The Prohibition Era
Drinking Even Limited Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk & Colon Problems
Two new studies indicate that even if you drink very moderately (no more than one drink per day), you may still be likely to suffer from some of alcohol’s negative side effects. And, no, we don’t just mean crying at a Superbowl commercial and texting an ex.
The first study analyzed data from over 100,000 women, comparing those who drank and those who didn’t, to analyze the relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer. Researchers found that those who consumed three to six alcoholic drinks per week had a 15 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who drank more, that is, approximately two drinks per day, had a 51 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer. (Note that one drink generally equals either: one mixed drink with 1.5 fl oz of 80-proof liquor, like vodka or rum, or 5 fl oz of wine, or 12 fl oz of beer or wine cooler.)
Researchers parsed out the effect of drinking by age, and found that alcohol intake from 18 to 40 years of age and after age 40 were both associated with increased breast cancer risk. Furthermore, the heightened risk from drinking during young adulthood was still evident after controlling drinking behaviors later on in life. As if there weren’t enough reasons to regret that “episode” in college.
Interestingly, too, periodic binge drinking was also associated with increased breast cancer risk regardless of overall alcohol intake.
The second study evaluated the impact of moderate drinking on gastrointestinal health, namely the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Individuals who have SIBO have excess bacteria in their small intestine, where nutrients are usually absorbed. This can cause malnourishment and gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea.
The study found that moderate alcohol intake (no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) was significantly associated with the presence of SIBO. This indicates that even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on your gastrointestinal health.
As unfortunate as it is to admit, the next time we consider a social drink, we’re going to take a good, long look at our boobs and gut and weigh the pros and cons.
Sources:
JAMA and Archives Journals (2011). Low levels of alcohol consumption associated with small increased risk of breast cancer, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171025.htm
American College of Gastroenterology (Oct 2011). Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114949.htm
American College of Gastroenterology (Oct 2011). Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114949.htm
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Published 6/21/2012
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