Even a Regular Small Drink is Bad for You

[MichaelJH]

During my cardiac journey u have listened to three talks by dieticians. While the core was much the same the devil was in the detail. One area was alcohol consumption that varied from nil to two/three units per day with a minimum of two dry days per week

The other news item that caught my attention (I have severe Brexit fatigue syndrome ( besides Mick Jagger's TAVR was an item on new research that suggests that even one small drink a day increases your stroke risk by 15%. This is the opposite to what has been said for years that light alcohol consumption actually improves your health. The dietician who said nil will probably be overjoyed as she will be able to quote this reference.

For myself I will have to look at this in far more detail. Too much research (if it is really that) uses limited sections of the community and does wild extrapolations. I have even seen some that stated the obvious to anyone with an IQ larger than their shoe size!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Has the nation's alcohol consumption increased as we all try to self medicate our severe Brexit fatigue syndrome?

[jobe1968]

How about not concerning one’s self with subtracting things from life but on adding things!

Eat more

Fiber

Vegetables

Whole grains

Enjoy more

Exercise

Mindfulness

Sex

Enjoy more moderately

Alcohol

Meats

Fishes

We rarely see the studies promoting these real changes that would make huge difference to the health of the general population.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jobe1968]

Totally agree!

[Myaphrodisiac in reply to jobe1968]

Yes! Such a good way to see things!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Having looked at it in more detail my biggest concern is that the people studied were Chinese. Apparently they have a genetic disposition to not drinking as many get adverse reactions. If they react badly to one or two drinks who is to say this reaction does not cause longer term problems.

My cardiologist is happy for me to drink within the guidelines but did advise me to drink good quality wines, etc. as I will not be drinking a lot. Cardiologists have problems with heavy and binge drinking as it also makes it hard to stabilise medication.

[jobe1968 in reply to MichaelJH]

Having lived in China I can confirm they do like a drink!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jobe1968]

Yes, the ones in the betting shop where I place my Grand National bet definitely do!

At the moment I am going for Rathvinden. Famous last words!

[jobe1968]

I am working in Finland currently and has forgotten it’s Grand National week. No office sweep in these parts!

[Speakeazi in reply to jobe1968]

Bet the alcohol’s not cheap!

[jobe1968 in reply to Speakeazi]

Depends. Currently a Gin & Tonic works out about eight pounds. A beer about Seven. I pretty much stopped after my heart problems last year so not an issue.

Big sugar tax here and cakes 🎂 and such like are expensive. Kids get candy once a week on a Friday etc. so generally diet good and heart healthy. Works canteen not so. Stodgy and full of salt 🧂

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jobe1968]

If I were hosting the website I would have set up a sweepstake using a random number generator! Who do you think will win?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

They had been one of the researchers on the radio. He was talking about the genetic reaction where some Chinese get flushed after one mouthful of an alcoholic drink. I am afraid he did not convince me. So far all research was linked to stroke but no proven connection to HA.

[Oldearkie_83]

So why does it cause you a problem? If you think it's okay for you to drink, you don't have to justify it. My Brother and my Dad were both alcoholics. I drank when I was younger but outgrew it. Right now I'm aging a bottle of Scotch in the kitchen cabinet where it has been for 20 years. If I ever want a drink, it's there for me.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Oldearkie_83]

Yes, it is decision based on information available and personal choice.