Copy Editor
"It's 5 o' clock somewhere."
If you're a happy hour regular, you know that saying all too well. After a stressful week (or day) at work, hitting the local watering hole for two-for-one specials helps get your mind off the office and…well, everything else. You have to be careful, though: Getting too happy will eventually get you a beer belly, too.
Yet, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke, overdoing it
might actually be good for your heart -- at least for us guys. A recent study out of Osaka University in Japan found that men who drank four or more alcoholic beverages daily had a 19 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease. Women, on the other hand, quadrupled their risk.Even though your heart might thank you, your brain won't. Both sexes increased their chances of getting strokes -- men by 48 percent and women by 92 percent. Suddenly, a long stay at Margaritaville doesn't seem all that appealing.
But, you can chalk up another benefit for moderate imbibing: University of North Carolina researchers have found a link between alcohol abstinence and depression. The researchers studied mice that drank alcohol for 28 days voluntarily. Two weeks after the mice stopped boozing, depression-like symptoms were evident.
So when 5 p.m. strikes on that long-awaited Friday afternoon, where will you be? I'll be knocking back a beer or two, but you won't find me at last call.
What do you think of the research? Tried it out yourself and noticed a difference? Share your thoughts below by posting a comment.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:09 AM - 
said...
I hate to see you folks print an article like this. I have been sober for 6 years and found alcohol to be the cause of my depression. The opposite of what your article states. With all the people that have drinking issues this really isn't the best information to give when we are trying to be healthy which is what you guys are all about. It's lack of study and informations like this that gives people permission to drink more.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:22 AM - said...
It's one plus one math!
Drinking a couple after work kind of reboot you from accumulated stress.
The less stress buildup, the better your body can fight negative moods, better it can fight illness, and better can counteract cell damage.
I found this article balanced and based on evidence. Informations is not, anonymous abstinent, what makes you an alcoholic; it's genetics and unsolved existential matters.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:50 AM - said...
I'm sure not all the information is posted but what is posted sounds stupid to me. Of course anybody (or mice) are going to feel depressed after stopping something they've done for 28 days. And it probably only lasts for 2 weeks or so like the mice did. There was nothing said about the long term effects of abstinence.
I don't like the way this article portrays the idea that everyone is depressed without alcohol. That was the impression I got.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:52 AM - said...
Thanks for the information,drinking is a healthy way of avoiding coke's and too much water,you guy's are the Best.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:54 AM - said...
Not enough information on the results. Yes, maybe the drinking group suffered fewer heart attacks, but what was the average age of death? To put it another way, if you live long enough, you have to die of something. Maybe the drinking group suffered other types of deaths at an earlier age, say liver related, before the heart attack would’ve taken place.
Comment: July 23, 2008 10:55 AM - said...
People are going to drink even without an article giving them "permission" to so I doubt posting an article such as this would cause too many problems. The key to this article seems to be drinking in MODERATION, not becoming an alcoholic. One of my recent professors was one of the researchers in the study, and she admits that many of the articles citing the study are taking the information out of context. The study didn't conclude that people should always drink so that they don't become depressed, it just suggested that ceasing moderate drinking can cause some negative mood states. Also, depression usually occurs due to the problems that result from drinking too much, not the alcohol itself.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:04 AM - said...
I think this is a bunch of bull. I think that maybe once a month to have a couple alcoholic beverages is ok, but not as much as this. I am a 37 year old women and I battle with social drinking. It makes you stupid and fat and look old! It does cause depression. Sorry but I have to disagree on this one.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:12 AM - 
Jennifer,Michigan said...
Encouraging people to drink to reduce stress after work can accidentally encourage binge drinking and alcoholism. Also, the article does not post a disclaimer not to drive after drinking more beers. Why not encourage folks to go the gym instead and get some exercise or a walk in a park to reduce stress ?
Behaviorally speaking choose a healthier lifestyle to reduce stress.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:17 AM - said...
So if you drink you get a 19% reduction in heart disease, BUT you have a 48% higher risk of stroke?!?
Can anyone tell me how this makes sense?!?!
Yes, please go out and drink more, nevermind the fact that you'll be nearly half again as likely to have a stroke and could end up paralyzed in bed, no speech, nada..
But hey... let's go out and drink!
Riiiiggghhhttt....
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:31 AM - said...
The article is weak. The medical community understands that ingestion of ethanol makes plack build up less "sticky" and thus there is a scientific basis for the benefit. But this article introduces scientific basis for the increased risk of stroke. As such, this article is simply bar room chatter.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:43 AM - said...
