The UK now has a new set of alcohol guidelines, with the government and its health advisers deciding that we need to drink less in order to avoid getting a basket of the least popular cancers – as literally any level of alcohol consumption is now linked to a rise in the likelihood of disease. And they’ve issued tough new guidelines that could prove hard to swallow in a nation where having a pint is a hallowed tradition.
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“Drinking any level of alcohol regularly carries a health risk for anyone, but if men and women limit their intake to no more than 14 units a week it keeps the risk of illness like cancer and liver disease low”, said Sally Davies, the country’s chief medical officer. “We found that between 4 and 6 percent of all new cancers in the United Kingdom in 2013 were caused by alcohol consumption”.
No. The new recommendations are at pains to point out that these guidelines are not for “safe” drinking, but rather just at minimising risk of illness.
Previously, the guidelines suggested that pregnant women should limit themselves to no more than 1 or 2 units once or twice per week. “The Irish guidelines are now being reviewed and when published will further inform the public about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption”.
Friday’s updated guidance clarifies advice to pregnant women, recommending they avoid alcohol “as a precaution”. “Although the risk of harm to the baby is low if they have drunk small amounts of alcohol before becoming aware of the pregnancy, there is no “safe” level of alcohol to drink when you are pregnant”.
Nearly certainly not in a nation known for its ales and its pubs.
But what about binge drinking? The new guidance has been welcomed by many, especially the people of Scotland.
An additional recommendation is not to “save up” the 14 units for one or two days, but to spread them over three or more days.
The idea that drinking a glass of red wine a day is good for you is an “old wives’ tale”, England’s Chief Medical Officer has said. “It is about supporting people to make up their own minds”. “So, any amount of alcohol consumption carries some risk”.
Recommended drinking limits for British men have been sharply reduced, prompting health campaigners in Ireland to demand a similar reduction. According to American dietary guidelines, women should drink no more than one drink a day and men should have no more than two.
Scientists admit that there is scant evidence regarding drinking at low levels in pregnancy but they say it is perfectly plausible it can harm the foetus.
“This won’t change a thing”, said David Evans, an engineer enjoying a pint at a north London pub.
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For the first time, guidelines include advice on single episodes of drinking to keep short-term health risks to a minimum, including drinking more slowly and with food while alternating with water.
