Category: Women

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Alcohol is a Group-1 carcinogen—but one that happens to be woven into our daily lives @PsychToday

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@PsychToday

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Alcohol is a Group-1 carcinogen—but one that happens to be woven into our daily lives and often viewed as a go-to way to cope with stress or disappointment. Here are 5 ways to change that mindset, writes

@shailiJainMd

The Hidden Cost of an Evening Glass of Wine

Key points

  • Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen—putting it in the same category as asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.
  • Alcohol is woven into our daily lives and often viewed as a go-to way to cope with stress and disappointment.
  • Less than half of Americans are aware that drinking alcohol increases their risk of cancer.
  • There are healthier, more sustainable ways to manage stress.

“I need a stiff drink!” “Let’s drown our sorrows.” “I just need to unwind with a glass of wine.”

Phrases like these are so common, we barely think twice about them. Alcohol has become deeply woven into our daily lives and culture. It’s often seen as a go-to way to cope with stress, disappointment, or just the pressures of everyday life. Got bad news? Feeling overwhelmed? Need to relax? Society has taught us that it’s totally normal—even expected—to pour a big glass of wine, toss back a couple of tequila shots, or order a double whiskey.

In fact, using alcohol to handle stress is often not only accepted but actively encouraged by friends, coworkers, and the media. Movies and TV shows constantly show characters doing the same, reinforcing the idea that this is just how we deal with life.

But here’s the truth: alcohol is the one of the most widely used drugs in the world. And the way we’ve normalized it’s use as a coping mechanism deserves a closer look.

The Hidden Cost of Your Evening Glass of Wine

Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive substance that can lead to dependence. It’s also been officially classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer—putting it in the same category as asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Research shows that alcohol contributes to at least seven different types of cancer, including some of the most common, like colon cancer and breast cancer. In fact, earlier this year, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health advisory warning about the clear link between alcohol use and cancer risk.

What’s concerning is that less than half of Americans are aware that drinking alcohol increases their risk of cancer. As a psychiatrist who often discusses alcohol use with patients, this lines up with what I see in practice. Many people simply don’t know that alcohol is a carcinogen. Even more common is the belief that low levels of alcohol—like a glass of wine a day—are actually good for your health, especially for the heart and brain. But that idea is being seriously questioned. In January 2023, the World Health Organization published a statement in The Lancet Public Health making it clear: When it comes to alcohol, there is no safe amount that doesn’t affect your health.

5 Things to Think About Before Reaching for a Drink to Cope With Stress

  1. Alcohol is a known carcinogen—and a cancer diagnosis can deeply affect your mental health. Depression and anxiety are incredibly common among people with cancer. Research shows that up to 1 in 5 cancer patients experience depression, and 1 in 10 struggle with anxiety—regardless of where they are in their treatment or disease process. In fact, according to international diagnostic guidelines, about 35–40% of cancer patients meet the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. These mental health challenges don’t just impact emotional well-being—they can significantly reduce the overall quality of life for persons living with cancer. The global rate of depression among cancer patients is currently estimated at 27%. This is a noticeable increase compared to earlier data, and this trend appears to be on the rise.
  2. That “relaxing” drink may be increasing your anxiety. While alcohol can feel calming in the moment, it’s a short-lived effect. Once the pleasurable effects of alcohol wear off, anxiety can rebound—often worse than before. Over time, this can make stress and mood disorders more difficult to manage.
  3. Regular drinking can sneak up on you—building tolerance, dependence, and emotional numbness. What starts as the occasional glass of wine to unwind can quickly become a nightly ritual. Your body builds tolerance, meaning you need more to feel the same effects. Emotionally, alcohol can dull not just stress but joy, connection, and motivation—leaving you feeling more flat than relaxed.
  4. Alcohol disrupts sleep, even if it helps you fall asleep. Many people use alcohol to wind down at night, but it actually interferes with sleep architecture. It may help you fall asleep faster, but it reduces the quality of your rest—leading to more fatigue, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress the next day.
  5. There are healthier, more sustainable ways to manage stress. Whether it’s exercise, deep breathing, journaling, therapy, or connecting with others, there are countless tools for managing stress that don’t carry the risks alcohol does. Exploring these options might not provide the instant hit that a drink does—but they build resilience, not reliance.

