The health ramifications of overconsuming alcohol

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and for many, there is only…

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and for many, there is only one way to celebrate — with a pint. Or many.

Even on a celebratory holiday like the Feast of Saint Patrick, you should consider alcohol’s effects on your body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate alcohol consumption as two drinks per day for men and one for women. On St. Patrick’s Day, however, the issue is often binge drinking, which is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men over a two- to three-hour period.

Research shows that excessive drinking isn’t good for your body.

For starters, binge drinking or heavy drinking can alter your DNA. When researchers compared binge drinkers and heavy drinkers to moderate drinkers, they found it changed two genes in the overindulging groups.

One of those genes affects the body’s biological clock. The other regulates the stress response system. The result? An increased desire for alcohol.

The National Cancer Institute says alcohol increases your chance of having mouth, throat, liver and breast cancers. Heavy drinkers are five times more likely than their teetotaling counterparts to have esophageal cancer.

One night of binge drinking can lead to blackouts, while doing so over a longer period leaves you at risk for memory loss and dementia.

It’s OK to celebrate all things Irish without the booze. Grab something to read by the witty Oscar Wilde. Or that green milkshake folks are so fond of. Learn to jig.

Just imagine: You won’t risk your health nor will you need to worry about embarrassment from your previous-night shenanigans.