Alcohol consumption can be both a blessing and a curse. When used in moderation, as God designed, alcohol can benefit the body. Read 18 Benefits of Wine for Your Health and Emotional Well Being. But cross over the “safe” zone, and there are some serious dangers of drinking too much alcohol. Interestingly, some of the very benefits of moderate alcohol consumption reverse and worsen with drinking too much alcohol.
13 Health Dangers of Drinking too Much Alcohol:
1. Compromise Immune System
While moderate alcohol consumption can boost the immune system and fight the common cold (see previous post), drinking too much alcohol “…may lead to immune deficiency, causing increased susceptibility to certain diseases.” [1]
2. Cause Heart Problems
Limited alcohol consumption can protect against heart disease and decrease risks of heart attacks, but “drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood (triglycerides). It can also lead to high blood pressure, [and] heart failure.” [2] In addition, “Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger atrial fibrillation.” [3]
3. Increase Risk of Diabetes
Although red wine has the ability to reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, “drinking too much alcohol…can lead to…an increased calorie intake. (Consuming too many calories can lead to obesity and a higher risk of developing diabetes.)” [4]
4. Contribute to High Blood Pressure and Stroke
One glass of red wine per day can decrease risk of stroke by 21%. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of stroke. “High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke, contributing to over 50% of all strokes in the UK. Drinking too much alcohol raises your blood pressure” therefore increasing the risk of stroke. [5]
5. Promote Poor Eye Health, Cataracts, and AMD
While red wine intake can cut risk of cataracts in half, “Multiple studies have shown increased cateract formation in patients with higher alcohol consumption.” In addition, the resveratrol in red wine can fight against AMD and improve overall eye health, but drinking too much alcohol can be devastating to the eyes. “The American Optometric Association identifies excessive alcohol intake as a risk factor for AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Heavy drinking affects the absorption of vitamins in the liver, vitamins needed to maintain healthy eyesight.”[6]
6. Cause Weight Gain
Piceatannol in red wine can help with weight loss. But drinking too much alcohol adds extra calories which can lead to weight gain. And according to Prevention, “When you have an alcoholic drink, you burn less fat, and more slowly than usual, because the alcohol is used as fuel instead.” [7]
7. Bring on Brain Malfunctions
Alcohol intake in moderation has been shown to keep the brain sharp; help short-term memory; and reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol can cause serious problems in brain function. National Institute of Health reports these problems: blackouts; difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, and impaired memory. In addition, drinking too much can cause vitamin deficiencies which lead to other complications in the brain’s function. [8]
8. Lead to Liver Disease
Moderate alcohol consumption can actually reduce the risk of liver disease. Drinking too much alcohol, on the other hand, can cause Fatty Liver syndrome and Cirrhosis of the liver.
9. Contribute to High Cholesterol
HealthLine reports: “Research shows moderate alcohol consumption…[can] raise your “good” cholesterol levels by increasing the speeds at which proteins are transported through the body. Drinking more than what is considered moderate, however, has an opposite effect, because it can raise both cholesterol and triglyceride levels.” [9]
10. Cause Cancer
Limited alcohol consumption can help fight colon, breast, prostate, pancreatic, lung, and other cancers. Yet Cancer.gov reports the dangers of drinking too much alcohol: “Based on extensive reviews of research studies, there is a strong scientific consensus of an association between alcohol drinking and several types of cancer.” These cancers include: head and neck cancers; esophageal cancer; liver cancer; breast cancer; and colorectal cancer. [10]
11. Weaken Bones
While 1-3 glasses of wine per day can increase mineral density in bones, “Research shows that chronic heavy alcohol use, especially during adolescence and young adult years, can dramatically affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life.” [11]
12. Accelerate Aging
Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine can increase longevity, but drinking too much alcohol can actually speed up the aging process according to Dr. Oz. “The truth is that yes, it can make you age faster by causing wrinkles. This includes premature wrinkles, loss of collagen, elasticity, redness, dehydration and puffiness.” [12]
13. Exacerbate Depression
While some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption can fight depression, drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate depression. WebMD reports, “People who are depressed and drink too much have more frequent and severe episodes of depression, and are more likely to think about suicide.”
Conclusion
These 13 plus dangers associated with drinking too much alcohol demonstrate the importance of doing all things in accordance with the truth. God’s word is clear that alcohol abuse is not acceptable; and science gives us a glimpse of the natural consequences for disobeying the simple command to not be drunk with wine. God has given us His statutes for our good always and our survival (Deuteronomy 6:24). It’s because He loves us and wants us to be healthy.
But how much alcohol is too much?
This and the previous article, 18 Benefits of Drinking Wine for your Health and Emotional Well-being, give a glimpse into the answer to the question of how much is too much. Our next post will give some practical tips and guidelines to answer this question with confidence.
Next: How Much Alcohol is Too Much Alcohol?
Return to: Biblical Health Study
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[All websites were accessed on 4/2/17]
[1] National Institute of Health
[2] American Heart Association
[4] American Heart Association
[6] Cooper Vision
[7] Prevention
[8] National Institute of Health (Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
[9] HealthLine
[10] Cancer.gov
[11] WebMD
[12] Dr. Oz
Disclaimer:
Reformed Health exists so you can take control of your own health and be all that God has designed you to be. The information shared on Reformed Health is the sole opinion of the author and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. None or our claims have been evaluated by the FDA or any other government organization. We are not medical doctors, nor do we have any medical doctors on staff. If you are having a health emergency, please call 911, contact your doctor, or visit a local emergency room. Always consult your doctor before engaging in any new exercise regime.
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Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
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© 2017 Mischelle Sandowich
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