Regular Drinking vs. Binge Drinking: Which Is Worse for Your Health?

Do you drink a glass or two of booze every day? Or maybe you prefer to binge over the weekend? According to researchers, long term daily drinking is much worse than binge drinking. However, if you only drink alcohol once every few days, you’re still in the “safe zone.” It all comes down to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Binge Drinking – A Recipe for Disaster
Studies indicate that one daily drink is safe for health. For instance, a daily glass of wine can lower heart disease risk and prevent diabetes. Binge drinking, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. This habit puts you at risk for liver disease, behavioral problems, and damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys.

What most people don’t know is that alcohol depresses arousal levels and affects the mood. If you drink a lot in one sitting, you’re more likely to get the blues. This usually means having four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men. The more alcohol you drink at once, the higher your risk of depression, alcohol poisoning, coma, and even death.

Why Less Is More
When it comes to alcohol consumption, less is more. Drinking small amounts of alcohol fairly regularly may help reduce your risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and obesity. Middle-aged people and seniors appear to benefit the most from moderate drinking.

The key is to stick to one drink or half a drink. If you consume two or more glasses of alcohol a day, your health will suffer in the long run. Even moderate drinking (up to two drinks daily) can increase your risk of a-fib, a disorder that affects the brain and heart. Additionally, it may lead to anxiety, mood swings, and mental disorders. Now that you know the risks, the choice is up to you. If you can’t completely eliminate alcohol from your diet, stay on the safe side.