29/07/2022
I hate for those who like to drink a little to get too anxious about studies suggesting negative outcome with alcohol use.
Very modest amounts of certain kinds of alcohol (like deep red wine) appear to be beneficial for some of us. In fact, Blue Zone regions- where there are many individuals living very long, healthy lives tend to consume healthy sources of alcohol routinely.
That said, Blue Zone people also exercise, eat well, and live in well- connected, supportive communities, whereas many of us elsewhere in the world are generally too stressed out, don’t eat optimally and exercise infrequently.
I think under these lifestyle circumstances, alcohol can be overused easily, and its pro-aging potential doesn’t surprise me at all.
In addition to shortening telomeres, as this study showed could happen in heavier drinkers, we know that alcohol intake can negatively influence gene expression, which is another way it can potentially be pro-aging.
In our research study which demonstrated a 3 year biological age reduction using a diet and lifestyle program, we asked our participants to refrain from alcohol use for the 8-week study duration. However, we do allow very modest alcohol after the 8 weeks for those desiring it.
Study link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01690-9
