Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption that does not affect health? This means that even “moderate” drinking is not healthy. The risks and harms associated with drinking alcohol have been systematically evaluated over the years and are well documented. The World Health Organization has now published a statement in The Lancet Public Health: when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.
They report on their website: “Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer.”
Alcohol use changes our brain chemistry, affects our gut and hormones, and can negatively impact every single organ in the human body.
Did you know all that? I didn’t know this information 20 years ago when I decided to start drinking regularly.
Do our kids know it? Do they have a right to know?
I’m not against the selling (or consumption) of alcohol, but should we put warnings on labels so the next generation can make informed decisions?
Maybe something simple, like “Alcohol is a carcinogen and can be detrimental to health.”
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts below!