Drinking Three Beers Daily: Is It Harmful?

Drinking three beers a day can have both positive and negative effects on your health. On the positive side, drinking beer in moderation may lower your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. However, drinking more than two beers a day for men and one beer a day for women is considered heavy or at-risk drinking and can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, cancer, and high blood pressure. It's important to note that the negative effects of alcohol may take years or decades to show up, and even if someone appears to handle their liquor well, they may still be suffering from unseen damage. While the occasional drink may be okay for some people, it's always best to consult a doctor to understand the specific risks and how they apply to your individual circumstances.

Increased risk of cancer

Drinking three beers a day can increase your risk of developing cancer. Alcohol is a carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer. It is one of the most preventable causes of cancer after smoking. While drinking in moderation may have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of asthma and preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure, it is important to understand the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including:

• Oesophagus (food pipe)
• Mouth and throat
• Liver
• Colon and rectum
• Breast

The risk of developing these types of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Heavy drinkers, who consume two or more drinks per day, are the most likely to develop cancer and die from it. Even light drinkers, who consume no more than three drinks per week, have a higher risk compared to non-drinkers. The younger a person starts drinking, the longer they drink, and the heavier their drinking, the higher their risk of cancer becomes.

When alcohol is broken down by the body, it can damage cells and stop them from repairing this damage. Alcohol is converted into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde, which is believed to cause cancer. Alcohol can also increase the levels of certain hormones, such as oestrogen, which can fuel cancer growth. Additionally, alcohol impairs the body's ability to absorb important nutrients that may protect against cancer, such as folate, a B vitamin.

For breast cancer, even light regular drinking increases the risk. Around 1 in 10 breast cancer cases are caused by alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer, and the risk is increased even at low levels of consumption.

In addition, drinking alcohol can make it easier for harmful chemicals from tobacco to enter the cells, especially in the mouth, head, and neck, and oesophagus. People who smoke and drink are at a much higher risk of developing these cancers.

To reduce your risk of cancer, it is important to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol altogether. The less you drink, the lower your risk of developing alcohol-related cancer. If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else's, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for advice and support.

Risk of liver disease

Drinking three beers a day can increase the risk of liver disease. Beer consumption, especially in large quantities, can lead to liver damage over time. While the amount of alcohol that causes liver damage varies among individuals, drinking more than two beers per day consistently increases the risk of liver disease.

Liver disease can develop from long-term alcohol consumption, with more than 30 grams of pure alcohol per day increasing the risk. This typically equates to more than two drinks per day. The risk is heightened for those who drink at least 80 grams of alcohol daily for over ten years, with a near 100% chance of developing some form of liver disease. Binge drinking can also cause early forms of liver disease within just a few weeks.

There are three types of alcoholic liver damage: alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur after just a few days of heavy drinking. Alcoholic hepatitis is the second type and can be treated in a hospital with fluid administration and careful monitoring. The third type, alcoholic cirrhosis, is the most advanced and irreversible form of liver damage, often leading to death.

While drinking three beers a day may not seem excessive, it is important to consider the long-term effects on the liver. To reduce the risk of liver disease, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to one drink or less for women and two drinks or less for men per day.

Risk of osteoporosis

Drinking three beers a day may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. Beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, which is essential to bone health. Silicon promotes bone construction and prevents osteoporosis by limiting the natural occurrence of bone decay. According to research, beers containing malted barley and hops have higher silicon content than beers made from wheat.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Heavy drinking accelerates osteoporosis by increasing bone demineralization, which makes bones brittle. Alcohol can also interfere with bone remodeling, a process where bones undergo breaking down and rebuilding. Additionally, alcohol can decrease the amount of important vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining bone strength.

While moderate alcohol consumption may have potential benefits for bone health, it is important to remember that excessive drinking can have negative consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to drink in moderation and prioritize a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and physical activity to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

Risk of heart disease

Drinking three beers a day has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. While some studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of dying from heart disease, these findings are inconclusive and subject to various confounding factors. For example, wine drinkers may have higher incomes and better access to healthier foods, which could contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Excessive alcohol intake, often defined as more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and cardiomyopathy. Additionally, alcohol contributes to obesity and related health problems, further increasing the risk of heart disease.

The link between alcohol consumption and heart health is complex and depends on various factors, including the amount, frequency, and type of alcohol consumed, as well as individual characteristics such as age, sex, and existing health conditions. While moderate drinking may not be harmful to heart health for some people, excessive drinking can have detrimental effects.

Alcohol can affect the heart in several ways. Firstly, it can increase blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Secondly, excessive drinking can lead to heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Thirdly, alcohol contributes to obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Finally, alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy.

Moderate drinking is generally defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One drink is typically considered to be 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. However, it's important to note that these guidelines may vary depending on individual factors and health conditions. For example, individuals with certain heart rhythm abnormalities or heart failure may be advised to avoid alcohol completely.

Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease

To lower the risk of heart disease, it is essential to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol if necessary. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Managing stress, quitting smoking, and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are also important for heart health.

Risk of vitamin deficiency

Drinking three beers a day can put you at risk of vitamin deficiency. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to severe deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and digestive tract, reducing the body's ability to absorb vitamins and other nutrients.

Some of the common nutrient deficiencies among individuals with AUD include:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Up to 80% of people with an addiction to alcohol develop thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that the body uses to convert food into energy. It takes the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates we consume and uses them to fuel functions of the heart, nerves, and brain.

Deficiencies in thiamine can cause:

• Changes in heart rate
• Reduced reflexes and tingling sensations in the arms and legs
• Loss of memory activity
• Loss of muscle coordination and leg tremors
• Double vision, abnormal eye movements, or drooping eyelids

Other vitamins and minerals that alcohol misuse can deplete include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Frequently asked questions