Scientists Identify Reasons to Avoid Alcohol 0 7

Alcohol increases the risk not only of cardiovascular diseases but also of oral diseases and cancers.

Specialists from the Langone Medical Center at New York University, after conducting a series of studies, stated that alcohol consumption disrupts the balance between harmful and beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity, reports Nbcnews.

An epidemiologist at the cancer center noted that convincing evidence of the negative impact of alcohol on the healthy balance of oral microflora was obtained during the study.

Furthermore, the results of the study will help explain why alcohol abuse, similar to smoking, leads to changes in bacterial composition, which may contribute to the development of cancer and chronic diseases.

Researchers found that alcohol destroys “good” bacteria, allowing potentially harmful bacteria to proliferate in the oral cavity, which can lead to periodontitis and cancers of the digestive tract.

It is important to note that even moderate alcohol consumption can negatively affect health.

The team from New York University conducted two large-scale studies in which participants provided samples for analysis and detailed information about their alcohol preferences.

As a result, scientists processed data from more than 1,000 individuals, including 270 non-drinkers, 614 moderate drinkers, and 160 heavy drinkers.

Men who consumed more than two drinks a day and women who drank more than one drink daily were classified as heavy drinkers.

People consuming large amounts of alcohol showed a low population of “good” bacteria – Lactobacillales, which positively affect oral health.

Alcoholics were found to have a high concentration of Streptococci, Actinomyces, and other potentially harmful bacteria.