Should Alcohol be Banned from Your Life?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Alcohol is a tricky substance. While it’s perfectly legal for adults to consume, we’re all aware that it brings with it some negative side effects. So which is it? Is it safe? Or should we ban it from our lives and diet? The truth is complicated. Take a look at these pros and cons of drinking alcohol in order to make a decision for your own body, health, and life.
The Negative Side Effects of Alcohol
We all know that there are some negatives to consuming alcohol. Some of these may include:
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Potential for Addiction - Alcohol, like many other substances, has the potential for addiction and abuse. Steering clear is the only way to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
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Weight Gain - Alcoholic beverages tend to be heavy in calories. Drinking even one drink a day may require you to cut back in other areas to ensure that excessive weight gain doesn’t happen.
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Impairment of Reasoning Skills - Too much to drink and a person loses their ability to think clearly and reason. This makes everyday tasks much more difficult, and in some situations, downright dangerous.
The Positive Aspects of Having a Drink
Though there are likely more negatives than positives, some pros to drinking alcohol are present. The key is that all positive aspects associated with drinking are only connected to moderate consumption. Some of these may include:
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Moderate Drinking Can Lower Heart Disease Risk - It’s not all alcohol, but the consumption of red wine is thought to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The key? You can only have one glass a day. More than that and this potential benefit is no more.
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It Might Lengthen Your Life - Extreme moderate drinking (one drink a day or less) has been linked to a longer life. While it won’t add 20 years, research has shown the possibility of a few years to be a real one.
It’s not necessary to abstain from all alcohol for the rest of your life in order to stay healthy. But it is necessary to consume it in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption is never good and only brings bad consequences. With the right healthy approach, it’s possible to enjoy a drink from time to time without significantly harming your health. Be smart, use in moderation, and always ask your doctor for advice before making a plan of action for your health.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.