Nutrition Videos

Hello, my name is Stelios Pantazis, I am a doctor specializing in nutritional medicine and metabolic disorders and today I would like to present a video that is extra to our regular program, because recently a study was published that singles out some age groups that alcohol consumption is destructive for brain function. You all know that alcohol is very harmful to health, and especially to brain health. Alcohol consumption leads to congnitive decline and significantly increases the risk of suffering from dementia. But it is not equally dangerous at all ages. A study published a few days ago focuses on 3 age groups that are much more vulnerable to the devastating effects of alcohol on intelligence and brain health. The first age group is during the endometrial life, i.e. the 9 months we spend in the womb before our birth. Unfortunately, even very small amounts of alcohol have a significant effect on the neurological development of the fetus because it has not developed defenses and detoxification mechanisms and alcohol passes from the pregnant mother to the fetus. Studies agree that alcohol consumption during pregnancy significantly affects the mental and behavioral development of the child. The other age group that should avoid alcohol as much as possible is adolescence. Adolescents aged 15-19 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol on brain function. Studies show that drinking alcohol at this age leads to reduced brain development and poor cognitive development. It can also sometimes lead to atrophy of the brain, i.e. reduced brain volume so that the brain is smaller in size than expected. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption at this age is not uncommon and is often not sufficiently discouraged by society. I believe that a mechanism for controlling alcohol consumption at this age group should be included in the social debate. Finally, the age at which alcohol should be completely stopped is after 65. I remind you that we are talking about a highly neurotoxic substance that destroys nerve cells and the fact that a lot of people propose that it is harmless does not mean that it is. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol after the age of 65 leads to faster cognitive decline and significantly increases the risk of dementia. So it's best to protect our brain in order to function as best we can as we age. We are currently in the maelstrom of the coronavirus crisis. The financial situation of many people has deteriorated dramatically, while the mental health of all of us has declined, also. Unfortunately, historically when humanity goes through major crises and especially when it overcomes them, these are always associated with significant increase in alcohol consumption. Evidence from alcohol consumption during the lockup shows increased alcohol consumption. Experts believe that this will only get worse because many of us feel overwhelmed. At this time it is extremely important to protect ourselves from alcohol and its devastating consequences. Especially those who are or are affected by the age groups we mentioned earlier. Thank you very much.