With so many bars, happy hours, and special events, there always seems to be a reason to drink. But how much alcohol is too much? Unfortunately, about 40% of Americans overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
Drinking too much isn’t healthy for your mind or body. Not to mention having a few too many can cloud your judgment and increase your risk of an auto accident.
So what is the healthy number of drinks to consume per day? Let’s explore.
How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
When trying to determine safe drinking habits, there are a few factors to consider.
Moderate drinking is the healthiest way to consume alcohol. The best rule to follow is indulging in two drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women.
Drinking in moderation can improve your mood, lower stress, and benefit the heart. Heavy drinking is America’s fourth-leading preventable cause of death.
The average male should consume four or fewer drinks per day and 14 or fewer drinks per week. Men who consume 15 drinks or more per week are considered heavy drinkers.
The average female should indulge in three or fewer drinks a day and no more than seven drinks per week. Women who drink 8 or more alcoholic beverages weekly are considered heavy drinkers.
For those with medical conditions, the safe number of drinks is lower. People with cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and cancer should limit drinking as much as possible.
Is Beer Bad for You?
Beer is made using water, grain, hops, and yeast. Like other types of alcohol, beer in moderation can provide health benefits. The hops, yeast, and grains in beer provide small doses of vitamin B and potassium.
However, beer is loaded with calories. Too much beer can increase your risk of developing obesity, chronic hypertension, and certain cancers.
There’s also the added concern of developing a “beer belly.” People who overindulge in beer, do not maintain wholesome diets, and participate in minimal physical activity are likely to gain weight around their mid-section.
How Much Wine Is Too Much?
Many people think of wine as the healthiest form of alcohol. While wine holds numerous health benefits, it must be consumed in healthy, moderate doses.
Wine is made from grapes, which are full of antioxidants. Studies have found people who indulge in healthy amounts of wine experience lower rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers.
Overdrinking wine, such as having more than one to two glasses per night, is not healthy. Overindulging in wine leads to high blood pressure, irritability, headaches, and bowel issues.
Am I Drinking Too Much?
If you regularly consume or rely on alcoholic beverages, you may be on the path to developing a drinking problem. Mild alcoholism is easily overlooked, so it’s important to know the early warning signs.
The most common symptoms of an alcohol problem include:
- Frequent mood swings and irritability
- Short-term memory loss
- Drinking regularly or binge drinking
- Choosing to drink over other responsibilities
- Drinking alone or in secrecy
- Feeling hungover when not drinking
- Lack of hygiene and personal care
The earlier a person seeks help, the easier it is to overcome alcoholism. If you’re looking for the best drug or alcohol rehab programs, help is available or consult with an online suboxone doctor.
Explore More Lifestyle Tips
Knowing how much alcohol is too much is a key part of developing a healthy lifestyle routine. Regulating how much and how often you indulge in spirits can prevent you from developing a drinking problem.
For more lifestyle tips and tricks, check out our website.