Facebook image: Just Life/Shutterstock

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Physiotherapy improves physical function, general health and mental health for people with CVD ❤️ @worldphysio1951 #WorldPTDay

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc-xDybjMNW/?stkn=em96NjltNGtxazBk

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Original audio

  • 📅 World PT Day is tomorrow!

    Don’t forget to use #WorldPTDay and tag WorldPhysio1951 when sharing your activities.

    Need anything to help mark the day? Access our free World PT Day resources and materials, available in more than 50 languages: https://ow.ly/Tyca50ZJvPy7h
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Running is great exercise. A dietitian talks about what runners should eat ― and when ― for optimal nutrition and performance. @HopkinsMedicine

If you run regularly, whether it’s an easy jog around the block to stay fit or an intense training regimen to prepare for a marathon, you need proper nutrition.

Here are some tips to help keep runners well-nourished and ready to win.

Foods for Runners and Joggers

A good diet can boost your physical health and help you meet your fitness goals. Make sure your meals emphasize the following basic components:

  • Fruit and vegetables for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
  • Lean protein such as fish, poultry, beans, lentils and tofu
  • Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado and nuts
  • Healthy carbohydrates such as rice, whole grain breads/pastas and oatmeal

Individuals may have different optimal balances, but in general, people who include running or jogging as part of their fitness regimen should get 60% to 70% of their calories from carbohydrates, with lean protein and healthy fats each accounting for 15% to 20% of their remaining calories.

Don’t skimp on carbohydrates

Although low carbohydrate diets are popular go-to’s for people wanting to lose weight, they’re not ideal for distance runners, who thrive on carbohydrates for endurance.

That is why very low carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diet, plus running is not a good idea. Experts do not recommend keto to runners unless they have been told by their doctor that this a medically safe option for them and they are being monitored while in ketosis.

Distance runners need more carbs than people who aren’t training. Undereating carbohydrates can be hard on your body and affect your recovery after your run.

Here’s why: Running uses both glucose in the blood and your stores of glycogen. Glucose is the form of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream, and glycogen is the sugar stored in your liver and muscles that acts as the primary fuel for endurance exercise.

Eating plenty of carbs helps ensure that these energy stores are ready to support your training. When those stores get too low, runners are more likely to run out of energy and “burn out” or “hit a wall” while training.

Running Diet — Vitamins and Minerals

Running changes your body and your nutritional needs. Often when people start a running regimen, they are trying to lose weight or get in shape quickly, and they don’t realize they need to adjust their diet.

Especially in women runners, dietitians report seeing a tendency to overdo the running while not eating enough, and this can have an effect on health if they do not adequately replenish lost vitamins and minerals in their diet.

For women in particular, calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health to avoid loss of bone mineral density and the risk of stress fractures.

For more vitamin D, include these foods in your meals:

  • Vitamin D-fortified dairy and almond, soy or rice based beverages
  • Eggs
  • Cereal fortified with vitamin D
  • Tuna
  • Salmon

For more calcium, try:

  • Yogurt and cheese
  • Tofu
  • Edamame
  • Almonds
  • Canned fish with bones (such as sardines)

Iron deficiency can affect women and even have an impact on their running performance. Menstruation puts people at higher risk of iron deficiency, and if iron isn’t replenished in the diet, decreases in hemoglobin can occur and bring on anemia. Hemoglobin is what carries oxygen throughout the body, including the muscles, so if there is a deficit, the muscles may feel the effect of insufficient oxygen during exercise.

Iron-rich foods include:

  • Poultry and other meat
  • Legumes, such as peas and beans
  • Dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale
  • Dried fruits and raisins
  • Iron-fortified breads and cereals

Dietitians recommend eating eating iron rich foods in combination with foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus, bell peppers or berries, since vitamin C helps increase the body’s absorption of iron.

What to Eat Before Running ― and When

The best time to eat a full meal is about two to three hours before you hit the road, track or trail. Have a good source of carbs paired with protein, making sure the meal focuses on a healthy carb source.

