ALCOHOL CAN AFFECT CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN THE BODY—HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RISKS
Key takeaways
- A cholesterol imbalance generally refers to having too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and too little HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Light to moderate alcohol consumption may slightly increase HDL, but heavier drinking is associated with higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Current guidance cited in the source indicates that moderate alcohol intake—up to two drinks per day for men and one for women—may not substantially change cholesterol levels in otherwise healthy people.
- There isn’t a particular type of alcohol that has been proven to be the best choice for managing cholesterol. Individual responses can differ depending on genetics, lifestyle, and other factors.
How Does Alcohol Affect Cholesterol?
Alcohol itself does not contain cholesterol, but drinking can still influence the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream. The effect varies from person to person and depends on factors such as how much and how often you drink, your genetics, diet, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. Pasted markdown
Your body obtains cholesterol from two primary sources: your liver and the foods you eat. The liver naturally produces cholesterol, a waxy substance needed for functions such as hormone production and digestion. Since the body can make the cholesterol it requires, consuming excessive amounts through food may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Pasted markdown
There are two major forms of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), commonly called “bad” cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), often referred to as “good” cholesterol. Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood and are used by the body for energy. A cholesterol blood test typically evaluates these components together. Pasted markdown
When LDL is too high, HDL is too low, or triglycerides become elevated, fatty cholesterol deposits can accumulate inside the arteries. This can interfere with normal blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and heart attack.
Light to Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Some research has found that alcohol consumption may produce a small increase in HDL cholesterol. However, the potential cholesterol benefit is limited and does not outweigh the broader health risks associated with alcohol use. Pasted markdown
The amount you drink is an important factor when considering alcohol’s effect on cholesterol.
U.S. guidelines traditionally define moderate drinking as no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Earlier research sometimes suggested that small amounts of alcohol could raise HDL or provide cardiovascular benefits. Pasted markdown
However, more recent analysis has questioned some of those earlier findings. One concern is “abstainer bias,” where studies may have compared drinkers with people who avoided alcohol because of existing health problems. This could make moderate drinking appear healthier than it actually is. Pasted markdown
Research that accounted for this issue found that light drinking did not provide a clear mortality advantage over never drinking or drinking only occasionally. Other research has also identified potential cancer risks associated with modest alcohol consumption. Pasted markdown
For this reason, alcohol should not be started as a way to improve cholesterol or protect heart health. The World Health Organization also advises against consuming alcohol for supposed health benefits.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
The relationship becomes much clearer with heavier drinking. In the source, heavy drinking is defined as five or more drinks in one day or more than 15 drinks per week for men, and four or more drinks in one day or more than eight per week for women. This level of alcohol use is consistently associated with higher total cholesterol. Pasted markdown
High-intensity binge drinking has also been associated with increases in cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver injury and may signal an increased risk of liver disease. Pasted markdown
Alcohol consumption can also indirectly affect cholesterol because alcoholic drinks are sometimes accompanied by sugary mixers, processed foods, and larger portions, all of which may negatively affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pasted markdown
How Much Can Alcohol Raise Cholesterol?
There isn’t a single amount that applies to everyone. The effect of alcohol on cholesterol can differ depending on factors such as:
- Genetics
- Body weight
- Overall lifestyle
- Diet
- Existing medical conditions
- Amount and frequency of alcohol consumption
High-intensity binge drinking is particularly concerning because it has been linked to higher cholesterol and triglycerides as well as elevated liver enzymes.
Is One Type of Alcohol Better for Cholesterol?
There is no strong evidence that one particular type of alcohol consistently carries a lower cardiovascular risk than another. How an individual responds can depend heavily on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Pasted markdown
For some people, alcohol may not be considered safe at all. Those with very high triglyceride levels, for example, may be advised to avoid alcohol completely. Pasted markdown
If your healthcare provider says alcohol is appropriate for you, choosing drinks with less added sugar and sodium may be preferable. Mixers matter, too, since sugary beverages can add substantial amounts of sugar to an alcoholic drink. Pasted markdown
Red wine contains resveratrol, a plant compound with antioxidant properties that has been studied for potential cardiovascular effects. However, this does not mean that drinking wine is recommended as a way to obtain those benefits. Pasted markdown
Does Alcohol Interact With Cholesterol Medications?
People with significantly elevated LDL cholesterol may be prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, including statins. Alcohol may be tolerated alongside these medications in some people who stay within recommended drinking limits, but the situation can change depending on how much a person drinks and their overall health. Pasted markdown
If you regularly drink more than recommended amounts, have an alcohol use disorder, or have an existing liver condition, it’s especially important to discuss alcohol use openly with your healthcare provider. Alcohol can affect the liver, and some medications may also be affected by alcohol consumption.
Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Maintain Healthy Cholesterol?
For an otherwise healthy person who has been cleared by their healthcare provider, occasional or moderate alcohol consumption may have little immediate effect on cholesterol levels. However, drinking heavily may contribute to elevated cholesterol, and reducing or eliminating alcohol can potentially help improve those levels. Pasted markdown
Changes don’t necessarily happen immediately. The amount of time required for cholesterol levels to respond can depend on genetics, daily alcohol intake, and triglyceride levels. The source notes that noticeable changes may take roughly six to eight weeks, although individual results can vary considerably. Pasted markdown
If you’re drinking heavily or struggling to stop drinking, professional support is available. Treatment for alcohol use disorder may involve counselling, support groups, medication, or a combination of approaches.
Source: SingleCare