The Wall Street Journal :: “Do Americans Drink Too Much? Alcohol Is Driving a Debate in Washington”

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In Defense Of Wine
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“Do Americans Drink Too Much? Alcohol Is Driving a Debate in Washington”

June 24, 2024, by Kristina Peterson and Julie Wernau.

Dr. Catena’s Response:

As a physician who practiced emergency medicine in California for 25 years, I am surprised to read that the USA panel on dietary recommendations concerning alcohol does not include the United States’ leading researchers on the topic, and instead includes a Canadian researcher and a WHO official. 

Hundreds of studies have shown a correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular benefits. The Wall Street Journal article states that some of these articles have been questioned, and this is true; however, recent re-examination of the data still shows cardiovascular benefits for moderate consumption of alcohol, especially in the context of the Mediterranean diet and a healthy lifestyle. There is also good data showing an improvement in glucose control for diabetics who drink in moderation.  Some data show a potential increase in some cancers from moderate alcohol consumption, as well as a decrease in certain cancers from moderate alcohol consumption. 

As a physician, I base my opinion on recent as well as decades-long research on the effects of moderate alcohol on health. I do not feel it is legitimate to tell somebody who drinks in moderation, such as, for example, one glass of wine per day, to stop this pleasurable habit.  I urge U.S. legislators and the medical community to ask for the best USA researchers to be on this panel – referencing reputable, peer-reviewed publications – in making these very important recommendations. 

As a consumer of moderate alcohol, in my case, wine (I declare a conflict of interest: I am a fourth-generation wine producer), I do not think it would be accurate for the government to tell me that this simple pleasure that brings me joy when I go out with friends or when I go out to dinner with my husband, is harmful.

Comments

2 responses to “The Wall Street Journal :: “Do Americans Drink Too Much? Alcohol Is Driving a Debate in Washington””

  1. wine0bed22bbe12 Avatar
    wine0bed22bbe12

    I agree, there seems to be a dark group trying to nearly run the world away from alcohol, if not back to Prohibition.

    Nice to hear your keen insight.

    I have recently become partial to a volume you may have read: Tony Edwards 2023 book, “The Very Good News About Wine: Authoritative health evidence the health authorities don’t tell you”.

    He seems fairly aligned with your views. He takes apart many of the surveys and medical studies to what they are really based upon.

    Some of these topics are louder than the answers, but offer an open view:

    Are wine’s “supposed” heath benefits really imaginary ? What diseases does wine prevent ? What’s the ideal wine intake for optimal health ? Is there much difference between red and white wine ? Is alcohol-free wine healthier than the real thing ? Are the official ‘alcohol guidelines’ correct ? Are there any benefits from organic and biodynamic wine ? Is Dry January a good idea ? How to continue to drink wine safely

    The book is a ten-year update to Tony’s The Good News About Booze (2013)which was much approved by top medics: “Science writer Tony Edwards has gathered the evidence about the health effects of alcohol from medical journals and processed it in a very understandable way, and with a great sense of humour.” Professor Karol Sikora, Leading Cancer Specialist “Exceptionally well-written book, very well-balanced conclusions, informative yet entertaining.” Professor Curtis Ellison, Boston University School of Medicine “ Very impressive work indeed.” Professor Thorkild Sorensen, University of Copenhagen “Recommended reading for doctors and a great majority of their patients. Understandable and accurately presented.” Dr. Thomas Stuttaford, Leading UK medical columnist

    I am giving the book away to many friends so they have a clear undertstanding of the partial and incomplete ’news’ being presented to the media who pass it on. I think to share your website as well if ok.

    Cheers,

    Bill Ballowe

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    1. In Defense Of Wine Avatar
      In Defense Of Wine

      Hi Bill. Sorry it took so long to respond. I’ve got the book and think it’s a great book but a bit one-sided. However, it’s an excellent source of references.

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