If it’s been more than three to four hours since you’ve eaten, a carbohydrate-rich snack a half-hour before running can ensure you have adequate glucose available before you head out. Directly before a run, it’s best to stick with easy-to-digest carbohydrates to avoid gastrointestinal [GI] distress such as cramping or diarrhea.

Try these:

  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Crackers, pretzels or cereal
  • White bread
  • Potatoes

Glucose Boosters for Long Distance Runners

If you are training for a marathon or distance event and are going to be out for over an hour, you will want to bring some fuel with you. Energy drinks, gel tubes and other sources of quick blood-glucose boosters are available, but you can also use something as simple as fruit snacks.

Try practicing with these items as you train so you can pick the formulas that are best for you, and you can work on accessing and ingesting them smoothly without breaking stride.

What foods should runners avoid?

Before a run or the night before a big race, Eidel recommends going easy on:

  • Spicy foods or foods overly high in fat, which can cause GI upset
  • Foods that are very high in fiber, which can cause gas and cramping
  • Caffeine ― Although it is tempting to grab a caffeine boost right before a run, runners should remember that for some people, caffeine can stimulate the GI tract, which can result in diarrhea or the need for an emergency bathroom break

Does carb-loading work?

It might. Carb loading is the practice of eating a lot of carbohydrates ― particularly those that are easily absorbed, such as white bread, pasta and rice ― for 24 to 48 hours before a big race or distance run, to shore up your body’s stores of glycogen and lessen the risk of burnout before finishing the event.

Some studies show carb loading is beneficial for people preparing for a race, but it’s important to make sure during that time you’re also allowing your body to rest and giving it time to store what you are ingesting. The number of carbohydrate grams will be differ from person to person, but in general, evidence shows carb loading can be beneficial prior to a distance event.

In contrast, casual runners likely do not need to carb load. Ensuring that their day-to-day diets include extra carbohydrates can be sufficient.

What to Eat After a Run

It’s common for people not to feel hungry after a run, but a snack or light meal of complex carbohydrates and protein within the first hour after running can help replenish glycogen stores and to support recovery and rebuild stressed muscles. For example:

  • Peanut butter and banana
  • Egg on toast
  • Sandwich with deli meat
  • Pasta with meat or plant-based protein
  • Veggie burger on a bun
  • Protein shake or smoothie

Running to Lose Weight

If you’re interested in running as part of a weight loss plan, getting adequate nutrition is a must. Even casual running or jogging burns calories and can be hard on the body. Runners can become undernourished at first because they don’t understand how much energy they’re burning when they run and what they need to properly recover.

Eating enough is also essential to building muscles, which can aid in fat burning ― a plus for people working on achieving or maintaining a healthy weight.

For optimal weight loss, your plan should not rely on running alone but also include strength training and proper nutrition.

Listen to your body

If you run regularly, you should pay attention to the effects of what you eat and when, especially on running performance. Learning what works best for you can take some time and a little trial and error, but it is worth it, since running, jogging and other regular aerobic exercise offers so many health advantages.

Always feel free to consult a dietitian or doctor, and listen to your body if you’re not keeping up with your training goals.

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New Specialist Breast Service at the Blackrock Health Womens Health Centre in Dublin 2 is officially open!

blackrock_health

and

drcaoimhehartley

  • We are thrilled to share that our new specialist Breast Service at the Blackrock Health Womens Health Centre in Dublin 2 is officially open! 💗

    When it comes to breast health, speed and clarity matter. Launched by health advocate and founder of The Good Glow, Georgie Crawford, our new one-stop fast-access service is designed to reduce waiting anxiety by providing expert consultation, diagnostic imaging, and biopsy all in a single visit, where clinically appropriate.

    Whether you’ve noticed a change or simply need expert reassurance, our team is here for you. We provide specialist evaluations for:
    ✨ Breast lumps or breast pain
    ✨Changes in breast shape, skin or nipple
    ✨ Family history concerns
    ✨ Any other breast symptoms requiring evaluation

    Aligned with NCCP guidelines, we offer complete end-to-end care from your first check through treatment and recovery.

    Don’t wait to seek peace of mind. Learn more about our new clinic through the link in our bio.

