alcohol irritates the cells of the pancreas, causing them to swell, thus blocking the flow of digestive enzymes.
{Afrocentric News Network, 2002}

Alcohol can play a major role in the development of chronic pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreatic.
{“What are some of the impacts of alcohol on society?” www.fact-index.com, 2004}

Alcohol, Infections, and the Immune System

Alcohol has no redeeming benefit and almost any important system in the body is damaged to some extent by alcohol use. We found that alcohol use suppressed the immune system, increased oxidative damage, reduced tissue nutrient levels, reduced lifespan, and promoted tumor growth. Colleagues have shown recently that alcohol use increases susceptibility of cells to invasion and growth of HIV. My personal conclusion is to never drink alcohol, says Dr. Watson.
{“Alcohol, AIDS and Nutrition,” Interviews with Nutritional Experts, by Dr. Richard Passwater, PhD, interviewing Dr. Ronald Watson. Dr. Watson has edited 35 books and more than 350 research reports on alcohol, nutrition, and their interactions with immunology and cancer. He has directed a NIH funded Alcohol Research Center focusing on alcohol-immunology-AIDS interactions.healthynet.com, Oct. 2001}

There is no clinical data available about the safety of drinking alcohol after a vaccination for diseases. Most health care professionals would recommend against alcohol consumption for a few days after receiving a vaccine. By not drinking alcohol during this time, you limit any possible interactions between alcohol and the vaccine, similar to the rationale when on medication. Abstaining from alcohol is also recommended so as not to mask any symptoms that may be the result of the vaccine itself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among other health organizations, recommends limiting alcohol intake (as well as not sharing drinks) to lower meningitis infection risk.
{goaskalice.columbia.edu, Dec. 2001}

Chronic Illnesses and Conditions

Chronic illnesses: in certain cases of chronic illness, any use of alcohol is a high risk.{Peer Health, Williams College, Nov. 2001} For many individuals with chronic symptoms, elimination of alcohol, sugar and caffeine is all that is necessary to feel well.
{"Caution! what you eat may be hazardous to your health," Alan Gaby, MD, American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), article on Health World Online, June 2001}

Flare-ups of ocular rosacea can be prevented by avoiding common irritating factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods. Larry Millikan, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Dermatology Department at Tulane University in New Orleans, warned that if left untreated, ocular rosacea can cause vision impairment and even blindness.
{"Secret cause of bloodshot eyes," July 2001, Prevention magazine}

Ten million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia (as many as 90 percent of them women) says Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The use of alcohol can cause ‘leaky gut’ syndrome which has been demonstrated by clinical studies to be a major factor in conditions such as fibromyalgia. The advice from many sources is to avoid alcohol for fibromyalgia.
{‘the Natural Physician,” - “To Your Health,” www.chiroweb.com - “Fibromyalgia Syndrome,” on www.go-symmetry}

There was a study of the grandchildren of Swedish men who had plentiful food supplies during the slow-growth period of their childhood, it showed these grandchildren were four times more likely to die of diabetes. Also the study showed that those grandfathers who lived through a famine, their grandchildren were less likely to die of diabetes, a disease often caused by being overweight. Not only does nutrition affect the ovaries and testes from the moment they form during fetal life through maturity, says Dr. Marcus Pembrey, of University College London, but the findings hint at some undiscovered, transgenerational mechanism that ‘captures’ nutritional information from the previous generation/s.
{“Gorging Grandpas Bode Ill for Grandkids: Their overeating could lead to diabetes in grandchildren,” healthscout.com, Nov. 2002}  Author’s comment: The implications are that alcohol use (which negatively affects nutrition such as nutrients and vitamins) would also have a detrimental effect on children and grandchildren.

