MEN’S HEALTH For more information about alcohol, its effects and dependency services in Australia, please visit: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AUSTRALIA WWW.AA.ORG.AU artHroplaSty Hip & Knee SportS & trauma DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WWW.ALCOHOL.GOV.AU DRINKWISE AUSTRALIA WWW.DRINKWISE.ORG.AU Dr. Andrew Letchford is a specialist in hip and knee orthopaedic surgery, with a particular interest in arthroplasty (joint replacement), knee reconstructions, sports injuries and acute orthopaedic trauma. Fellow A.Ortho.A. FRACS Ortho MBBS ( Hons 1st Syd) B.Science ( Hons 1st Qld) Dip.Ed Orthopaedic Surgeon Pacific Orthopaedics Pty Ltd Suite 3c level 4 pacific private Clinic | 123 nerang Street Southport T 07 5527 1818 F 07 5526 4788 E reception@pacificorthopaedic.com.au www.dr-andrew-letchford.com.au cholesterol than the ‘sober’ mice, confirming the belief that regular modern drinking is beneficial. Post-binge levels of acetaldehyde, the by-product of alcohol metabolism responsible for hangovers, could be the reason for this. The body can process acetaldehyde well after one or two drinks, but struggles with any more. This is further explained in a separate study by the University’s Research Associate Professor John Cullen PhD, who explored how acetaldehyde makes white blood cells stick to the inside of blood vessels, which can lead to an artery blockage. Conversely, small amounts of alcohol were shown to actually prevent white blood cells from sticking to the arteries. In an experiment for a BBC Horizon documentary made earlier this year, identical twin doctors Chris and Xander van Tulleken from the United Kingdom set about testing the same theory. They both drank 21 units of alcohol per week over a month, but while Xander consumed the amount in one day, Chris spread the 21 units over seven days. After one month, the results showed that the men’s levels of cytokines and interleukins (markers of inflammation) were almost the same, which questions the notion that regular moderate drinking doesn’t produce as much damage as binge drinking. However, Xander’s blood test revealed three times the amount of bacterial endotoxin in his blood compared to Chris, caused by the irritation of his stomach lining and intestines during binging, which had leaked bacteria into his bloodstream. Additionally, they proved the UK’s national guideline of ‘two alcohol-free days’ between heavy drinking was not enough time for the liver to recuperate, as Xander’s inflammation levels remained high even six days after each binge. Not the first of its kind, Oregon State University published a study in February suggesting that red wine in moderation could help overweight people burn fat. However, similar claims have been knocked back by Australia’s Alcohol Policy Coalition, who highlight alcohol’s contribution to 5% of all Australian cancers, including one in five breast cancers. One 2009 study of 234 subjects with liver disease by the UK’s University of Southampton demonstrated that 106 of those with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) drank on a daily basis, 70% of which had signs of cirrhosis. Over the long-term, this study suggests that daily drinking produces a greater risk of ALD than weekly binge drinking. TO DRINK, OR NOT TO DRINK Despite the research, social perceptions and personal experiences, there still remains no concrete answer as to which pattern of drinking produces the most damage. At this stage, the best advice to all people who drink alcohol – whether an ice-cold lager on the back deck or a couple of wines with the girls – is to reduce the quantity and frequency as much as possible. Though two standard drinks per day is the national guideline, every time you reduce this amount, your body has more chance to recuperate, detoxify and reduce ARH. Lastly, always drink to your body type, composition, sex and experience with alcohol. There is nothing safe about trying to ‘keep up’with mates. And always enjoy responsibly. Cheers!
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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