015: Arsenic Alarm: Simple Steps to Limit Exposure and Detox Naturally From this Hidden Hazard

“The effort you put in will go a long way toward helping you get healthier and fitter.”  

Arsenic, one of the most widespread environmental toxins, is quietly infiltrating our everyday lives, silently lurking in common household items and even our food. Over time, this low-level exposure can accumulate, leading to a host of health issues— from cognitive decline and fatigue to organ damage and reproductive problems. The scariest part? Many of us remain blissfully unaware of the arsenic threat hiding in plain sight within our own homes. 

In this episode, Ann discusses the dangers of arsenic exposure and its impact on human health, as well as the debunking of the belief that moderate alcohol consumption has health benefits. She also explores natural approaches to addressing alcohol addiction, the importance of natural detox and exercise for maintaining optimal health, and tips for incorporating these practices into daily life.

Connect with Ann on Social Media:  

Website: https://seednutrition.com/Annt/home 

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Email: Tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com 

Episode Highlights: 

02:14 Arsenic Exposure From Food

06:02 Arsenic and Liver Health

11:17 Liver Health Tips 

17:32 Exercises to Improve Blood Flow

22:52 Dancing and Cardiovascular Health

28:14 Myths About Alcohol 

32:26 Natural Approaches for Alcohol Addiction

Resources: 

Ann’s Book

Heaven Scent: Listening to Your Inner Voice

Transcript

Ann LeMaster: Hi, welcome back to my Common Sense Living Podcast. I'm so thrilled to have you back with me again. Today, we're going to talk about four different topics. The first one is arsenic. The second one is liver. The third is exercise. And we're going to end with the perils per se of alcohol. So sit back, grab a pen and paper and get comfortable. Always remember to consult with your physician before you try anything suggested in my podcasts, and let's get the advertisement out of the way. 

Common Sense Living Podcast is brought to you by avinihealth.com/annlemaster8084. And also Taming Diabetes Differently, my two month course and monthly coaching calls. You can contact me there at tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com. And if that doesn't work for you, annlemaster@yahoo.com. 

Let's get started here with ARSENIC. New research by UC Berkeley has found arsenic, lead and other dangerous heavy metals in tampons. Some toxins were even higher in organic brands. Arsenic is one of the most widespread environmental toxins that are exposed everyday. Low levels of arsenic exposure can increase the risk of cognitive decline, fatigue, blood sugar imbalance, impaired circulatory function, skin, liver, lung, kidney and bladder issues, infertility and other reproductive issues. Arsenic overload is a global health problem that affects millions of people. It's one of the most widespread environmental toxins. And as the world becomes more polluted, arsenic toxicity is a growing concern. 

There are even a number of foods that are high in arsenic. Most of us are exposed to small amounts of arsenic every day. Over time, arsenic can build up causing a variety of health problems. Years of low level exposure can contribute to brain fog fatigue, memory problems associated with aging, impaired cardiovascular and circulatory function, unbalanced blood sugar levels in lung and bladder issues, infertility and other reproductive issues. The majority of arsenic moves or comes from diet. One of the problems with arsenic is that it stores easily in water and soil from their plants, fills arsenic into their roots and it enters our food. 

Here are the six foods high in arsenic. Rice is number one. One of the most common sources of dietary arsenic. Rice plants are particularly good at absorbing arsenic from the soil which causes high levels to accumulate by the time the plants are ready for harvest. They also grow in standing water. A lot of the world's rice comes from Asia, which has some of the worst arsenic contaminated water in the world. As a result, rice often contains high levels of arsenic especially when it comes from Asia. To minimize your arsenic exposure, choose white over brown rice. Arsenic is mostly concentrated in the brand or the outer hole of the rice to the organic over conventional rice. Organic rice has less arsenic. Choose rice grown in the US over rice from Asia and India. Choose rice grown in California over rice in the southern US. The South has more arsenic in soil, and thus has been found to be more contaminated than rice grown in California. Soak the rice for a few hours and rinse it well before cooking. This can reduce arsenic content by up to 45%. 

