Diet : Alcohol Pros & Cons
You’ve probably heard at one time or another that limited amounts of alcohol are good for you. In fact, more than 100 large observational studies have found positive effects on the cardiovascular system from moderate use of alcohol. Excessive drinking, however, has dramatic negative effects both short and long term. Binge drinkers, regardless of their total intake, have an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Heavy drinkers (seven or eight drinks daily over a five-year period) are at risk for cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. In one study, men who had five or more drinks a day were twice as likely to have a heart attack as non-drinkers. Abstainers, however, had double the risk of men who had one or two drinks a day. As with anything, moderation is key. For more information call St. John’s Referral One at 625.2000 or visit our online events calendar at stj.com.
When it matters most, think St. John’s.