I believe it! Handball players drink beer after they play and they live and play well into their 80's and 90's! Those who have drinking issues do not drink.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:55 AM - said...
If you become depressed after quitting moderate drinking, perhaps you shouldn't begin in the first place!!
Comment: July 23, 2008 12:25 PM - said...
This is crap! My Dad is a recovered alcoholic, my husband just recovered from alcoholism, I've seen friends almost die from drinking, my sister is now battling it and it has been the worst thing I've ever seen my loved ones go through. This article makes me very angry. A few after work every day leads to more and more until you realize, "Wow, I'm have a drinking problem!" And what gets me is that it's legal! This drug is horrible and destroys lives. Choose your articles more carefully!
Comment: July 23, 2008 12:42 PM - said...
You can relieve your stress with a evening walk around the block, a jog in the park or at the gym. Remember folks, everything in moderation and keep your finger on the pulse of your stress buttons and find your own healthy way to relieve it.
What they should add to this article is, walk home after paying your bartab to lower your blood pressure and get sober on the way!
Comment: July 23, 2008 12:48 PM - said...
As a 20 yr old I am a minority when I say that I have never been drunk nor do I drink. I have tried alcohol on many occassions and enjoy the taste. The thing that keeps me from indulging in drinking is the fact that I have seen it's effects almost everyday. Whether it's my father's weight problem from too much wine or my fiance's stupid behavior when he's had too many. Alcohol should be banned in my opinion; but I know I'm on my own with that opinion too.
Comment: July 23, 2008 1:15 PM - said...
Anyone that is intelligent enough to read articles about their health should be smart enough not to base their decision to drink on an article such as this...calm down people. If someone read this article and seriously thought they were going to be depressed if they didn't drink, they don't deserve to be happy.
Comment: July 23, 2008 1:59 PM - Wine Lover said...
OMG....would you ppl get off your soap box....this article wasn't meant to create a drinking problem for you or your recovering family members. Must we take everything your read to the limit?!
There are lots of things people can get hooked on that are bad for you and your health....if you have an adictive personality and can't handle social drinking...THEN DON'T DRINK! simple as that folks
I understand you are worried about your family and friends who have a problem...and you should be concerned, but don't tell those of us out here who enjoy drinking moderately and safely...yes you can do both, anyways,...it's not for you to tell this company that is was wrong to post such an article...they always give you the good, bad or ugly on health...and that's exaclty what they did. There are alot of us socail drinkers who work out and we like to read these articles about alcohol and how it affects us..wieght wise or health wise!
Lighten Up.....your right to just say no to drinking...and in no way do I encourage heavy drinking or drinking and driving!
Comment: July 23, 2008 2:28 PM - said...
We had a friend who drank every day & decided to quit to improve himself & his health. Within 2 weeks he died. The Dr. told told his wife, his blood thickend & his heart was unable to handle it. If he would have gradually cut down & eventually to 1-2 a day it would have saved his life!
Comment: July 23, 2008 4:01 PM - mickey C said...
alcohol - if folks were honest, they would admit their "existential matters" allow them to use booze as the solution to their probs...and beat/neglect their; dog,wife,cat,father,mother, etc - IF this article had mentioned and/or stressed moderation even ONCE I would have to had "buy into it." I'm not bible thumpimg here and I'll never be wrapped around a statue - but the jails (and all other "insitutions") are full of people who don't even remember their transgressions under the influence. Yeah, yeah, yeah, personal responsibilty......is the key, right ? And guns don't kill....but they do allow it to be done so efficiently.
Neither of my parents drink heavily...and when they do drink, it can be done safely.........when I was growing up in the middle of middle America, 7 out of 10 neighbors' husbands did drink...with horrific family consequences....which made their (wife, in-laws, pets) children true victims.
Happy Wednesday All.
Comment: July 23, 2008 9:26 PM - said...
i'm really sad that you would post such a misleading headline. maybe is should have ended with a question mark. and the answer at the end would be no. in moderation most things are okay. but those mice were made into alcoholics. they were detoxing. of course they seemed depressed. there is a difference between an alcoholic and a drunk. you don't always need to get drunk to be defined as an alcoholic. there are functioning addicts out there. but the body is dependent on the alcohol or other substance. i'm really upset that you frivolously posted this article. i will definitely think twice about reading any more of your articles. and if i do read any i will not give them the same credibility i would have in the past. for shame.
Comment: July 23, 2008 9:33 PM - said...
Why do the non-drinkers get so angry with those who choose to drink? Everyone who enjoys wine, etc., is not an alchoholic. I think they are jealous of those who are able to control the amount consumed! Also, do any of them have the ability to write without errors?
