The Effects of Moderate Drinking

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1. What is a person's risk of developing alcoholic medical diseases if they drink moderate amounts daily? Discuss why doctor's recommend 1-2 glasses of wine a day as having health benefits if there are health risks associated with moderate drinking of alcohol.

First, only 10-30% of heavy persistent alcohol drinkers develop cirrhosis, and in one series, the average alcohol consumption was equivalent to over 2 bottles of wine, 4.5 litres of average strength lager or two thirds of a bottle of spirits per day for 8 years. It is probable that there is no risk of significant alcoholic related liver disease if the consumption per day is 1/4 of that, i.e. less than 1/2 bottle of wine.

Secondly there is an important genetic susceptibility to alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease to consider.

Good evidence exists in well-referenced journals that a little alcohol is good for you from a cardiovascular point of view e.g. only moderate drinking, because heavy drinking is associated with higher levels of blood pressure and possibly stroke.

While those who enjoy the occasional drink may welcome this news, researchers have yet to ...