Beer Drinking: Life Shortener Or Not?

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage and often a staple drink in many social settings. But does enjoying a cold one shorten your life? Recent studies suggest that it does. Excessive drinking has long been associated with adverse health effects, and now, new research reveals that even moderate drinking may lead to a shorter lifespan. According to a study of 600,000 drinkers, consuming more than the recommended limit of alcoholic beverages per week can reduce your life expectancy by several years.

Excess drinking can take years off your life

The study's authors, led by Dr. Angela Wood of the University of Cambridge, also found a link between drinking and an increased risk of cardiovascular illness. They observed that every 12.5 units of alcohol consumed above the guidelines raised the risk of fatal hypertensive disease by 24% and fatal aortic aneurysm by 15%. Additionally, the study challenged the idea that moderate drinking is beneficial for heart health, concluding that the risks of other forms of heart disease outweighed the reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks associated with moderate alcohol consumption.

The findings of this study have implications for alcohol guidelines in various countries. The authors suggested that countries with upper alcohol limits higher than those in the UK, such as the US, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, should consider lowering their recommended limits. The study's message is clear: if you already drink alcohol, reducing your intake may help you live longer and lower your risk of cardiovascular conditions.

It is important to note that the effects of alcohol consumption can vary between individuals, and other factors such as smoking, obesity, or underlying health conditions may also influence health outcomes. However, the large size and scope of this study make its findings significant and applicable worldwide. While moderate drinking may provide social and psychological benefits, it is essential to weigh these against the potential risks to health and lifespan associated with excess alcohol consumption.

Drinking increases the risk of cardiovascular illness

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cardiovascular illness in several ways. Firstly, it is a major risk factor for high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure causes the heart to pump blood with more force than normal through arteries and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol increases the hormones that cause arteries to tighten and constrict, changing the force required to pump blood. It also affects the nervous system, which helps regulate blood pressure, and impacts receptors in blood vessels near the heart that help maintain blood pressure. In addition, alcohol increases stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

Secondly, regular alcohol use often leads to increased body weight, which is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure puts strain on the heart and can increase the build-up of fatty material or plaque in blood vessels, leading to blocked arteries that supply blood to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. This can cause heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Thirdly, alcohol use over the long term can cause the heart to stretch and enlarge, weakening the heart muscles and increasing the risk of heart failure. This condition is known as cardiomyopathy.

Finally, heavy drinking on a single occasion or regularly drinking more than the recommended limit can trigger an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems.

Alcohol consumption and its link to liver disease

Alcohol consumption is linked to liver disease, with alcoholic liver disease being the third most common reason for liver transplants in the United States. Alcohol-associated liver disease can occur in people who drink excessively, usually over a long period of time. However, liver damage can also occur from binge drinking over a shorter period.

There are three types of liver disease related to alcohol consumption: fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease is caused by a buildup of fats in the liver cells, which can occur after acute alcohol ingestion and is generally reversible if the person stops drinking. Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can range from mild to severe and can lead to liver failure and death. Cirrhosis is the most serious type of alcohol-associated liver disease, where the liver becomes hardened with scar tissue, making it difficult for the liver to function.

The risk of developing liver disease increases with the quantity and duration of alcohol intake. Men are more likely to develop alcoholic liver disease than women because they generally consume more alcohol. However, women are more susceptible to alcohol's hepatotoxic effects and have a higher relative risk of alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. Other risk factors include elevated body mass index, ethnicity, and genetics.

The early signs of alcoholic liver disease are often vague and can be easy to dismiss. Common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), enlarged liver, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable and can include edema (swelling of the lower limbs), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), itchy skin, weight loss, vomiting, and passing blood in bowel movements.

Treating alcoholic liver disease starts with removing alcohol from the diet. Cognitive behavioural therapy and medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms, and ongoing therapy may be necessary to prevent relapse. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be required for survival.

Drinking alcohol and the heightened risk of certain cancers

Drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of all cancer deaths are attributed to drinking alcohol.

The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services lists alcohol consumption as a known human carcinogen. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer. Even those who have no more than one drink per day and binge drinkers have a modestly increased risk of some cancers.

• Head and neck cancer: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher risks of certain head and neck cancers. Moderate drinkers have a 1.8 times higher risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers and a 1.4 times higher risk of larynx cancers than non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers have a 5 times higher risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers and a 2.6 times higher risk of larynx cancers.
• Esophageal cancer: Alcohol consumption, regardless of the amount, is associated with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The risk ranges from 1.3 times higher for light drinking to nearly 5 times higher for heavy drinking.
• Liver cancer: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with approximately a 2 times increased risk of two types of liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• Breast cancer: Epidemiological studies have consistently found an increased risk of breast cancer with increasing alcohol intake. Light drinkers have a slightly increased (1.04 times higher) risk, moderate drinkers have a 1.23 times higher risk, and heavy drinkers have a 1.6 times higher risk compared to non-drinkers.
• Colorectal cancer: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a 1.2 to 1.5 times increased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum compared to non-drinkers.
• Other cancers: There is also evidence linking alcohol consumption to increased risks of melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

The combination of alcohol and tobacco use further enhances the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly those of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. The risk of these cancers is multiplicative, meaning it is greater than the sum of the individual risks associated with alcohol and tobacco use alone.

While the exact mechanisms by which alcohol increases cancer risk are not fully understood, several hypotheses have been proposed:

• Acetaldehyde: When the body breaks down ethanol, it produces acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen that damages DNA and inhibits DNA repair mechanisms.
• Reactive oxygen species: Alcohol consumption can generate reactive oxygen species, which can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through oxidation.
• Nutrient absorption: Alcohol impairs the absorption of vital nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and folate, as well as minerals like iron and selenium, which are important for immunity, DNA protection and repair, and reducing inflammation.
• Hormonal effects: Alcohol can alter hormone levels, such as estrogen, which can affect cell growth and division, increasing the chances for cancerous cells to develop.
• Weight gain: Alcohol contributes to excess calorie intake, and excess weight is linked to over 12 types of cancer.

It is important to note that the risk of alcohol-related cancers decreases over time after an individual stops drinking. However, it may take many years for the risk to fully eliminate.

Binge drinking and its immediate effects

Binge drinking is a dangerous pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that can lead to serious immediate health risks and even long-term damage. Here are some of the immediate effects of binge drinking:

Impaired Motor Control and Cognitive Function:

Binge drinking affects motor control and slows down reaction times. It impairs an individual's ability to drive or operate machinery safely, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Increased Risk of Accidents and Injuries:

The impaired coordination and slower reaction times associated with binge drinking increase the likelihood of accidental injuries, such as falls, burns, and other unintentional harm.

Alcohol Poisoning:

Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, coma, and even death.

Cardiovascular Problems:

Binge drinking can disrupt your heartbeat and lead to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks or strokes. It also increases the risk of fatal hypertensive disease and fatal aortic aneurysms.

Unsafe Sexual Behaviour:

Alcohol consumption lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, leading to an increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviour. This includes unprotected sex, which can result in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Memory Problems:

Binge drinking, especially in young adults, can cause memory problems and gaps in memory, known as "blackouts." Repeated binge drinking episodes can also lead to long-term cognitive deficits in social, attention, and memory functions.

Altered Judgment and Decision-Making:

Alcohol affects the brain, impairing judgment and decision-making abilities. This can lead to participation in dangerous activities or risky behaviours that one might not engage in when sober.

It is important to note that the immediate effects of binge drinking can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, body weight, and other individual factors. Additionally, binge drinking can also have long-term health consequences, including mental health issues, liver disease, and an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Frequently asked questions