Introduction
Alcohol is a popular beverage that is enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of drinking alcohol. According to dietitian, the worst side effect of drinking alcohol is the potential for developing an unhealthy relationship with food. This can lead to overeating, poor food choices, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. In this article, we will discuss the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol and how to avoid them. We will also provide tips on how to maintain a healthy relationship with food and alcohol.
The Worst Side Effect of Drinking Alcohol, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That
Drinking alcohol can have a range of effects on your body, both positive and negative. While moderate drinking can have some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems. According to dietitian and nutritionist, Dr. Sarah Schenker, the worst side effect of drinking alcohol is its impact on your diet.
Dr. Schenker explains that alcohol can have a negative effect on your diet because it is high in calories and sugar. Alcohol also has a tendency to make you crave unhealthy foods, such as salty snacks and sugary desserts. This can lead to weight gain and an unhealthy diet.
Dr. Schenker recommends that if you are going to drink alcohol, you should make sure to eat healthy foods before and after drinking. Eating a balanced meal before drinking can help to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume and can also help to reduce the cravings for unhealthy foods. Eating healthy snacks after drinking can help to reduce the amount of calories and sugar you consume.
Dr. Schenker also recommends that you drink in moderation. Excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems, such as liver damage, heart disease, and even cancer. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking and to make sure that you are drinking responsibly.
Drinking alcohol can have a range of effects on your body, both positive and negative. While moderate drinking can have some health benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with excessive drinking. Eating healthy foods before and after drinking can help to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume and can also help to reduce the cravings for unhealthy foods. Drinking in moderation is the best way to ensure that you are drinking responsibly and avoiding the worst side effects of drinking alcohol.
Whether you enjoy a glass of wine on occasion or mark the start of the weekend with a few cocktails, alcohol is a frequent component of countless meals, celebrations, and social gatherings.
In fact, 54.9% of U.S. adults surveyed by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2019 admitted to consuming alcohol within the past month.
While moderate red wine consumption has long been linked to cardiovascular benefits, and many people use alcohol as a means of aiding relaxation, alcohol consumption may also have serious risks for your health and wellbeing.
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According to Alicia Galvin, MEd, RD, LD, IFNCP, resident dietitian for Sovereign Laboratories, alcohol may be a contributor to serious gastrointestinal health issues.
“Alcohol can cause acid reflux,” says Galvin. “Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the band of muscles between the esophagus and stomach. When this happens, acid from the stomach can more easily come up into the esophagus and cause occasional heartburn.”
If you drink regularly, these bouts of heartburn may become a more consistent issue—and one that may increase your risk of cancer.
“People with GERD have a slightly higher risk of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. This risk seems to be higher in people who have more frequent symptoms,” the American Cancer Society reports.
Reflux that is left untreated for a prolonged period of time may lead to the development of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that may increase cancer risk over time. While the vast majority of people who develop Barrett’s esophagus will not develop cancer, “People with Barrett’s esophagus are at a much higher risk than people without this condition to develop adenocarcinoma of the esophagus,” according to the American Cancer Society. Over time, Barrett’s esophagus may also increase your risk of dysplasia, a form of cellular abnormality, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well.
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According to a 2021 study published in the journal Cancer, among a group of 490,605 adults who took part in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, acid reflux was associated with double the risk of developing either esophageal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas.
Galvin notes that acid reflux isn’t the only gastrointestinal ailment that alcohol may play a part in causing, however. “Alcohol inhibits the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine and increases the transport of toxins across the intestinal walls. This may contribute to the development of alcohol-related effects of the liver and other organs,” Galvin says, adding that alcohol consumption may also impair intestinal muscle movement, contributing to diarrhea, and may promote the growth of gram-negative bacteria, which can increase the permeability of the intestinal lining.
If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation, and talk to your doctor if you find yourself experiencing acid reflux or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
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