As we age, especially when we reach the age of 50, men's physiology and metabolic ability will change to varying degrees, and the impact of alcohol on the body will become more and more obvious.
So, do men have to quit drinking? What do I need to pay attention to when drinking? This article will talk about this in a good way.
How much alcohol is harmful to the body
1. Liver damage:
Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver, hepatitis and even cirrhosis. Alcohol metabolism is mainly carried out in the liver, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption will increase the burden on the liver and damage liver cells.
2. Digestive system diseases:
Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa and may cause digestive diseases such as gastritis and gastric ulcers. In addition, alcohol can affect pancreatic function and increase the risk of pancreatitis.
3. Cardiovascular system impact:
While moderate alcohol consumption may have a slight cardiovascular protective effect, long-term heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and stroke.
4. Nervous system damage:
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and long-term alcohol consumption may lead to memory loss, cognitive decline, and even alcoholic encephalopathy.
5. Increased risk of cancer:
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is associated with the development of a variety of cancers, including oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer. Acetaldehyde, a metabolite of alcohol, is considered a carcinogen.
Do men have to quit drinking?
Men do not have to quit drinking, but it is recommended to drink less or no alcohol for the sake of good health.
While moderate alcohol consumption does not have much of an impact on your health, excessive alcohol consumption can increase a variety of health risks. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, heart problems, certain types of cancer, and neurological damage.
In addition, alcohol can affect sleep quality, reduce fertility, and increase the risk of accidents and violent incidents.
For the sake of good health, it is recommended that men should drink less alcohol, preferably at all. If you can't quit drinking completely, you should limit the amount of alcohol you drink and follow health guidelines.
After the age of 50
When drinking, keep these 5 points in mind
If you can't quit drinking, then you should keep in mind 5 precautions when drinking:
1. Control the amount of alcohol you drink:
As we age, the liver's metabolic capacity weakens, so the amount of alcohol you drink at a time should be reduced. It is recommended to consume no more than two glasses of alcohol per day to reduce the burden on the liver.
2. Choose a low-alcohol wine:
Choosing alcohol with a lower alcohol content, such as red wine or beer, can reduce the damage that alcohol can do to your body. Also, avoid high-strength spirits, such as liquor or vodka.
3. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach:
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach will increase the irritation of alcohol on the gastric mucosa, which can easily cause gastritis or gastric ulcers. It is advisable to eat some foods before drinking alcohol to slow down the absorption of alcohol.
4. Pay attention to the frequency of drinking:
Don't drink alcohol too often and give your body enough time to metabolize alcohol. It is recommended not to drink alcohol at least one day a week to give the liver a rest.
5. Monitor body reactions:
As we age, the body's tolerance to alcohol may decrease. If you notice headaches, heart palpitations, or other discomfort after drinking, reduce the amount of alcohol you drink or stop drinking, and consult your doctor promptly.
In addition, after the age of 50, people may face more risks of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Alcohol consumption may worsen the symptoms of these diseases or affect the effectiveness of drug treatment, so it is important to be careful.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any medical advice. If you have any health problems, please seek medical attention in time, and the advice of a professional doctor shall prevail.