Can you be healthy if you drink alcohol?

BINGE drinking is not healthy by anyone’s standards. It’s generally only good for one of two things. It can play a part in some of the best times of your life … and some of the lowest, with the biggest regrets. I write this to encourage some thought and reflection on why you do or don’t touch alcohol and why there are so many differing thoughts between cultures.
Much of the cultural history of drinking has been to relax and socialise, taking advantage of its anxiolytic properties. I’ll admit that I take advantage of the odd glass of red after a big day at work, quietening the brain and helping me switch off.
However, once you hit a blood alcohol limit of 0.1 (more than a few glasses of red), even though you feel as relaxed as Gumby the rubber man, you actually trigger a large release of stress hormones as your body is convinced of impending danger.

Does a small amount of alcohol break the chronic stress cycle? Tim Robards thinks so. Source: Instagram

But how do we explain the following anomaly that goes against what we think about this psychoactive toxin that some have come to know as ‘Jesus juice’ and ‘nectar of the gods’? Longitudinal studies have shown that people who don’t clean their pallet with the suds of seduction (aka drink alcohol) tend to die before people who do. This seems to make no sense when we know that alcohol increases our risk of cancer, dementia and liver disease.

One particular study, published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found that abstaining from alcohol increases the risk of dying, even when you take out former excessive drinkers who have now given it away.
But not all alcohol is created equal. So let’s talk about the best options.
Best choice — red wine contains an antioxidant called resveratrol which is protective for your cardiovascular system.

A glass of red wine is always the best choice. Source: Instagram

2nd best choice — distilled spirits like gin or vodka as they have very little sugar. Be careful what mixer you use, as many will be sugar loaded. Opt for soda or mineral water with fresh lemon or lime.
3rd best choice — cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage and most are naturally gluten free. If you chose to have a cider opt for a dry cider with low sugar.
4th best choice — white wine or champagne. With far less antioxidants than red wine and more sugar, have these sparingly!
Worst choice — Beer comes from wheat, barley, and hops so it will contain gluten and yeast. Beer tends to upset beneficial gut bacteria and promote Candida.
For me, life is for living and having a social drink once in a while with friends or family is really enjoyable. I also really enjoy a glass of red at dinner after a long day. Because I think life is about balance.