Comment: July 23, 2008 9:54 PM - said...
As a recovered alcoholic, I would have found this article a good reason to keep drinking!!! However, alcohol IS A DEPRESSANT...it causes depression.
It is also listed as a POISON. I have no problem with those who drink, I simply see NO BENFIT. Hangovers suck!!!
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:33 PM - said...
one point is glaringly misrepresented here in this article. they assert that mice that abstain from alcohol use are more depressed. in fact, mice who drink daily for many days and then it is taken away from them get depressed.... it only makes sense of course, withdrawal and cravings for alcohol that can no longer be satisfied make one depressed, not the abstaining itself.
Comment: July 23, 2008 11:52 PM - said...
A small amount of alcohol consumption is not going to hurt you. Any one that has written replys to the article pertaining to being an alcoholic due to the article is bogus.. Alcoholic disease is an inherited disease.. I am an alcoholic due to the fact that the gene is in my body. The fact about drinking or not drinking alcohol is up to the individual and if you over do anything EAT too much WORK too much, EXERCISE too much or too much of doing NOTHING is not good for you.
Comment: July 24, 2008 1:41 PM - said...
Alcohol is called a depressant because it can depress systems in the body, not because it causes depression. It can also act as a stimulant, so by that definition you could say that it causes hyperactivity.
Comment: July 26, 2008 11:43 PM - jerz said...
Alcoholics: Quit you're bitching. You're the reason that Windex bottles heed warning about drinking the product. Some dummy did it. If you are a recovering alcoholic (or know someone who is), it does not mean the world has a drinking problem. Wine (pun much intended) somewhere else...Much of the world can have one or two or three on a Friday Eve and shut it off.
You're raising you're risk of stroke with all that stress toward a blog site.
Comment: July 27, 2008 7:00 AM - said...
I don't think that Jimmy Buffett would take too kindly to your negative mention of Margaritaville, hopefully you covered yourself and got permission to mention it.
Comment: July 27, 2008 10:57 AM - said...
cannot understand the huge difference between men & woman...
Comment: July 27, 2008 11:39 AM - said...
life is a balance, everything in moderation...when you do (or consume) anything to excess the balance is upset...as for the "Studies", if we followed every guideline that each new study suggests, our lives (and health) would be a spiralling rollercoaster ride
Comment: July 27, 2008 2:38 PM - said...
Learn to make small beer ("Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon) or other low alcohol, high enzyme drinks. This is the beer our ancestors used to drink, along with ginger ale, ginger beer, and various other tonics. They are very low in alcohol but contain a host of beneficial enzymes. Much better for you than today's beer/alcholic drinks. These will actually improve your health without harming it.
Comment: July 28, 2008 12:33 PM - said...
I think moderation is key- I definitely like my beer! One thing that this article doesn't mention is the corelation between alcohol binges and lower serotinin levels, hence the depression. Alcohol lowers serotonin, which is one reason for poor sleep after a binge and would then be a precursor to depression. Continuing to drink would NOT be a solution as this article implies.
Comment: July 29, 2008 1:37 PM - said...
I feel that if research is going to be done it should be done on voluntary humans. Who would be interested in the reaction of a mouse. We are built magnificantly and should not be compared with mice. I would like to hear research done that can help me as a woman come to a conclusion of the effects of alcohol.
Comment: August 17, 2008 11:20 AM - said...
i like to have a drink or 2 before
bedtime.i swear i sleep alot better
and overall i feel better in health.nobody could not convince me other wise. TRY IT!!!!
51 and getting younger in health and mind.
FEMALE
Comment: August 18, 2008 2:23 PM - said...
mickey c - to the one who "swears it helps me sleep" shaa
i should hope it NEVER stops working............but if it ever does stop helping you sleep, triple-up !! and then .....continue this long and bam....your liver will be....
Comment: August 18, 2008 3:09 PM - jerz said...
well that comment was hateful.
sounds like someone needs a drink...
Comment: September 20, 2008 7:59 PM - said...
We are all responsible for our own actions...only a weak person can give away their power and decide that a artical will convince them to go drink. If one is that bad off one needs more help then reading articals... but get on a support group site.
Comment: September 25, 2008 11:59 AM - said...
i found this article interesting and thought provoking..and surprized at all the negativity from some readers..
if you have a drinking problem dont drink -and for the rest of us everything in moderation..
i look forward to reading more from this writer....and to the negative inputers
********i say lighten up *********
Comment: October 14, 2008 6:54 PM - said...
im with anobymous on this one
just dont drink
or atleast do everyone a favor and dont go and get drunk, and do something you could regret
Comment: October 23, 2008 2:14 AM - said...
