A recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health analyzed data from 50,588 individuals to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and longevity, along with the impact of drinking on health. The findings revealed a notable conclusion: there is a clear negative association between alcohol intake and lifespan.
Specifically, individuals who drank moderate to high amounts of alcohol had significantly lower serum levels of α-Klotho. This factor is not only crucial for longevity but also influences biological aging, cognitive function, and behavioral performance.
As alcohol intake increases, α-Klotho levels decline at a faster rate, indicating an accelerated biological aging process in drinkers.
The study also highlights the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on human health:
Significant cardiovascular damage
Excessive drinking is a primary contributor to hypertension and elevated blood lipid levels. Prolonged alcohol use can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Brain health implications
Long-term alcohol use can lead to atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries, affecting blood and oxygen supply to the brain. This, in turn, promotes degeneration and aging in crucial areas of the brain.
Liver and muscle damage
Regular alcohol consumption can result in serious issues such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, liver disease, muscle loss, and other health problems.
Does drinking less cause less harm?
To better understand the relationship between alcohol consumption and longevity, let’s delve into some specific studies.
A research team from Peking University conducted a long-term survey of 38,888 drinkers and found that regardless of the amount consumed, the health and longevity impacts varied.
Specifically, male drinkers had an 18% higher risk of mortality compared to non-drinkers, with a 19% higher risk of cardiovascular death, a 51% higher risk of liver-related death, and an 18% higher risk of cancer-related death.
Additionally, the study indicated that for every 100 grams of alcohol consumed weekly, there was a 7% increase in the risk of death from all causes and a 12% higher risk of alcohol-related cancer death.
These data serve as a stark reminder that the connection between alcohol intake and lifespan may be closer than we think. Any amount of alcohol can elevate health risks, especially for long-term drinkers, as health issues may accumulate over time.
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