    #BlackrockHealth #WomensHealth #BreastHealth #TheGoodGlow #BreastClinic #DublinHealth #SelfCare5h
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Knitting. Therapy. @leitrimcoco #Ballinamore

leitrim adult knitting

22 hours ago

Did you know, our continues to host their group every Tuesday at 11:00am. New members are always welcome, why not come along and learn some new skills  22 hours ago

Did you know, our continues to host their group every Tuesday at 11:00am. New members are always welcome, why not come along and learn some new skills 

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Take care of yourself …

May 28, 2024/Pregnancy & Childbirth

How Long To Breastfeed: What the Guidelines Say and What To Consider

Recommendations encourage breast milk exclusively for baby’s first six months and continuing to provide human milk until age 2 and beyond

How and what you feed your baby is probably one of the most basic — and yet deeply personal — decisions you’ll face when you become a parent.

You’ll hear things like “breast is best.” As in, breastfeeding (chestfeeding) is the absolute best way to nourish your baby.

And then you’ll hear the retort, “fed is best.” Meaning breast milk (human milk) and formula are both fine. As long as your baby is getting nutrients in their belly, all is well.

Then come the opinions on how long you should breastfeed. (You’re still breastfeeding? You gave up on nursing already? You fed your baby formula?)

It can feel like there’s no right way to do it. And there’s some truth to that.

Because what works for one family may not be feasible for another. But that’s OK.

Breast milk can provide certain benefits that formula can’t mimic. But breastfeeding, especially for long periods of time, might not work for everyone. Or you may have been given the impression that you’ve continued providing human milk long after others think you “should.”

No one should feel guilt, shame or otherwise crummy about how they feed their baby. Let’s face it, mom guilt is tough enough as it is.

So, we talked with board-certified breastfeeding medicine physician Heidi Szugye, DO, about breastfeeding recommendations.

How long to breastfeed

Science shows that if you can give your baby human milk (either your own or a donor’s), it has its benefits. And the longer, the better, experts recommend.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) share these recommendations for breastfeeding duration:

  • Newborn to 6 months: Exclusive human milk.
  • 6 months to 12 months: Mostly human milk while introducing solid foods.
  • 12 months to 24 months (and beyond): Mostly solid foods with some human milk, as mutually desired by parent and child.

Previous recommendations called for providing breast milk until age 1. But these newer guidelines (implemented in 2022) are based on the understanding that human milk has benefits that continue long after baby’s first birthday. And they help to remove stigmas associated with people who choose to extend breastfeeding into toddlerhood.

“These recommendations are a call to action for everyone, and that includes hospitals, pediatricians and all physicians that are taking care of families,” Dr. Szugye states. “We want to make sure our practices and policies are set up to support people who choose to breastfeed beyond the first year of their child’s life.”

Think of the guidelines as the best-case scenario. If it works for you, your family, your child, your body and your life to breastfeed for two years or longer, you’re doing a great thing. And there’s no reason to stop until you and your child are ready.

If it doesn’t work for you, that’s OK, too. Your worth as a parent and your love for your child can’t be measured in ounces of milk.

Benefits of extended breastfeeding

The recommendations are based on research showing that human milk has some big benefits. And those perks continue for as long as you continue to supply it.

“Breastfeeding offers tremendous benefits — from custom-made nutrition and increased immunity to protecting you against some forms of cancer. And those benefits don’t go away as your baby ages,” Dr. Szugye shares. “We have more and more data supporting that there are benefits to breastfeeding for more than one year when possible.”

Breastfeeding can offer both you and your baby some big benefits:

Benefits for lactating parentsBenefits for baby
Lower risk of developing conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.Decreased risk for ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, SIDS, leukemia, diabetes, obesity, asthma and eczema.

“There are a lot of immunologic factors and components to human milk,” Dr. Szugye says. “One big advantage to human milk is that you pass antibodies to the baby. So, if you’re exposed to a respiratory illness or GI illness, those antibodies are passed on to the baby and then that makes them less likely to get sick. And if they do get sick, it’s less severe. It’s almost like a built-in immunity.”

Keeping up milk supply for the long haul

Some people can make enough milk to breastfeed for as long as they and their babies choose. But some don’t. At least not without taking some steps to keep it up.

