Everyone knows that alcoholic beverages are harmful, and their abuse causes the development of many pathologies.
But research by scientists shows that moderate alcohol consumption can have a beneficial effect on a person's physical and mental condition.
Does the body need alcohol?
The human body is capable of producing alcohol on its own. It is called endogenous and mainly the intestines and liver are involved in its production. The production rate is 8-10 g per day. Alcohol regulates the functioning of the nervous system, participates in the production of endorphins, participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, forming a natural psychological defense. In addition, synthesized ethanol increases energy potential and stimulates metabolic processes.
The positive impact of endogenous alcohol on the human body is obvious. But numerous experiments conducted by scientists prove that alcoholic beverages coming from outside can be useful.
Scientist opinion
The beneficial properties of alcohol are a hot topic that continues to attract the interest of scientists in many countries. They conduct various studies, during which they study the influence of alcohol on various systems of the human body.
Doctors from France concluded that alcoholic beverages normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system. U. S. experts have found that older people who sometimes indulge in a little alcohol are much less likely to experience such a common age-related phenomenon as decreased brain activity.
A 40-year experiment was conducted in the Netherlands during which more than 1, 300 people were observed. As a result, it was concluded that those who consumed alcohol in reasonable doses during their lifetime had a longer life expectancy and a lower mortality rate from heart disease.
However, there is another opinion based on the fact that all the data obtained are nothing but the error of statistical calculations, and in fact that alcohol is harmful even in small doses.
What is a small and tolerable dose?
All scientists agree that the benefits of alcohol are manifested only in small doses. But norms in different parts of the world vary. So, in the UK, a dose of 8 ml of pure alcohol per day is allowed (that is approximately 18 ml of strong alcohol or 40 ml of wine), in the USA the norm is 14 ml, and in Japan - 20.
However, it is highly discouraged to drink alcohol every day. The optimal frequency is 2-3 times a week.
In addition, there is the maximum allowable dose, ie the amount of alcohol that the human body can process. The indicator depends on many factors, including gender, weight, health condition. For example, a healthy man weighing 70 kg can drink 170 g of pure alcohol (about 0, 5 liters of vodka) per day. Subject to constant abstinence from alcohol for at least 8 days, the body will recover from the negative effects of ethanol.
What are the benefits of alcohol in small doses?
The benefits of alcohol are primarily in the prevention of various diseases. Thus, alcohol in small quantities:
- reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease;
- reduces the likelihood of ischemic stroke;
- reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Important!It is important to remember that, first, the benefits of alcohol are just one of the existing opinions that not all experts adhere to. And secondly, in any case, one cannot rely on the healing properties of alcohol and use it as a remedy for existing pathologies.
What makes alcohol harmful?
The benefits and harms of each product, including alcohol, are determined by its chemical composition. Alcoholic beverages are harmful primarily because of ethyl alcohol, which is present in absolutely all alcoholic beverages. The greatest danger is not ethanol itself, but the toxic products of its processing, especially acetaldehyde, which, spreading through the body, negatively affects all its systems.
In addition, alcohol can be harmful due to:
- various chemical additives (flavor enhancers, preservatives, dyes);
- large amounts of carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages;
- swan oils present in low-quality beverages and counterfeits.
And, of course, the damage increases as the dose you drink increases.
Reasons why you want to drink
There are many explanations for why you want to drink a little alcohol occasionally. Among them are the need to relax and forget about problems for a while, the desire to support the company, the desire to be liberated, to become more sociable. Naturally, we are now talking about those who drink from time to time observing the measure, and not about people addicted to alcohol.
But, in addition to the stated psychological reasons, there are other explanations for the sometimes arising need for alcohol. This is most often due to a lack of any substance in the body.
If a person wants to drink alcohol, it should not be done, sometimes it is enough to know what to eat or drink in order for the body to get what it needs.
What if the craving becomes almost irresistible?
