The Effects of Alcohol on Your Health While there is a lot of discussion about how much alcohol is too much, and how some types may provide some benefits to your health, the general rule is that more than one alcoholic drink a day is unhealthy. Heavy drinking, including binge drinking, is strongly associated with stroke. More than two alcoholic drinks a day raises blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. Be Aware of Your Alcohol Intake: Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol. If you have high blood pressure, drink little or no alcohol. If you don't drink, don't start. If you drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day or seven drinks in a week. Do not "save up" drinks to have a week's worth in one day. Cut down on alcohol by drinking low- or no-alcohol beer, mixing wine or spirits with low-sodium mineral water or a soft drink. Know how much alcohol you're consuming. One drink equals: - 350 ml/12 oz. (1 bottle) of beer (5% alcohol) - 150 ml/5 oz. wine (12% alcohol) - 50 ml/1.5 oz. liquor (40% alcohol)   | Home | Arthritis | Heart Disease | Stroke | Healthy Lifestyle | | Exercise | Weight | Diabetes | Smoking | Cholesterol | Stress | | Bayer Product Info | About Bayer Inc. | E-mail Bayer | | Return to HealthyWay |