Things You Can Do Today to Feel Better Tomorrow

Studies have shown that drinking in moderation — one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men — may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, if you do not drink, don’t start drinking because of this potential benefit, as those who drink heavily run the risk of damaging the heart and liver. Some people should avoid alcohol altogether. For example, pregnant women should not drink at any point during their pregnancy because doing so puts their baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome. There are also medications that interact with alcohol, so if you’re taking any medications, be sure to check with your pharmacist before consuming alcohol. People with diabetes should be cautious and monitor their blood sugar when drinking alcohol, as alcohol may cause a slight rise in blood sugar levels initially, but this is usually followed by a decreased level later.