If you suspect your supply is dwindling as your child gets older, there are ways to help promote more milk production if you want.

“Many people notice their supply drop and mistakenly assume it won’t return,” Dr. Szugye notes. “But if you want to continue to breastfeed, there are options that could help.”

If a supply boost is in order, you can try:

  • Nursing more often — Add sessions as long as your child will nurse. If you’re away from them during the day, try early evenings, mornings or weekends.
  • Pumping strategies — An extra session or several short “power pumping” sessions (think five to 10 minutes throughout the day) for several days in a row can trigger your body to make more milk.
  • Breast massage and compression — Easy-to-learn techniques can improve drainage when nursing or pumping.
  • Take care of yourself — Reduce stress, rest when possible, hydrate and eat a balanced diet with an extra 500 calories a day to support breastfeeding.

Not an ‘all-or-nothing’

If two or more years of breastfeeding seems daunting, remember that you have options.

For starters, giving your child human milk doesn’t always mean latching them to your breast and nursing. That’s just one way to do it. Pumping milk and putting it in a bottle, cup or spoon are also options.

And you may find that a donor bank could be a route to explore if you don’t lactate or if you have concerns about a low milk supply. Donor milk is pasteurized, screened for drugs, medications and infections, and tested for bacterial contamination before it’s stored and made available for purchase.

“Reach out to your pediatrician or women’s healthcare provider if you’re interested in obtaining donor milk. You may need a prescription from a healthcare provider,” Dr. Szugye suggests.

Remember, too, that any amount of human milk can be a benefit. If keeping up with your baby’s breastfeeding demands becomes too high a burden, there are alternatives.

Some parents may find that supplementing with formula (or other foods and milk after baby turns 1) can help give your child some human milk, while keeping up with their nutritional needs — and not burning yourself out in the process.

“It’s not an all-or-nothing thing,” Dr. Szugye reassures. “Any amount of human milk you can give is a benefit. If it doesn’t work for you to constantly supply human milk, that’s OK. We’re all just doing our best.”

If breastfeeding is going well for both you and your child, there’s no reason to give it up until you’re both ready to.

Feeding a baby is tough work, no matter how you do it. And chances are, you’re doing a fantastic job.

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As you get older, a protein-rich diet becomes more and more important. Protein helps prevent the loss of muscle mass that happens with aging. Foods high in protein also can support energy levels and promote overall health.@MayoClinic

Best protein choices for healthy aging

As you get older, a protein-rich diet becomes more and more important. Protein helps prevent the loss of muscle mass that happens with aging. Foods high in protein also can support energy levels and promote overall health.

But not all proteins are the same. Here’s why it’s important to vary the protein you eat — and how to make the change in your diet.

Are older adults getting the right protein?

If you’re like most Americans, you’re getting enough protein — but probably not the right kind.

Most older adults eat more than enough red meat, poultry and eggs. But they don’t eat enough of other types of healthy protein, like fish, nuts and seeds, beans, and legumes.

Many people believe they need more red meat to meet their protein needs. While red meat is a source of protein, eating too much of it can be unhealthy.

Studies suggest that diets high in red meat and processed meats, like bacon or lunch meat, can increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and certain cancers.

Best protein sources for healthy aging

Choosing the right sources of protein can have major health benefits.

Fish rich in omega-3s

Salmon, trout and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support heart health, lower inflammation and support brain health. Try to eat fish twice a week.

Protein-rich nuts and seeds

Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, chia seeds and flaxseed are not only rich in protein but also provide healthy fats and fiber. Make sure to buy nuts that aren’t salted for the best heart benefits.

Plant-based beans and legumes

Beans, lentils, chickpeas and peas are excellent plant-based sources of protein and fiber. They can help with digestion and improve gut health. Add them to soups, stews and salads for a filling and healthy meal.

Lean chicken and turkey

If you eat meat, choose lean meats like chicken or turkey breast with no skins. You can still eat red meat, but make it a treat once in a while rather than a regular dish.

Low-fat, protein-rich dairy

Low-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt and cheese are easy sources of protein. They also provide calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.

How to eat more healthy protein

Making small changes to your diet can have a big impact on your health:

Find your favorite substitute for red meat

Experiment with bean burgers and fish tacos to enjoy variety and protect your heart.

