Even just one or two drinks can have a big impact starting at a certain age.
When wecanstick to moderate drinking, however, we usually feel pretty good about ourselves.
If your 2024 goals include plans to drink in moderation, heres what she wants you to know.
The liver and brain have the most resilience during that time, she said.
The frontal lobes (reasoning, and judgment) are not quite developed.
Ask yourself: How is your health otherwise?
Obesity, which is epidemic in America, increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver, Landsverk said.
Alcohol increases the risk of liver disease and scarring (cirrhosis).
As a geriatrician, I would say a glass or two a week is fine.
In your 40s, more health risks begin to pop up, Landsverk explains.
Plus, as we age, good sleep is more elusive, Landsverk added.
I can speak from experience: This is the age when tolerance may decrease dramatically, Landsverk said.
At this point, I can tolerate about one glass a week, Landsverk noted.
If I had it daily, I would feel sick with just one glass a day.
Older people have less reserve in the brain, liver and kidneys.
The damage to the brain from even one glass a day is worse [when youre over 60].
Landsverk suggests that you think of alcoholic beverages like candy bars.
If youre older and in generally good health, you shouldnt worry too much about the occasional alcoholic beverage.
Thats certainly the case for Landsverk.
I have decided that a glass of wine with a nice meal is worth it, she said.
But not every night.
This article originally appeared onHuffPost.
