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Does Alcohol Have Health Benefits?

By Rachel Franklin, M.D., “Your Family Doc”

OU Physicians Family Medicine

As we enter the holiday season, and mulled wine and cider enter some of our traditions, I wanted to take a moment and tell you the latest information about the risks and benefits of drinking alcohol.

One of the oldest running jokes on TV was about granny’s little brown jug, labeled triple-X, that she used for “medicinal” purposes.  Ever since humans learned that by fermenting their food they could make it last longer (think vinegar, sauerkraut, and other foods), they have used fermented drinks for pleasure, pain control and social gatherings.

In the past two decades, the medical community has discovered that granny might have been right after all.  Studies of people living in France and the Mediterranean have found that moderate consumption of alcohol – 2 or fewer drinks for men and 1 or less for women - reduced the risk for heart attack and stroke.  This data that was once limited to wine has expanded with further studies to the conclusion that alcohol from any source – beer, wine, and liquor – may have similar benefits.

But not so fast!  A recent study suggested that even moderate alcohol use by women may raise our risk of several types of cancer, including breast and esophageal cancer (cancer of the swallowing tube).  In addition, like all medications (even herbals and over-the-counter ones), alcohol use has risks.  So what should we do when considering its use?

Consider a few important items before you decide to say you’re using alcohol for health benefits:

• Alcohol affects your brain.  Alcohol is a drug as much as caffeine or nicotine.  It affects your judgment in the short-term and too much of it is harmful.  Never drive or perform possibly dangerous tasks after consuming alcohol.
• Alcohol has a dark side.  People at risk for addiction – especially those with a past personal or family history of alcoholism – should not try using alcohol for health benefits. 
• Alcohol is a “no-no” for some.  Compromising your personal ethical or religious views regarding alcohol is not worth any possible health benefits from its consumption.
• Women will have to prioritize.  Are you at higher risk for heart attack or cancer?  Drinking one or fewer servings of alcohol per day and less than 5 per week can help prevent heart attack, but may slightly increase your risk for cancer.  Could you be pregnant?  There is no amount of alcohol believed to be safe during pregnancy!
• Alcohol is not a heart “cure-all.”  Studies have also shown that eating a heart-healthy, portion controlled diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables, when combined with exercise has more heart-attack reducing benefits than alcohol consumption.  Smoking cessation works better than alcohol.  Maintaining a healthy weight works better than alcohol.

Men, if you currently enjoy alcohol in moderation without trouble, I’d advise you to continue.  Women, if you are at greater risk for heart disease than cancer, you might consider it with caution.  Either way, remember that drinking alcohol is no replacement for an overall healthy lifestyle.

Please remember to email april-sandefer@ouhsc.edu or contact OU Physicians at 405-271-5067 if you have ideas you’d like to read about in this column.  Here’s to your good health!

Dr. Franklin is a board certified family medicine specialist. Her areas of special interest include preventive health and wellness and women’s and children’s health. Her advice has been featured in outlets including The Learning Channel, Parents Magazine and FitPregnancy. For an appointment with Dr. Franklin or any of the OU Physicians Family Medicine physicians, call 405-271-4311