There is an opinion that moderate consumption of red wine may have a protective effect due to the presence of vitamins, trace elements, and resveratrol — a molecule produced by plants in response to infections. But can wine really protect against oncological diseases?
The opinion on this matter is expressed by psychiatrist and addiction specialist Ruslan Isaev.
The main component of all alcoholic beverages is ethanol, which is recognized as a carcinogen. This means that the risk of developing cancer exists with the consumption of any alcoholic drinks, regardless of their type, quality, or cost.
Moreover, alcohol negatively affects the overall state of the body and the functioning of vital organs, which can lead to multiple organ failure. The toxic effects of ethanol impact the liver, kidneys, damage the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, cause dehydration, disrupt electrolyte balance, impair the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, and slow down regeneration and recovery processes.
There is a direct link between alcohol consumption and the development of several types of cancer: gastrointestinal tract, liver, intestine, esophagus, oral cavity, larynx, and in women — breast cancer.
Recent studies show that women who consume just two small glasses of wine a day increase the risk of developing and rapidly progressing breast cancer. Ethanol affects hormonal status, raising estrogen levels, which, in turn, promotes the division of cancer cells.
There is an opinion that red wine, acting as an antioxidant, may somewhat reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in men. However, it is not advisable to rely on this, especially considering that a decrease in immunity can accelerate the development of even a minor tumor process.
If the disease has already been diagnosed
Alcohol exacerbates the course of any oncological disease by lowering the immunity necessary to fight the illness. If a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, alcohol can interact with antitumor drugs, reducing their effectiveness and enhancing side effects.
One should not forget about the psychological consequences of alcoholism, which can also negatively affect the course of cancer. At the initial stage, alcohol may seem like a kind of “crutch” for the psyche, providing temporary relaxation. However, in the long term, alcoholic beverages not only fail to help cope with “bad thoughts” but can also provoke serious mental disorders: perception and concentration are impaired, there are sharp mood swings, sleep quality deteriorates, thinking becomes illogical, and anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and depression arise. All of this does not contribute to recovery, psychosomatically lowering immunity and enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells.
Thus, alcoholic beverages are strictly contraindicated during antitumor treatment. I believe it is time to openly state that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health.
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