If you have a persistent desire to drink, of course you can take a small dose, but it is hardly worth drinking alcohol every time in such a situation. The best solution is to undergo a medical examination to understand what is causing your strong craving for alcohol.
Interim measures can be as follows:
- Replace alcohol with other beverages (kvass, natural juices, milk, green tea);
- eat something (red meat, honey, salted cheese, cottage cheese, nuts or seeds, egg dishes).
Communicating with family and friends, housework, sports, interesting activity, reading, walking will help you to distract yourself from thinking about drinking. If cravings for alcohol exist, it is worth visiting a therapist for professional advice.
What do you lack in your body if you want to drink?
Often people develop an inexplicable craving for products with a certain taste at first glance. Various eating anomalies in pregnant women are very popular. For example, many of them are partial chalk. This happens due to changes that occur in the body and cause a deficiency of certain substances. The situation is similar when you want alcohol - you are most likely missing something in your body.
The most common are:
- vitamin B deficiency;
- iron deficiency;
- silicon deficiency;
- lack of protein (most common explanation if you want vodka);
- micronutrient deficiency (calcium, potassium, sodium).
Once you have determined which vitamins or minerals are missing, you need to supplement your diet by adding products or vitamin complexes that contain them.
Can alcoholism develop from daily low-dose consumption?
It is very important to remember that the habit of drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, can lead to psychological development over time. And it does not depend on the strength of the drink, on the contrary, a seemingly harmless beer with little alcohol addiction is faster than alcoholic beverages.
The need for alcohol will gradually increase, the doses will start to increase, as well as the frequency of drinking. The body will adjust to the regular intake of ethanol, will include it in metabolic processes, which will lead to physical dependence, which is very difficult to get rid of.
Can high quality alcohol be harmful to health?
Any alcoholic beverage contains ethanol and therefore potentially poses a health hazard. But drinking high-quality alcohol, if not healthy, is certainly less harmful. This is primarily due to the lack of fusion oils found in low quality beverages. Also, the smaller negative impact is due to the low concentration of preservatives and various artificial additives.
So you can minimize the toxic effect of alcohol on the body by consuming premium drinks from a reliable manufacturer in small doses.
Drinking culture
The culture of drinking alcohol has a direct impact on the consequences of alcohol consumption on the human body, as it requires a reasonable approach to both the choice of alcohol and the process of consumption. Regulations are being implemented that, among other things, help reduce the negative effects of ethanol. These include, for example, consuming small amounts of alcohol.
Wine
Wine is attributed to the most favorable properties of any alcoholic beverage. According to the rules, the drink is drunk a little, enjoying the aroma and multiple taste. Mandatory dishes selected based on the type of drink.
Beer
Real live beer is healthy due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. Beer should be drunk slightly chilled, without haste. Spicy and salty snacks should be preferred dried fish or meat, cheese, seafood, nuts. Mixing beer with other alcohol is not recommended.
Cognac
High quality cognac is also called a healthy alcoholic beverage. The conditions in which this elite alcohol is drunk are very important. They help you make the most of the exceptional aroma and rich taste of the drink.
Cognac should be at room temperature. They drink it in small sips. The classic serving option is after the main meal with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. It is believed that cognac does not need a snack, but if you want, you can serve it with fresh fruits and nuts.
Risk of alcohol consumption
Regular alcohol consumption in most cases leads to alcoholism, which in turn causes a number of diseases. Absolutely any organ or system can be affected, but it most commonly develops:
- diseases of the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis) and excretory system;
- cardiovascular diseases (cardiomyopathy, heart attack);
- brain disorders;
- gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcer, pancreatitis);
- pathology of the reproductive system;
- mental and neurological disorders.
Ethanol also increases the risk of developing neoplasms.
If the body needs alcohol, it is an alarming symptom, which indicates that a bad habit has turned into a chronic disease.
Conclusion
Drinks can actually be helpful. But alcohol should not be used as a medicine in case of existing diseases. The main thing is to choose high-quality alcohol, not to overdo it with the frequency of intake and do not forget to observe the dose to avoid negative consequences.