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10 Things Your Primary Care Doctor Does That Should Make You Run for the Hills
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Dr Orrange received her BA in Biology at the University of California San Diego and a Masters Degree in Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health She received her MD from the USC Keck School of…
FAST FACTS
One to Two Drinks a Day May Keep the Doctor Away
Many of my patients have heard this to be true but find it hard to believe. Can I really drink every night? Does it have to be red wine? What if I'm on medications? Whats the real deal about alcohol?
Is alcohol in moderation really beneficial? Over the years several large studies have repeatedly found a lower risk of stroke and heart disease in those who drink every night. Moderate use of alcohol decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke by 40 to 70 percent as compared to those who drink no alcohol. This relationship is true more for men and women in their 40's and 50's, those with risk factors for heart disease including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and even atrial fibrillation.
How much can I drink? Simply put it is the amount and frequency that is important. In women 1 drink a night and men 1-2 drinks a night is better than 3-4 and better than 0. It is also better to do it every night rather than, say, 5 drinks 2 nights of the week which has actually been shown to increase cardiac sudden death. Bottom line: binge drinking no good, abstinence no good and 1-2 drinks a night GOOD.
Does it have to be red wine? No. The French paradox (lower risk of heart disease even though higher rates of smoking and high fat diet) has been attributed to red wine. Studies in the U.S., however, consistently show the same protective effect for wine, beer and spirits.
What is it about alcohol that is protective? We are not really sure but alcohol raises HDL cholesterol (the "good cholesterol") and has antioxidant, antithrombotic (anti-clot) and anti-inflammatory effects that may hold the secret.
Why is it hard for primary care doctors like myself to recommend this to our patients? Even though the scientific evidence is impressive and hard to ignore I do feel conflicted recommending that my patients drink 1-2 drinks a night. I see in my practice many harmful effects of alcohol including addiction, peptic ulcer disease, liver disease and tragedies from alcohol related motor vehicle accidents. I discuss this on an individual basis with my patients and I say to you as I do to them: if it works for you and your family 1-2 drinks a night is protective against stroke and heart disease but you must be smart about it. No driving under the influence, discuss with your doctor interactions between your medications and alcohol, any stomach problems will be worse in the face of alcohol, if you find yourself ratcheting up your alcohol intake this will quickly lead to bad things. Last but not least yes you will notice alcohol will add to that layer around your waist: clear alcohols are the lowest in carbohydrates (vodka and gin) and watch the mixes.
Dr O.
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Displaying comments 20-1 of 20
Got a Question?
Dr O.
Deldude
Deldude
2) Re: Methotrexate..because it is metabolized in the liver and can (more often than other meds) cause liver test abnormalities--alcohol is not recommended...but everything in MODERATION if you are being closely monitored is fine
3) Just because a drug is metabolized primarily by the liver (lipitor, zocor being good examples) as is alcohol it doesnt mean you CANT drink alcohol but you would want to go gently (1 drink a night) and make sure you follow up with your doc for routine visits.
Dr O.
After an MI and stent placement in my circumflex 6 mos ago, I'm on Plavix, Metoprolol, Lipitor, aspirin, 3g of Niacin and 3mg of Xanax XR per day. I have 3 to 5 drinks per day (wine or beer)and am slowly doing more. (To escape I think) I'm trying to get back to my 6 mi runs but am afraid to, so I mostly walk a lot and do my weights...Am I in danger?
chuckstent
Thank you,
Donna
Dr O.
I don't drink because I don't like the taste of beer or alcohol. I used to enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner, but I can't drink more than a half glass as I am apparently allergic to the histamine in wine. So, would a half glass be beneficial?
Thank you.