Alcohol

Moderate alcohol consumption does not provide cardiovascular health benefits; the claim is false. There are no protective or beneficial effects from alcohol at any dose. Alcohol contains significant calories. Milk thistle's active compound silymarin protects liver cells from alcohol-induced damage and increases autophagy to accelerate liver recovery. One to two drinks per day can mildly lower blood pressure by calming the sympathetic nervous system. Cutting alcohol completely was described as having a large positive effect on sleep-related outcomes. Pickle juice provides electrolytes and reduces hangover severity. Antioxidant properties in alcohol do not offset its metabolic harm. Most consumed alcohol is not pure ethanol — beer, wine, mixed drinks, and flavored spirits all contain significant added carbohydrates and sugars. Rarely drinking or low-risk drinking and risky or high-risk drinking were both associated with higher breast cancer hazard than non-drinking. Alcohol can feel relaxing before bed while objectively worsening sleep metrics. Acetaldehyde, not ethanol, is the primary driver of hepatic injury. Straight distilled spirits contain zero carbohydrates and are the most k…