Add nuts and seeds to your meals

Sprinkle them on salads, yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious boost of protein, healthy fats and fiber.

Include beans and lentils in your cooking

Use them in soups, stews and casseroles to add plant-based protein and fiber to your diet.

Choose lean dairy options

Eat Greek yogurt or low-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat intake while still benefiting from protein and essential nutrients.

Include protein with each meal or snack

Aim for 35 grams at a time.

Combine protein and exercise for stronger muscles

To increase the benefit of a protein-rich diet, add resistance training to your day. You can use light dumbbells or resistance bands or do free-weight exercises like sit to stand, squats and pushups. These exercises help replace the muscle mass you lose with age.

Studies show that these exercises, when combined with protein intake, also can improve balance and walking speed. Researchers say that you’ll see the best results if you eat protein after exercise. So follow up your workout with a yogurt smoothie or a handful of nuts.

Do older adults need protein supplements?

Most people can get enough protein through a healthy diet with a variety of fish, nuts, beans, lean meats and low-fat dairy. But if you’re having trouble gaining weight or if you show signs of muscle loss, your healthcare team may recommend adding a protein supplement to your food.

Milk powders, whey protein and egg whites are examples of ingredients that sneak more protein into your food. Many people enjoy protein supplement shakes as well. They can be especially helpful if you need to gain weight but have a smaller appetite.

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Alcohol affects men and women differently, with women being more affected by the health effects of alcohol use (NIAAA, 2011). Yet, a dearth of information investigating alcohol use in women exists: Source:National Library of Medicine (USgov)

The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature:

Abstract

Alcohol use affects men and women differently, with women being more affected by the health effects of alcohol use (NIAAA, 2011). Yet, a dearth of information investigating the alcohol use in women exists (SAMSHA, 2011). In particular, one dispositional factor hypothesized to contribute to alcohol consumption in women is the menstrual cycle. However, only 13 empirical papers have considered the menstrual cycle as related to alcohol consumption in women. These studies fall out with somewhat mixed findings suggesting that the premenstrual week is associated with increased, decreased, or no change in alcohol consumption, likely due to methodological differences in menstrual cycle determination and measures of alcohol consumption. These methodological differences and possible other contributing factors are discussed here with recommendations for future research in this area. Understanding the contribution of the menstrual cycle to alcohol consumption is one step in addressing an important women’s health concern.

Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Menstrual cycle, Women, Women’s health

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Does alcohol (wine) cause hair loss? @EverydayHealth

Two women laughing together while holding glasses of red wine
Two friends share laughter and wine during a relaxed evening at home.

Note: While research on alcohol is evolving, the World Health Organization says drinking less or not at all is better for your health.

If you’ve noticed your hair thinning or that you’re losing hair more rapidly, you may be wondering whether your alcohol consumption is to blame. After all, alcohol is tied to a wide range of health issues, from liver disease to nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular conditions — more than 200 health conditions in all.

[1] Could it also be contributing to your hair loss?

The short answer: Alcohol itself isn’t a direct, proven cause of hair loss. But excessive drinking may contribute to factors that negatively affect hair health, such as nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, hormonal disturbances, and immune system impairment.

[1]

“There’s no direct causal relationship that’s been defined. What we see instead is a suggested link, especially with androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. And it may depend on the type and amount of alcohol consumed,” says Chris Adigun, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Here’s a closer look at what the science says if you’re worried about the potential role of alcohol in your hair health.

Alcohol and Hair Loss: What the Science Shows

Currently, there’s no strong evidence that alcohol directly causes hair loss. But researchers have studied how drinking causes ripple effects on overall health, including indirectly influencing hair loss.

One research review that included 17 studies and more than 61,000 participants — mostly women — found that consuming higher amounts of sugary drinks and alcohol was linked to more hair shedding. The researchers even suggest that limiting alcohol may be beneficial in supporting hair health, though further research is needed to confirm the findings.

[2]

The research review isn’t able to determine the two are linked, but some clear factors are at play, says Julia Zumpano, RD, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute in Ohio. 

“One probable cause could be the role these beverages play in the gut microbiome and nutrient absorption,” Zumpano says. 

