HEALTHY LIVING
Booze, You Lose
You
Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful, say new studies. ::
BY JUDY KOUTSKY T
he thinking used to be that drinking in moderation was OK, but a new, large study published in JAMA
Network Open finds that any amount of alcohol consumption is linked to significant health risks. “Alcohol can have a particularly
harmful effect on brain health, especially as people age,” says Bryan Bruno, M.D., assistant clinical professor of psychology at New York University School of Medicine and medical director of Mid City TMS, a New York City-based practice that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression. “Alcohol consumption
disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitters, leading to mood disorders, increased anxiety, and cognitive decline,” says Bruno. Even small amounts of
alcohol can interfere with the restorative phases of sleep, leading to mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function, he says.
For people managing mental
health conditions like depression or anxiety, alcohol can worsen symptoms and diminish the effectiveness of psychiatric medications.
ALCOHOL AND AGE “As people age, their bodies become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol in the blood,” says Paul Daidone, M.D., the medical director at True Self Recovery in Rogers, Arkansas. “This decrease in metabolic
efficiency, combined with an already elevated risk of age-related diseases, makes alcohol consumption especially hazardous for older adults.” Aging also causes a decrease in
lean body mass and total body water, resulting in a higher blood alcohol concentration from the same amount of alcohol consumed compared to younger people. This increases the risk for falls,
injuries, and interactions with medications.
If you still want to enjoy a cocktail with friends without compromising your health, there are
a variety of nonalcoholic drinks to choose from. According to research done by Penn State, nonalcoholic beverage sales for 2023 increased 32% from the previous year, whereas total alcoholic beverage sales for the same period only increased by 1%.
Beer, wine, spirits. Among the newest nonalcoholic products is Shiner Rodeo Golden Brew, the first of a planned series of nonalcoholic beers from the K. Spoetzl Brewery, makers of Shiner Bock. Heineken 0.0 is another popular choice.
Shirley Temple. This throwback favorite made with lemon- lime soda, grenadine, fresh lime juice, and a cherry garnish strikes the perfect balance of fizzy and sweet — and will take you right back to childhood.
90 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JANUARY 2025
“Sparkling water (or club soda) with natural fruit flavors is a refreshing and hydrating option with no added sugars or calories,” says Paul Daidone, M.D. Garnish it with your favorite fruit slices.
Aguas frescas. Originally found in Mexico and Latin American countries, these drinks have become popular in the U.S. The ingredients are simple: strawberries (or other fruit), sugar, lime juice, water, and mint sprigs.
Kombucha is another great choice. “It’s lightly fizzy, and it contains probiotics, which are good for gut health,” says Taher Saifullah, M.D., founder of Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles.
Herbal teas (hot or over ice). “Chamomile or lavender teas are good for hydration and have a calming effect,” says Michelle Dees, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic. Such teas help to relax and relieve stress after a day’s work, and still feel like a treat.
FALLING/NANZEEBA IBNAT/GETTY IMAGES / BEER/BREAKING THE WALLS/SHUTTERSTOCK KOMBUCHA/DENISMART/SHUTTERSTOCK
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