Researchers have reviewed the latest evidence on alcohol and health in a study published in the journal Addiction, as reported by Health.
The study confirms that alcohol is linked to more than 60 different diseases.
These include liver disease, several types of cancer, and a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
The researchers also found associations between alcohol consumption and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, as well as cancers of the breast, liver, colon, and esophagus.
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New recommendations
For many years, there has been debate over whether small amounts of alcohol may be beneficial for heart health.
The new review shows that any potential benefits are small compared with the well-established health risks.
The findings are consistent with previous statements from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has concluded that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free when it comes to health.
Experts therefore recommend paying attention not only to how much alcohol is consumed, but also to how quickly and how often it is consumed.
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Can the damage be reversed?
Although the study documents numerous risks, it also highlights an important finding.
The researchers found that several of alcohol’s negative effects may be reduced if people cut back on their consumption or stop drinking altogether.
Among other benefits, blood pressure may improve, and the body may become better at fighting disease.
Some forms of fatty liver disease may also become less severe.
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Alcohol is associated with a range of health risks, but some of the damage may be reversible if consumption is reduced or stopped entirely.
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