Drinking Two Beers: Worth The Buzz Or Not?

Drinking two beers a day is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. While some people argue that it can be relaxing and therapeutic, others highlight the potential negative consequences. Studies have linked moderate drinking to benefits such as improved heart health, but conflicting research also associates it with increased risk of diseases like breast cancer and stroke. Additionally, a recent study published in Nature Communications found that consuming two beers daily could lead to brain damage comparable to 10 years of aging, due to the shrinking of gray and white matter in the brain. It's important to consider individual variables and long-term health when evaluating the potential impact of drinking two beers.

Brain damage equivalent to 10 years of ageing

A study published in Nature Communications has found that drinking two beers a day can cause brain damage equivalent to ten years of brain ageing. The study, which analysed over 36,000 MRI scans from the UK Biobank, found that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol can cause the brain's white and grey matter volumes to shrink.

The study also found that the effect of drinking on the brain is not linear; the more you drink, the worse the damage. People who drink four or more units of alcohol a day showed brain volume loss equivalent to ten years of ageing compared to those who abstain from drinking.

While the study provides valuable insights into the effects of alcohol on the brain, it is important to note that it does not account for many other variables. Additionally, the sample is mainly limited to middle-aged individuals of European descent living in the UK, which may impact the generalisability of the findings.

The effects of alcohol on the brain are complex and remain largely unknown. While some studies suggest that moderate drinking can have benefits, others indicate that any amount of alcohol can be damaging. It is essential to consider individual factors, such as family history and overall health, when evaluating the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Increased risk of cancer

Drinking two beers a day is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. Alcohol is a known human carcinogen, and the more alcohol a person consumes, the higher their risk of developing cancer. Even those who have no more than one drink per day have a modestly increased risk of some cancers.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of all cancer-related deaths are attributed to alcohol consumption. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which the body breaks down into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Acetaldehyde damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing this damage, allowing cancerous cells to grow.

Drinking two beers a day can increase the risk of head and neck cancers, including oral cavity, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box) cancers. Moderate drinkers have 1.8 times the risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers and 1.4 times the risk of larynx cancers compared to non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers have up to five times the risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers and 2.6 times the risk of larynx cancers.

Additionally, alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, specifically esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, ranging from 1.3 times higher for light drinking to nearly five times higher for heavy drinking.

Consuming two beers a day is also associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological studies have consistently found an increased risk of breast cancer with increasing alcohol intake. Light drinkers have a slightly increased risk, while moderate drinkers have a 1.23 times higher risk, and heavy drinkers have a 1.6 times higher risk compared to non-drinkers.

Furthermore, drinking two beers a day can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with 1.2 to 1.5 times the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum compared to non-drinkers.

The combination of alcohol and tobacco use has a multiplicative effect on the risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. The risks associated with using both substances are greater than the sum of the individual risks associated with alcohol and tobacco alone.

While the above-mentioned cancers have clear patterns with alcohol consumption, alcohol has also been linked to an increased risk of other cancers, including melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

In summary, drinking two beers a day is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck cancers, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer. The combination of alcohol and tobacco use further exacerbates the risk of certain cancers. It is important to note that the less alcohol consumed, the lower the cancer risk.

Stroke risk

Drinking alcohol, even in limited amounts, is not beneficial to your health. While some sources claim that drinking one or two beers a day can be beneficial to your health, others disagree.

Excessive drinking is linked to a higher risk of stroke. Drinking more than two drinks a day can contribute to hypertension, which is a direct cause of strokes. Alcohol can also cause certain heart problems that increase the risk of stroke, such as atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy. Additionally, alcohol can inhibit coagulation, which may explain why it is directly related to hemorrhagic strokes. On the other hand, this same coagulation effect seems to protect against ischemic strokes when alcohol is consumed in moderation.

According to the Australian Guidelines, to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should consume no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink is defined as 30 ml of spirits with 40% alcohol by volume, 285 ml of full-strength beer, or 100 ml of wine or champagne.

If you have already had a stroke, it is important to get advice from a doctor about alcohol consumption. It is likely that you can still drink, but it is crucial to stick within the recommended guidelines.

Heart problems

Drinking two beers a day has been linked to heart problems, but the evidence is mixed.

On the one hand, some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease. These studies suggest that alcohol might help to slightly raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and that red wine, in particular, might protect the heart due to its antioxidant content.

On the other hand, heavy drinking is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle. Alcohol can also contribute to obesity, which can further increase the risk of heart disease.

It's important to note that the definition of "moderate" drinking is an average of one drink per day for women and one or two drinks per day for men. Additionally, some people with certain heart rhythm abnormalities or heart failure should avoid drinking any alcohol at all.

While the effects of drinking two beers a day on heart health are not entirely clear, it's important to be mindful of potential risks and to consume alcohol in moderation if choosing to drink.

Social norms and enjoyment

Drinking is a social activity that is often associated with celebration, socialisation, and relaxation. It is a way to unwind and enjoy time with friends and family. However, it is important to be mindful of the amount of alcohol consumed and the potential impact on health. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health issues and increase the risk of developing certain diseases.

According to guidelines, the upper limit for healthy adults is four drinks in one day or 14 per week for men and three drinks in one day or seven per week for women. Drinking more than these amounts is considered "heavy" or "at-risk" drinking and can lead to health problems. Additionally, binge drinking, which involves consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, is also harmful.

Some studies suggest that moderate drinking may offer certain benefits, such as the potential positive impact of red wine on heart health. On the other hand, other research disputes these benefits and links moderate drinking to an increased risk of diseases like breast cancer and stroke. It is important to note that alcohol is a drug, and excessive consumption can affect the liver, leading to inflammation and potentially life-threatening conditions like cirrhosis.

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that drinking two beers each day could cause brain damage similar to 10 years of aging. The study analysed MRI scans and found that moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in grey and white matter volume in the brain. However, it is important to consider other variables and continue researching the effects of alcohol on the brain to fully understand the impact.

While enjoying a drink or two in social settings can be enjoyable, it is crucial to practise moderation and be aware of the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Understanding the social norms and enjoying alcohol in a responsible manner can help individuals make informed choices about their drinking habits.

Frequently asked questions