Health Risks Linked To Alcohol Consumption

For thousands of years, drinking alcohol has been deeply woven into cultures worldwide. It’s social, it’s celebratory, but its risks are often ignored.

I regularly meet people who are completely unaware of the health risks linked to even moderate alcohol consumption. Many describe their symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, weight struggles, without realizing their drinking habits could be a major contributor.

Here’s what many don’t know:

• Alcohol contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

• It increases the risk of seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal.

• Even light drinking raises the risk of breast and esophageal cancer.

• About 70% of Americans are unaware alcohol is a cancer risk factor.

Some doctors now recommend limiting alcohol to two to three drinks per week, a shift from older guidelines. Yet, most of the people I meet have never heard this advice.

This isn't about judgment, it’s about awareness. Just like we now recognize the dangers of smoking, it’s time to have honest conversations about alcohol. Cutting back, choosing mocktails, or rethinking habits could be a simple yet powerful step toward better health.