Could it be that your “moderate” consumption of alcohol will pay it forward in your future? Scientists and researchers are now saying “yes” to that question as they unveil the long term effects of alcohol. Studies by the “Alzheimer’s Association International” now show that Dementia, a disease that robs our ability to mentally function as we age, is linked to moderate alcohol consumption. (http://www.alz.org/aaic/wed_130pmct_nia.asp)
The target of the 20 year study surveyed women, in their ‘60s and their alcohol use and the later effects it had on their lives. The increase of alcohol equally increased the long term damage to the brain. Even the women who went from abstinence to regular consumption found themselves at risk, as well. Even as little as 1-2 drinks a day put those in the study at risk.
So why do doctors tell us a “drink or two a day” is acceptable? Is it the poor information being taught to them, ignorance of the effects or maybe keen marketing by the alcohol industry? Probably a little of each, but here are the facts:
*As we age, so does our brain. Our brain’s ability to recover from ongoing alcohol use slowly becomes impaired.
*As we age, our sleep patterns change. A lack of sleep = a lack of our brains ability to regenerate, repair and restore cells and tissue.
*As we age, our nutritional needs change. Our bodies need Omega 3 Fatty Acids (think oily fish, avocados, etc.) to help our brain recover/rebuild/renew. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm/, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84)
Most of us develop “habits” at a younger age, between ages 20-30, which continue on as we grow older. Depending upon our exposure to information, our circle of influence and our culture, our habits are formed. Not only are we "under the influence" from what we believe to be true, we’ve been told by those who should know more than we do (doctors) that 2 drinks a day are not going to adversly affect our health, until now. Even a small glass of wine a couple times a day has now been determined to put a women at risk and three or more a day for a man have an equal effect.
Another study covering 5000+ men and women, who practiced binge drinking at least once a month, were also at risk to later suffer from Dementia. When alcohol enters the brain our cholesterol levels and blood pressure both rise damaging the blood vessels to the brain leading to vascular dementia. The safe limit for alcohol consumption is:
(1) glass = 14 grams (about 7 oz) a day for women
(2) glasses = 28 grams (about 14 oz) a day for men
The percentage of "alcohol" is more important that just the amount. If you're drinking "shots" then you're playing games with your brain!
However, if you're an alcoholic or have a pre-disposition for addiction, zero glasses a day is your limit.
So what do you do if you’ve been a “drinker” and want to quit but can’t before it’s too late? Most people cannot quit “cold-turkey” and need some type of support, help and medical intervention. But before you seek help you must want to quit and stop completely. Even reducing the consumption doesn’t reverse the damage you've already done or their long term effects.
Quick Tips for Wellness: The long term effect of alcohol isn’t worth the short lived enjoyment.
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