Drinking more than the low-risk guidelines on a regular basis increases your risk of serious health conditions
Beer is one of the most popular and enjoyed beverages worldwide. However, it is important to remember that it should be consumed in moderation and responsibly, otherwise it can lead to health problems and dependency.
According to neurologist Richard Restak in his book “The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind”, drinking too much beer can cause memory loss, mental deterioration, or dementia. The doctor explains that to avoid such diseases, alcohol consumption should be reduced, as it does not differentiate between the different functions of the brain and is a “very weak neurotoxin” that affects communication between neurons.
Richard Restak points out that it is crucial that once you reach 65 years old, you do so healthily, without drinking any alcohol, as from that age onwards, the body loses neurons at an accelerated rate and can accelerate mental deterioration: “It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage in life where preserving neurons is crucial.”
The neurologist assures that drinking beer “can be dangerous for older people,” as the progressive damage is real, and its effects can become especially dangerous in elderly individuals.
The message is backed up by the NHS, which states that alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that is harmful, or when you are dependent on alcohol. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
A unit of alcohol is 8g or 10ml of pure alcohol, which is about:
- half a pint of lower to normal-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6%)
- a single small shot measure (25ml) of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%)
- A small glass (125ml, ABV 12%) of wine contains about 1.5 units of alcohol.
The NHS website says: “Alcohol is a toxic chemical that can have a wide range of adverse effects on almost every part of your body. The effects of alcohol can vary. Sometimes you feel the effects almost instantly. Other times this can take longer and might be after you’ve had a few drinks.”
