Theories of Alcohol and Aging-Problem or Cure

Theories of Alcohol and aging. Is it a problem or cure? Does alcohol prevent more than it damages? Does alcohol have nutritional value, can it or does it prevent a diseases?

Those are questions a lot of researchers have been answering lately and a lot of people have been asking. As Baby Boomers, we need answers!

Recently, red wine and even alcohols have been in the headlines because moderate amounts of alcohol seem to be protective against one of the top killers in America, heart disease. How exactly does that happen? Alcohol actually lessens the stickiness of blood cells so they’re less likely to form a blood clot. Plus, it can prevent constriction of coronary arteries. Both conditions are situations that could very well lead to a heart attack.

Researchers still are trying sort out whether the good benefits come from the alcohol or from other substances. For an example the resveratrol in red wine. Studies are starting to show that flavonoids like resveratrol have tremendous benefits for some.

So, if research shows that moderate drinkers have less risk of death from heart disease than people who don’t drink at all, should experts think that recommend moderate drinking to everyone as a way to reduce one of America’s top killers, heart disease? After all the darker the grape the more antioxidants, correct?

This is great news for those who enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner. But bear in mind when you see these types of headlines, there’s almost always more to the story. As you know, those who are heavy drinkers, do have an increased risk of death from heart disease and other serious health issues.

So, perhaps we should say, “Not so fast,” in regards to alcohol actually being “good thing for you.” There is always the issue of those who might go on to develop serious drinking problems as some are predisposed with excessive behavior.

More research shows that alcohol can be highly addictive for some people. Another concern is that alcohol may increase cancer risks. For those of you who have not hear that…Alcohol is most strongly linked to cancers of the esophagus, the mouth, the pharynx, and the larynx, for heavy drinkers. Alcohol consumption has also been heavily linked to increased colon and breast cancer risk. Before, most of us only knew it would pickle your liver…but this insight tells us other organs are affected as well.

Don’t be surprised that I haven’t discussed diabetes in Theories of Alcohol and Aging-Problem or Cure. Diabetes is on the rise and I will talk about that in another article.

For women, they are far more vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol, then men. Studies are now showing that alcohol, even in moderate consumption, reduces the risk of mortality from heart disease and does in fact, shrink the brain. We all lose some brains cells as we get older and that number is about 2%. So, 2 % of our brain volume decreases every 10 years, naturally. Studies have shown that women who drink even lightly or moderately lose more brain cells than women who are non~drinkers.

For men, higher brain loss occurred only with heavy drinking. Of course, that is only when it come to brain cell loss. Men will be affected if their alcohol intake gets too high. But the major point is that women need to be especially cautious with their alcohol intake. I guess there is one example why women are called the fairer sex…

What would you think the average person knows about the by-products of alcohol metabolism? I think most of you would agree, “not very much,” or they would not be drinking. Or, would at least “proceed with caution” when drinking.

Here is why. Alcohol, also known as “ethanol,” is a drug that must be metabolized by enzymes in our liver. You know that organ that we really need and use every day, as a filter. There fore, that is going to put a big burden on the body and it is going to deplete several nutrients in the process. The breakdown byproducts of alcohol are acetaldehyde (that is what causes a hang over) and methanol. Sounds like gas in your car, does it it not? Well, it is worse…you car runs fine on these two, but not your body. Cars are metal, bodies are tissue.

Methanol breaks down to formaldehyde. You know the stuff they embomb dead bodies with. Acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are both known carcinogens. Formaldehyde damages your DNA. Acetaldehyde binds to thiamin, inactivating it and destroying folate. In laymen’s terms, it lowers cellular energy production and interferes with neurotransmitters, which send signals our cells. Alcohol enhances the effects of other carcinogens in the body.

It is basically believed that it’s a person’s over all basic level of health that may make them more prone to the negative effects of alcohol. Negative instances of this are when acetaldehyde can be formed internally by yeast organisms in the gut. So anyone who has known yeast infection problems (fungal nails, chronic sinus infections, or vaginal yeast infections) will be more prone to the negative effects of alcohol because their body already has a lot of acetaldehyde to deal with, without giving it more issues from drinking or over drinking.

Remarkably, our bodies still has a tremendous capacity to handle alcohol, especially if you have good base health and good nutritional intake. But, how many of you actually eat or drink five fruits and vegetables a day? How many of you exercise on a daily or weekly basis?

Since most of the negative effects of alcohol occur with heavier drinking, for most people, what is the final bottom line, of this post? Make sure your drinking stays at the moderate level and you should have good overall health and nutrition habits in order to support efficient alcohol metabolism. Women should drink even less than men because of it’s effect that it takes on them.

So, what is the golden rules for alcohol intake? As a rule, men generally can easily handle two drinks per day. Women on the other hand, need to be more careful, and make sure not to exceed one drink per day to avoid all negative effects.
One drink is:
5 oz wine
12 oz beer
1 1/2 oz hard liquor

Theories of Alcohol and Aging is it a Problem or Cure?  When in moderation for men, yes it can be effective as a preventative. For women, in even higher moderation, yes it can be a preventative. To me, it has never been worth the risk. Let us know what you think Baby Boomers.

Be well, stay healthy…
~The Baby Boomer Queen~

For those of you who have yeast organisms in the gut, nail fungus or yeast infection flare ups due to alcohol. Like those discussed in Theories of Alcohol and Aging-Problem or Cure, here are some natural, homeopathic remedies for yeast organisms in the gut, or Nail Fungus and for women who have Yeast Issues.