The Fine Line: Health Benefits Without the Hangover

As a Psychologist working with many people with alcohol challenges I want to emphasise this piece is just about insight within the context of exposure and hormetic stress response and in no way am I encouraging drinking alcohol for health benefits.

That said, whilst excessive alcohol consumption is associated with numerous health risks, moderate alcohol intake has been linked to certain health benefits, primarily cardiovascular in nature. Red wine, in particular, contains polyphenols such as resveratrol (specifically highlighted by Dr Tom Little in a previous community masterclass!), which exhibit antioxidant properties and may help protect against heart disease.

However, it’s essential to emphasise moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can negate any potential benefits and increase the risk of addiction, liver disease, and other adverse health outcomes.

Recommendations: If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation, following recommended guidelines. Be mindful of individual tolerance and avoid excessive or binge drinking.

This wraps up our mini series on hormesis and I hope it has been insightful and helpful. To conclude, hormesis offers a less well known lens through which to view the complex relationship between stress and health.

By embracing behaviours that induce hormetic responses, such as fasting, exercise, hot and cold exposure, and moderate alcohol consumption, we can harness the power of adaptation to promote resilience, vitality, and longevity.

However, it’s crucial to approach these behaviours with a one size fits one approach (again, understanding our bodies and any pre-existing health conditions) moderation, listening to our bodies and seeking balance in our pursuit of optimal health and wellbeing.