I listen to comments about smoking related diseases, and alchol related issues and find them more than worrying, ciggerettes are a natural substance, whether taken in smoking or inhaling is another matter, drinkin gin a natural firmentaion process, and since the beginning of time alchohol has been consumed, we are living longer because of medical science, and yes somethig has to take away ous lives at one point or another, finding can always be backed up at sometime or another, but get real please we live, and we die, and how or what is consumed it seems is relevant to our genetic link please make that obvious.
Comment: October 23, 2008 4:46 AM - said...
What a farce! This article draws a fallacious conclusion about alcohol abstinence and depression. Unless those rats were depressed before they were forced to drink, the appearance of depression upon removal of the alcohol is a sign of the damage alcohol does , not an indication of it's effectiveness against depression. The alcohol caused the depression! We're more likely looking at withdrawal than anything else! The information in this article is poorly presented, not enough information is given, and emphasis is placed irresponsibly on questionable health claims. Overindulging can lead to a beer belly?!?! You've got to be kidding me! How about overindulgence can lead to liver failure and death, brain damage, gastritis, malnutrition, erectile dysfunction, addiction, and social impairment? How about, according to the NIAAA, 1 in 13 people are likely to abuse alcohol or become alcoholic, and that men are 4 times more likely than women to be heavy drinkers, and twice as likely to be alcohol abusing or dependent? I cannot believe this is on a health and fitness blog! Gee wiz, losing weight reduces the risk for heart disease too, and smoking cigarettes can contribute to weight loss, so maybe we should all smoke, too!
Comment: October 23, 2008 5:24 AM - lanceelliott said...
What seemed to be missed is that the
heart benefits had accompanying draw-
backs, and didn't apply to the distaff set.
If you are reading about health, you
know better than to drive afterward.
Comment: October 23, 2008 8:22 AM - said...
Rather than knock a couple back to ease the stress from work, why not take a walk, go to the gym, or even have a gripe session with friends? At least those options ensure that you don't have one too many, are capable of driving home perfectly sober, and improve upon your health. If you're trying to lose weight and/or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, happy hour everyday isn't going to help! Plus, for most people, myself included, alcohol consumption then leads to feeling the need to munch on snacks that I could really do without!
Comment: October 23, 2008 9:21 AM - said...
Most of your comments are an interesting response to an article on a 'fungus'! Yes, alcohol is a fungus!! That is one big reason your body keeps asking for it and why you get hooked! Genitics also for sure!
Comment: October 23, 2008 2:34 PM - said...
This is not an article touting "drinking in moderation" as you defenders assert. 4 or more beers a day is NOT moderation...and that is what the study suggests lowers the risk of heart disease. There is nothing to suggest, IN THIS ARTICLE, that drinking in moderation would have any effects at all (there are articles that do this, but this is not one of them.) From the limited facts stated of this study, we can't even conclude whether it was the alcohol itself which had the results, or the effects of the alcohol.
I'm not anti-drinking, I drink IN MODERATION, but I think this article is misrepresenting and poorly representing the facts for the blogger's own agenda, and I think it does so at the expense of it's readers. I see several readers saying things like, "Well this is good news!" What's good news? That drinking 4 or more beers a day lowers mens' risk for heart disease but almost doubles your risk for stroke? That's good news? This is article is irresponsible.
Comment: October 23, 2008 9:17 PM - said...
O great, now drunks have evidence to why they should drink.
Comment: October 24, 2008 3:00 AM - said...
I find it funny that after 28 days of drinking the mice had boughts of depression. Isn't rehab for alcoholics 28 days. How ironic.
Comment: October 24, 2008 12:48 PM - said...
Wise up. Alcohol is a POISON! For every 1 so called beneficial side of effect of consuming alcohol there are 20 negative effects. That is a net sum loss!
Remember the researchers that fed cocaine to rats and mice? The cocaine was the only thing that the rats and mice wanted and subsequently died, because they would take nourishment. Hello! Like I needed a researcher to figure that one out for me.
The human body is so wonderfully made that it now what is good for it and what is not. If a substance comes into your body that is not recognized as needed, your body will try to get rid of it. In the case of alcohol, your liver (the garbage disposal of the body) start trying to break down the alcohol into something that it then can remove. If alcohol is so good for you why does your liver give out after years of alcohol consumption. I could go on. Bottom line. Alcohol is a POISON. Ever hear of anyone dyeing from eating too much broccoli?
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