Alcohol temporarily worsens MS (multiple sclerosis) symptoms, especially lack of balance and coordination. Skip the drinks, smokes and caffeine.
{Andrew Weil, MD, Prevention magazine, Mar. 2004}

--- Chronic Conditions ---

Alcohol use can intensify bruxism or teeth grinding, so one thing you can do is to avoid it. There are 30 to 40 million people who have bruxism.
{Johns Hopkins Family Health Book, 1999}

As a treatment for varicose veins: avoid alcohol, which can cause the veins in the legs to dilate.
{"Treatments for varicose veins," e-Medicine Consumer Journal, Apr. 2001 - www.emedicine.com}

If fat, men’s breasts do look larger, but another reason is alcohol use. It probably affects the liver’s ability to break down normal estrogen, so estrogen levels can rise and result in breast enlargement in men.
{Margaret Stearn, MD, Oxford University, England, author of the book “Embarrassing Medical Problems.” People’s Pharmacy, Public Radio, Show # 369, July 28, 2001}

One of the self-help strategies for putting an end to restless legs is to avoid alcohol.
{"Put an end to restless legs," Bottom Line Health, Feb. 2002}

Other Studies and Findings

Alcohol is one of the most common substances in poisonings. The message is clear: keep harmful chemicals out of the reach of young children.
{American Association of Poison Control Centers, Washington Post Health, June 21, 1994}

Never rub alcohol on a teething child’s gums. In the past and occasionally today, alcohol has been used to relieve teething pain. It may momentarily relieve gum discomfort but alcohol has a direct toxic effect and even a small quantity can lead to severe hypoglycemia and brain damage.
{“The Medical Advisor,” Time-Life Books, 1996}

Alcohol alters the structure and function of all organ systems in the body, from the brain to the bone, from the heart to the liver, from the reproductive organs to the immune system. Alcohol ingestion changes hormone levels and compromises the well-being of the organism.
{“Alcohol World,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1989}

“If someone is feeling the effects of an alcoholic beverage, they are not able to give their full attention to their family or friends. If they drink in the early evening, they often lose motivation to engage in more fruitful activities. Before considering medication or therapy to solve a problem, alcohol use needs to be examined” as a possible factor, says Dr. Zac Dameron, Director of the University of Virginia’s Outpatient Psychiatry Services. He also has observed that many people underestimate the adverse impact that alcohol can have on relationships and mental health, even in moderate amounts.
{“Staying fit requires a proactive mindset,” Vital Signs Health Column, Cynthia M. Favret, PhD, Vice President of Provider Relations, Sentara Mental Health Management. The Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia, May 23, 1999}

The North Carolina Hunter Education Manual (1999) states that responsible, knowledgeable and safe hunters should avoid alcohol beverages or other mood altering drugs before or while shooting.

Alcohol impairment begins to occur at BAC's as low as 0.03, and impairs driving skills beginning with any significant departure from zero BAC. There is evidence that behaviors related to driving are impaired at lower BAC's than was previously believed, with increased impairment of many behaviors clearly in excess of 0.05. Visual impairment and compromised vigilance begins at 0.03, and divided attention and ability to track at begins at 0.05% BAC.
{Moskowitz and Fiorentino, 2000}

Limit alcohol consumption if spending more than six hours in flight, and increase consumption of other liquids.
{“Long airline flights increase the risk of dangerous blood clots,” from the New England Journal of Medicine, The Washington Post Health, Sep. 18, 2001}

Alcohol is one of the environmental causes of infertility and miscarriage.
{"Environmental causes of infertility," chem-tox.com/infertility, June 2001}

The optimum pH of the body is close to neutral, neither too acid or too alkaline, and alcohol is an acid-forming food.
{"The key to your digestive health," Prevention, Taste for Life magazine, Dec. 2001}

Alcohol is the major cause of the acute inflammation of the pancreas that results in increasing the death of the pancreas, and increasing dysfunction and poor health.
{“The effect of alcohol on YOUR Body,” according to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VA ASAP) 2001}

Light-colored beer causes hangovers more frequently than dark-colored beer, because most light-colored beers contain more carbonation than dark-colored ones. The bubbles increase the speed with which alcohol gets into the blood stream.
{“Light-colored beer causes hangovers,” William Shoemaker, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Alcohol Research Center, Farmington, quoted in “Men’s Health,” bottomlinesecrets.com, Oct. 2001}

