Housecall: Alcohol - understanding the potential health benefits and risks

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Housecall: Alcohol — understanding the potential health benefits and risks

By
Laurel Kelly

April 16, 2018

different kinds of alcoholic drinks in various glasses with a white background THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Alcohol use: If you drink, keep it moderate
It sounds like a mixed message. Drinking alcohol may offer some health benefits, especially for your heart. On the other hand, too much alcohol may increase your risk of health problems and damage your heart. When it comes to alcohol, the key is moderation. Here's what you need to know.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Is that cramping, abdominal pain or bloating simply indigestion, or could it be something more? It could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the large intestine. April is IBS Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to learn more about the symptoms and causes of this condition, ways you might prevent or ease the symptoms, and when you need to see a health care provider.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can I transmit the shingles vaccine virus to others?
Although the shingles vaccine uses a live virus, you won't be able to infect other people when you get immunized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no documented cases of the varicella-zoster virus — the virus that causes shingles — being transmitted from adults vaccinated with the shingles vaccine. Learn more from Dr. James Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert.

Is nasal spray addiction real?
What some call nasal spray addiction is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication. Learn more from Dr. James Li, a Mayo Clinic allergist and immunologist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Balance problems
Appendicitis
Poor color vision
Slideshow: 7 fingernail problems not to ignore

HEALTHY RECIPES
Berries marinated in balsamic vinegar
Broiled grouper with teriyaki sauce
Spicy ground turkey tacos
Best honey whole-wheat bread

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
What's the difference between added sugars and total sugars?
"Added sugars" is being added to "total sugars" on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Nutrition Facts label. Added sugars are sugars that have been added to a food during processing. Sugars that occur naturally in foods are not considered added sugars. This label change is intended to make it easier to track the amount of sugar in your daily diet. Research has shown that it's difficult to meet your nutrient needs while staying under your calorie limit if more than 10 percent of your total daily calories come from added sugars.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

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