Excessive drinkers may also eat less nutrient-dense foods and may be deficient in nutrients crucial to hair health, such as vitamin D, iron, protein, and B12, she says. Chronic nutrient deficiency can weaken the hair’s structure and cause thinning.

[3]

Both theories are backed by research. It’s been established that chronic alcohol use is tied to malnutrition via alcohol’s effects on the small intestine’s ability to absorb key nutrients.

[4]

Genetics are another key factor, according to research. One study that looked at more than 1,100 men who were diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia found that regular drinkers had a 61 percent increased risk that their pattern hair loss would advance to moderate or severe stages.

[5]

In this case, the researchers said doctors should consider counselling patients with a genetic predisposition to hair loss to steer away from alcohol as a preventive measure.

[5]

And then there’s the stress on the body that alcohol may cause, Dr. Adigun says. Excessive drinking can disrupt sleep, trigger dehydration, and weaken the immune system, all of which can indirectly affect hair health.

[6]Should You Drink if You Have Hair Loss?

If you’re already dealing with hair thinning or shedding, do you need to stop drinking altogether? The answer depends on how much you drink and your overall health.

Based on the research, if you’re genetically predisposed to hair loss, Adigun suggests limiting alcohol consumption to avoid accelerating the process. “If someone has a family history of androgenic alopecia, for example, adding alcohol as another risk factor is inadvisable if they want to keep their hair,” she says.

But for most adults, moderate drinking — up to one drink per day for women and two for men, according to U.S. dietary guidelines — is unlikely to directly trigger hair loss, Adigun says.

[7]

If you drink excessively, cutting back may support your hair health indirectly by lessening the negative impact on your sleep, immune system, and your ability to absorb nutrients. 

The term “excessive drinking” typically refers to binge drinking or heavy drinking. Binge drinking consists of consuming multiple drinks on a single occasion — 4 or more for women, 5 or more for men. Heavy drinking is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks per week for women, or 15 or more for men.

[8]

Your best bet is to meet with a dermatologist, who can help sort out the underlying causes of your hair loss — whether they’re genetic, hormonal, nutritional, or related to other health conditions. A dermatologist can run tests, identify the type of hair loss, and create a treatment approach that may combine medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

[9]

“Hair loss doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it’s complex. Alcohol is one piece of the puzzle, but we also need to look at genetics, lifestyle, and other contributing factors,” Adigun says.

Does Alcohol Interact With Hair Loss  Medications?

If you’re taking medication for hair loss, you may wonder whether alcohol is safe. Some hair regrowth treatments don’t interact with alcohol, but others may increase your risk of side effects when combined with drinking.

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining the two.

Here’s a look at some common treatments for hair loss and their potential interactions.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Topical application of minoxidil has no known alcohol interactions, but oral minoxidil may increase the risk of severe hangovers in people who are drinking heavily while taking the medication.

[10]

[11]

Finasteride (Propecia)

There are no major interactions with alcohol while taking this medication.

[12]

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

This medication is used off-label for female pattern hair loss. While taking it, women should stick within recommended guidelines for daily alcohol consumption — one drink per day or less. Alcohol can make some people feel dizzy or sleepy. If this happens to you, try not to drink alcohol while taking spironolactone.

[13]

[7]

Adigun also reminds people who are already exploring hair restoration options, such as topical and oral medications or injections, to try not to undermine their progress by drinking. 

“If you’re doing treatments like minoxidil or [platelet-rich plasma injections] and at the same time, [you’re] drinking moderately or heavily, you’re adding a risk factor that we know increases [hair loss] severity,” she says. “Why continue a habit that worsens the condition you’re trying to treat?”

The Takeaway

  • Alcohol hasn’t been proven to directly cause hair loss, but excessive drinking can worsen hair shedding indirectly by disrupting sleep, hydration, and nutrient absorption — all of which can affect hair health.
  • Genetics play a key role in pattern baldness — and if you’re predisposed to androgenic alopecia, research suggests that alcohol may accelerate the process.
  • If you’re treating hair loss with medications or procedures, cutting back on alcohol can help you get the best results and avoid undermining your progress. Work with a dermatologist to understand what may be causing your hair loss.

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