New Canadian Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption: Limit Yourself to 2 Drinks Per Week
Feb 06, 2023
Personally, I try to include one new habit into my routine each year. Not 10, one. Last year was the first time I had done “Dry January” and I thought it was great timing after the holiday season. I wouldn’t say that I consume a lot of alcohol, but I feel a break was a good way to hit the reset button. This year I chose to do the same thing and noticed this study came out a few weeks ago.
According to recent updates from the Canadian government, the recommended limit for alcohol consumption has been reduced to two drinks per week. This new guideline is based on the latest scientific evidence and aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol to both individuals and society.
Alcohol is a widely consumed substance, but it can have negative effects on our health and well-being. Regular and excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver disease, cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline. It can also contribute to accidents, violence and other social issues.
The previous guideline recommended that women should not drink more than 10 drinks per week, while men should not drink more than 15. However, recent studies have shown that even low levels of alcohol consumption can have negative impacts on health. This has led the Canadian government to adopt a more conservative approach, reducing the recommended limit to two drinks per week.
It's important to note that the new guidelines are not just aimed at heavy drinkers. They apply to all Canadians regardless of age, gender or lifestyle. The idea is to encourage people to think critically about their alcohol consumption and make informed decisions about their health.
While the new guidelines may come as a surprise to some, they are in line with the recommendations of other countries and organizations. The World Health Organization has long emphasized the dangers of alcohol and has called for stricter regulations on its sale and marketing.
Whether you're a casual drinker or a frequent consumer, it's important to be mindful of your alcohol intake and make informed choices about your health.
I believe the new Canadian guidelines for alcohol consumption may be a step in the right direction toward reducing the harm caused by this substance.
I think it’s good to have a target and so this will be a good goal for me to carry through the year. I like to follow an 80/20 or 90/10 rule with these types of things - meaning I know there may be one or two weeks that this may be a challenge so I just do my best and I don’t worry about a few slip ups. This is like any other health goal: don’t worry about being perfect, just focus on your progress. Even though we are already a few days into February, it’s not too late to try and do a “Dry February.”
I’ve shared my goal, so what is yours? Let us know at [email protected]