My own personal belief is that the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption may come as much from social factors as from biochemical ones. It may be that you can get the same benefits from finding other excuses to be with friends without the potential toxicity of alcohol. Even one or two drinks of alcohol a day may increase the risk of other diseases such as breast cancer. You can get the protective substances in grape juice as well as wine.
{Dean Ornish, MD, Moderate Alcohol Consumption, on webmd.com, Jan. 2002}

Blood clots and air travel: to reduce your risk of blood clots during long plane flights, avoid alcohol or caffeine because these will dehydrate you.
{Focus on Healthy Aging, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine newsletter, Feb. 2002}

Research warns that workers who drink are two times more likely than normal to call in sick the next day. Any drinking was still related to absence, says William Fals-Stewart, a research associate professor of psychology at the University of Buffalo, and an investigator with the University's Research Institute on Addictions. Up to 40% of industrial accidents and 47% of industrial injuries are related to alcohol consumption.
{"A sick day? I'll drink to that!" Healthscout.com, May 2002}

Alcohol irritates the liver and the intestinal lining. It also lowers immunity, dehydrates the body, and impairs judgment and performance, as in operating machinery and driving a car. It also alters healthful participation in relationships. What is your awareness and responsibility for your own body as an example to self, loved ones and friends?
{“Ten tips on wise alcohol consumption,” Elson Haas, MD, Health World, healthy.net, Oct. 2002}

Lesbians consume more alcohol than heterosexual women and are more likely to continue its use as they age.
{McKirnan and Petercon, Alcohol and Drug Use Among Homosexual Men and women, 1989, princeton.edu, 2002}

Fidel Castro is admonishing Cubans they might be better off without smoking and drinking (alcohol). He gave assurance that neither cigarettes nor rum would ever be sold cheaply in his country. The 76-year old Castro gave up the cigar habit in 1985 to set an example for his countrymen.
{“Castro warns of the dangers of rum,” Havana, The Daily Progress newspaper, Charlottesville, Virginia, Dec. 5, 2002}

Even light drinking can have adverse short-term effects on behaviors that lead to such harmful events as traffic crashes, and can increase the severity of injuries that result from those events.
{“Alcohol effects on people,” U.S. Department of Transportation (NHTSA), Alcohol and Highway Safety 2001, Dec. 2002}

Although alcohol may provide some protection in individuals with gallstones, alcohol appears to lower gall bladder contractile response. Given acutely, ethanol suppresses bile flow and bile acid secretion rate.
{"Effects of alcohol on the gall bladder," Alcohol Research Center - LSUHSC, alcoholresearch.lsumc.edu, Aug. 2002}

Positive Suggestions and Alternatives

There are many good nonalcoholic substitutes if you enjoy social drinking and entertain a lot. A cocktail of mineral water with a twist of lime, lemon or a dash of bitters is a good substitute. You can lower the content of the alcohol by adding mineral waters, crushed ice, or fresh fruit.
{"Foods to avoid or limit," Susan Lark, MD. Health World Online, June 2001}

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that male, vegetarian Seventh-Day-Adventists in California lived nearly ten years longer than other Californians. Even non-vegetarian male members of the religion, which stresses exercise and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, lived on average more than seven years longer than other Californians.
{"Ten reasons men die sooner," Women's Health Condition newsletter, Jan. 21, 2002, My.WebMD.com}

Researchers estimate that if people today practiced optimal health habits, the average life span of 77 years would soar by at least a decade and possibly two. Furthermore, the extra years are likely to be good ones. Studies show that people who engage in healthy habits stay mentally sharper and experience significantly less disease, disability, and emotional instability in their latter years. If you find that taking an alcoholic drink triggers the impulse to smoke or weakens your resolve to quit smoking or stop overeating, it might be worth abstaining for a while.
{“How to banish a bad habit,” Consumer Reports on Health, Mar. 2003}

How to deal with fellow beachgoers? Beside keeping your cool, have cool beverages to replenish fluids, cool down in the water, and avoid alcohol since it can make you lose control when otherwise you simply would have ignored problems.
{"Forget sharks. How should you deal with fellow beachgoers?," USA WEEKEND, July 5-7, 2002}