Gastroenterologist warned about the health risks of small doses of alcohol

It is believed that moderate consumption of the drink helps protect the heart and blood vessels, as well as reduces the risk of chronic diseases. However, current scientific evidence does not support this theory. Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert at the Hemotest Laboratory and a gastroenterologist, told Izvestia on June 29 about whether there is a safe dose of alcohol and whether red wine is really good for health.

The idea of the benefits of red wine was formed thanks to research conducted at the end of the last century. At that time, scientists noted a lower mortality rate among people who regularly consumed small amounts of wine, compared with those who completely abstained from alcohol. Later it turned out that the results could have been distorted: the group of non-drinkers included more people with chronic and serious illnesses who refused alcohol for health reasons.

"Most likely, there is no safe dose of alcohol for health. Red wine does contain polyphenols, including resveratrol, which have antioxidant properties. It was assumed that these substances are able to protect cells from damage, but their concentration in the drink is too low to have a noticeable effect on the body. At the same time, the negative effects of ethanol on the brain, liver and other organs have been confirmed by numerous studies," the expert explained.

The doctor noted that all the useful substances contained in red wine can be obtained from ordinary products. Sources of polyphenols are grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, black currants, cranberries, pomegranates, peanuts, cocoa, green tea and various vegetables. In this case, the body receives antioxidants without the toxic effects of alcohol.

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In addition, even small doses of alcohol can increase the risk of developing a number of diseases. Regular alcohol consumption is associated with an increased likelihood of certain types of cancer, liver disease, cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, as well as hypertension. According to the expert, the potential benefits discussed earlier do not offset the proven health risks.

Kashukh also reminded that there are categories of people for whom even minimal doses of alcohol are contraindicated. These are children and adolescents, pregnant women, patients with liver and pancreatic diseases, epilepsy, as well as a number of mental disorders.

To prevent cardiovascular diseases, the doctor recommends following methods with proven effectiveness: stop smoking, control blood pressure, maintain physical activity, maintain a normal body weight, follow a sleep schedule and adhere to a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish and vegetable oils. According to Kashuh, it is these measures that really help to maintain health, unlike alcohol consumption.

On May 29, psychiatrist-narcologist Marina Kalyuzhnaya stated that there are no precise household signs by which it can be unequivocally said that alcohol has worn off and it is possible to get behind the wheel.