Alcohol is a cellular toxin that can damage all organs, with even small amounts posing serious health risks, including over 200 diseases linked to heavy drinking. Research highlights a significant connection between alcohol and cancer, with colorectal cancer being the leading cause of alcohol-related deaths. A concerning trend among young adults of drinking on an empty stomach increases the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Guidelines for responsible consumption are essential to mitigate these health risks.
The Dangers of Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol acts as a cellular toxin, capable of spreading throughout the body and inflicting damage on all organs. Research conducted by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) indicates that even minimal alcohol intake can lead to severe long-term health consequences. These concerning amounts are surprisingly low and can pose significant risks.
Alcohol’s Link to Cancer
Beyond the potential for addiction, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health issues. The DKFZ has identified over 200 diseases associated with heavy drinking, including fatty liver disease and various cardiovascular conditions. Alarmingly, alcohol is recognized as a contributing factor to cancer, with estimates suggesting that in 2022, more than 8,000 cancer fatalities in Germany were related to alcohol consumption.
The latest Alcohol Atlas, released in 2022, reveals that colorectal cancer ranks as the primary cause of death among alcohol-related cancers, followed closely by liver, oral cavity, and throat cancers. For women, breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption is the most prevalent, followed by liver and colorectal cancers.
The Risks of Drinking on an Empty Stomach
A troubling trend has emerged among young adults, who are increasingly opting to drink without having meals in order to avoid weight gain. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, have found that this behavior may have dire consequences. Their study, published in the journal ‘Gastroenterology’, indicates that not only the quantity of alcohol consumed impacts cancer risk but also the context in which it is consumed.
By analyzing data from 347,591 alcohol consumers in the UK Biobank (2006-2021), the researchers sought to uncover the correlation between drinking without food and the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers.
The findings revealed that 6,813 participants developed cancer over a ten-year follow-up period. Notably, those who drank alcohol on an empty stomach faced a 10% higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer compared to their counterparts who consumed alcohol with meals. This heightened risk was independent of the amount of alcohol ingested and any underlying health conditions.
The researchers expressed concern regarding the implications of this trend, emphasizing the need for greater awareness regarding the impact of new drinking habits on cancer development in younger populations. They suggested that one possible explanation for the increased risk is that an empty stomach allows for quicker absorption of alcohol, while the presence of food slows down alcohol metabolism in the liver.
Guidelines for Responsible Alcohol Consumption
Given the numerous risks associated with alcohol consumption, it is crucial to approach drinking with caution. The German Main Office for Addiction Issues (DHS) has outlined ten essential guidelines to help mitigate health risks and reduce the likelihood of addiction:
This article originally appeared on focus.de.