On Thursday, U.S researchers announced results of a new study on the link between breast cancer and alcohol consumption. Few studies had been conducted on what effect certain types of alcohol had on breast cancer rates, but researchers now suggest that it doesn’t matter what type of alcohol a person drinks. Whether it’s wine, beer, or liquor, the number of drinks is the key.
Results showed that three drinks a day boosts a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer as much as smoking a pack of cigerettes!
In the largest study to date on the link between cancer and alcohol, 70,000 women from a variety of ethnic backgrounds supplied information during health examinations between 1978 and 1985. By 2004, nearly 3,000 of the women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Woman who drank 1 to 2 drinks per day were 10 percent more likely to develop breast cancer compared to woman who drank less than 1 drink. Those that drank 3 or more showed a 30 percent increase in risk.
According to the Dietary Guidelines For Americans woman should consume no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day. And in light of this new study it drives home even more the importance of moderation when it comes to booze. If you are going to drink, try red wine, which has proven heart healthy benefits, or a low calorie cocktail like vodka and cranberry juice. Start by slowly eliminating the number of drinks you consume everyday and work toward eliminating drinking all together during the work week. You are bound to see huge changes in how you feel, sleep and work. Don’t think your healthier by over drinking just on the weekends either, there is an ugly side of binge drinking as well.
Here are 5 tips to help cut back
1.) Replace Alcohol With Tea: Most people use alcohol as a way to unwind after a hard, stressful day. But, instead of reaching for alcohol which will only make you more depressed, brew up some tea. Chamomile tea is great choice because of its incredible relaxing quality. It will help you de-stress without downing toxic liquor.
2.) Meditate:Unwind by emptying your mind of all the crap that went on during the day. There’s a reason why there has been a surge in meditation practice among corporate CEO’s- it’s an amazing tool to relax and rejuvinate the mind, body, and spirit.
3.) Find Support: Talk with your friends or significant other about your goals and see if they will jump on board with you. That way you won’t be tempted when your spouse is downing 4 drinks a night while you sit there twiddling your thumbs in frustration. Or check out a social network online of people trying to cut back or quit drinking all together. Social support is key to making any large lifestyle change. The same goes for diet and fitness.
4.) Remind Yourself: Of how wonderful you feel when you don’t drink or over due it. You only have one life to live so make it a healthy, happy one.
5.) Find Your Passion: Instead of drinking find new ways to accupy your time. Go for a walk, paint, read, or dance around in your bedroom! Pick up a hobby or something you enjoy that will help improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Reducing the number of drinks you guzzle down or stopping completely will be challenging, but so worth the benefits. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t give up.
