“When you wake up in the morning,” said Piglet, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. “It’s the same thing,” he said. ~A.A.Milne #ThursdayThoughts
In the summer, there’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of fresh, juicy blueberries — and these delicious tiny fruits pack a big nutritious punch. https://cle.clinic/3LMBRYI
As a cardiologist, I am asked almost every day if ‘Alcohol is good or bad for your health?’.
Let’s find out.
Alcohol Is A Toxin.
There is no getting away from the fact that, at its most basic chemical foundation, alcohol is a toxin.
Globally, alcohol is responsible for 3 million deaths per year; in the United States, it is the third leading cause of preventable death¹².
Alcohol is a factor in³:
30% of suicides
40% of fatal burn injuries
50% of fatal drownings
50% of homicides
65% of fatal falls
29% of fatal road traffic accidents
Alcohol is a factor in 1 in 5 emergency department presentations⁴.
No pun intended, but these statistics make for some sober reading.
‘Red Wine Is Good For Your Heart.’
Now come on.
Did you really think that was true?
I have heard this phrase over and over again in my clinical practice.
High levels of exercise are good for your heart, but oddly enough, most people seem to be far less enthusiastic about this approach than regular alcohol consumption.
Let’s see what the data says.
Up until very recently, it was believed that drinking 1-2 drinks per day was actually protective when it came to dying prematurely⁵.
This data was based on observational studies that cannot fully control for all confounders and can therefore not infer causality.
When you examine the people who drink only 1 to 2 drinks per day, you consistently find that they are much less likely to smoke, be overweight or engage in any other risky health behaviours.
So in truth, it probably wasn’t the alcohol that was driving the effect.
More recent studies have attempted to control for this variable more carefully, and the relationship is clear.
The more you drink.
The higher the risk.
Take coronary artery disease. Higher alcohol intake equates to a higher risk.
The same applies to high blood pressure⁶.
The same applies to stroke⁷.
The list goes on⁸:
Atrial fibrillation – Higher risk.
Sudden death – Higher risk.
Heart failure – Higher risk.
Liver, Breast, Colorectal, Oropharyngeal Cancer – Higher Risk⁹.
You get the point.
With all this information to hand, why is it then that I and billions of others continue to drink alcohol?…
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What you see: Cute baby moments and joyful strolls. What you don’t: Sleepless nights and silent struggles. And there’s so much more! Comment below what you want to add to the list!
As a cardiologist, I am asked almost every day if ‘Alcohol is good or bad for your health?’.
Let’s find out.
Alcohol Is A Toxin.
There is no getting away from the fact that, at its most basic chemical foundation, alcohol is a toxin.
Globally, alcohol is responsible for 3 million deaths per year; in the United States, it is the third leading cause of preventable death¹².
Alcohol is a factor in³:
30% of suicides
40% of fatal burn injuries
50% of fatal drownings
50% of homicides
65% of fatal falls
29% of fatal road traffic accidents
Alcohol is a factor in 1 in 5 emergency department presentations⁴.
No pun intended, but these statistics make for some sober reading.
‘Red Wine Is Good For Your Heart.’
Now come on.
Did you really think that was true?
I have heard this phrase over and over again in my clinical practice.
High levels of exercise are good for your heart, but oddly enough, most people seem to be far less enthusiastic about this approach than regular alcohol consumption.
Let’s see what the data says.
Up until very recently, it was believed that drinking 1-2 drinks per day was actually protective when it came to dying prematurely⁵.
This data was based on observational studies that cannot fully control for all confounders and can therefore not infer causality.
When you examine the people who drink only 1 to 2 drinks per day, you consistently find that they are much less likely to smoke, be overweight or engage in any other risky health behaviours.
So in truth, it probably wasn’t the alcohol that was driving the effect.
More recent studies have attempted to control for this variable more carefully, and the relationship is clear.
The more you drink.
The higher the risk.
Take coronary artery disease. Higher alcohol intake equates to a higher risk.
The same applies to high blood pressure⁶.
The same applies to stroke⁷.
The list goes on⁸:
Atrial fibrillation – Higher risk.
Sudden death – Higher risk.
Heart failure – Higher risk.
Liver, Breast, Colorectal, Oropharyngeal Cancer – Higher Risk⁹.
You get the point.
With all this information to hand, why is it then that I and billions of others continue to drink alcohol?…
Subscribe to Dr Paddy Barrett to unlock the rest.
Become a paying subscriber of Dr Paddy Barrett to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.
Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength. Gardens and green spaces provide not only beauty and joy, but also vital support for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Today the Royal Horticultural Society are announcing a new Rose, “Catherine’s Rose”, grown by Harkness Roses. The proceeds from this rose will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping patients across the country live well with, and beyond, cancer 🌹1w