Eating an apple a day may not guarantee optimal health, but adding a daily indulgence to your routine could offer a surprising benefit: a strengthened immune system. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages can help to ward off colds, flu, and other illnesses that pass between people during the colder months.
A Double-Edged Sword
The key to reaping this health benefit lies in being cautious about the amount of alcohol consumed. According to the study, moderate consumption—which equates to around one or two daily glasses of wine—results in a strengthened immune system. However, excessive consumption of alcohol can have several detrimental effects on one’s health and immune system.
“It has been known for a long time that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower mortality,” explains researcher Ilhem Messaoudi. “Our study, conducted on non-human primates, shows for the first time that voluntary moderate alcohol consumption boosts immune responses to vaccination.”
Benefits and Risks
The researchers spent over a year studying the effects of alcohol consumption on the immune systems of rhesus macaques, a kind of monkey. In the end, they found that primates that consumed large amounts of alcohol had weaker immune systems and were more susceptible to infection. In contrast, moderate drinkers enjoyed improved immune responses.
Messaoudi notes that the findings support an idea that has been believed for some time: moderate alcohol consumption can result in a decrease in mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease. However, excessive alcohol consumption still carries numerous negative consequences for one’s health.
It’s important to mention that people with a family history of alcohol abuse or a predisposition to the disorder may want to abstain from alcohol altogether. For individuals who can control their alcohol consumption, indulging in a moderate daily amount can be beneficial for the immune system.
“If you have a family history of alcohol abuse, or are at risk, or have been an abuser in the past, we are not recommending you go out and drink to improve your immune system!” emphasizes Messaoudi. “But for the average person that has, say, a glass of wine with dinner, it does seem, in general, to improve health and cardiovascular function in particular, and now we can add the immune system to that list.”
Understanding Moderation
Adopting a moderate drinking habit may seem fairly simple, but it’s important to understand what moderation truly means. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. A standard drink in the United States contains about 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol, which is equal to:
- 12 ounces of beer (with about 5% alcohol content)
- 5 ounces of wine (with about 12% alcohol content)
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (with about 40% alcohol content), such as gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey
It’s important to remember that moderation is the key to reaping the positive health benefits of alcohol consumption. Overindulgence can easily lead to numerous health problems and a compromised immune system—the very issue moderate drinking is believed to counteract.
Drinking Responsibly
As always, when it comes to alcohol consumption, the primary responsibility is to consume it responsibly. Understanding the effects of alcohol on your body, limiting consumption to moderate levels, and staying informed about the potential health risks and benefits are essential steps in ensuring you enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly.
If you’re curious about the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on your health, consult with your healthcare professional. They can provide you with valuable insight into how alcohol might impact you based on your personal health history and any medications or health conditions you may have. In the end, protecting and strengthening your immune system is crucial to maintaining good health throughout the year. Remembering the importance of moderation and consuming alcohol responsibly can help ensure you ward off colds and flu and maintain overall well-being all year long.