And then we have brown rice syrup. It's a common sweetener in many processed foods as well as in baby formula, which you'll hear about more below. It's often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar or corn sugar. In reality, brown rice syrup is one of the more toxic sweeteners you can use. The fact that it's made from rice puts it at high risk for arsenic contamination. Brown rice syrup often contains more arsenic than plain rice. It's an extract so it takes a lot of rice to make a small amount of brown rice syrup. As a result, arsenic concentrates in the zero. Avoid brown rice syrup at all costs sweetened with plain sugar. 

Shellfish is a third one. Environmental arsenic settles in water. And as the world gets more polluted, the arsenic burden in seafood is increasing. Shellfish are the most prone to absorbing arsenic. In 2011, a study found a strong correlation between shellfish intake and arsenic toxicity in the US. To decrease your arsenic exposure, avoid the following shellfish, oysters, mussels, scallops, and lobster. I love scallops. Note that mussels are especially high in inorganic arsenic, the most toxic form of arsenic. 

Next, we have seaweed. Seaweed also absorbs arsenic from ocean water in seaweed. Arsenic gets stored as our arsenal )sugar. Sugar with an arsenic molecule attached. When you eat seaweed, your body breaks down the arsenal sugar distributing a variety of arsenic metabolites throughout your system. Hijiki seaweed, a brown black seaweed that's common in Japanese seaweed salad, is the most contaminated type of seaweed. It contains large amounts of inorganic arsenic making it significantly more toxic than other species. Green and red seaweeds are lower in arsenic. However, they contain small amounts of cadmium and lead to other heavy metals. Eat green or red seaweed in moderation, and avoid brown/black seaweed entirely. It's a significant source of dietary arsenic. 

Baby formula, arsenic is particularly dangerous for children because it impairs brain development. Children Exposed to arsenic have lower IQ, so deficits in language, spatial reasoning and other cognitive skills. But we have drugs for that. Don't wait. Unfortunately, baby formula is a hidden source of arsenic that many parents overlook. A 2013 study found that formulas that children have five and a half times higher arsenic exposure than breastfed infants. This study also concluded that baby formula accounted for about 70% of arsenic exposure in children tested. Always breastfeed your children if at all possible. If that isn't an option, avoid formulas that contain rice or brown (inaudible). Both have high risk of arsenic concentration. 

Chicken and eggs, two arsenic based drugs. Roxarsone and naltrexone are common additives in chicken feed. A 2017 study found that chickens given arsenic containing feed had higher levels of arsenic in their meat. Same study found that people who ate more chicken had higher urinary arsenic levels, suggesting they were exposed to arsenic in chicken meat. To avoid arsenic, choose organic chicken. Organic standards prevent the use of arsenic additives, so organic chickens don't have the same persnickety damnation. So how to support arsenic excretion when you ingest arsenic, your body stores in your liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. It can last three years gradually building up and causing health problems over time. So that's the arsenic. 

And now, we're going to talk about the LIVER. Your liver does so much work keeping toxins and harmful chemicals from damaging your body. Your digestive system serves as the first line of defense to protect against bacteria, germs, and microbes that could cause you harm. Unfortunately, the digestive system isn't perfect. So some toxins such as alcohol, drugs and chemicals in the food do slip past and get into your bloodstream. That's when it's up to your liver to filter your blood and get rid of anything harmful. Unfortunately, we have so much gut disruption. And that's a whole totally different topic for me to touch on at a later date. Over time, toxins can build up in your liver causing inflammation and damage. If the toxins remain in your liver and stop it from fully healing, it can lead to more serious toxic liver damage. The good news is that you don't need to let it go that far. A detox diet can help you get rid of the toxins from your liver and enable it to repair and restore itself into full function. That's where I put in a plug for a product I use via Avini Health, and it's called Cell Defender, and I always forget to bring it in here to show you what the bottle looks like. It's a zeolite compound, and I just love the way it's made and how it works. I use it twice a day every day since I first started. And I believe I started it in April. So anyway, that's something for you to keep in mind. So not that we need to be perfectly clear here, there's a great deal of mixed opinion and research on whether or not they truly work. But what truly works on the diet detox 

For example, one review said a handful of clinical studies have shown that commercial detox diets enhance liver detoxification and eliminate persistent organic pollutants from the body. Although these studies are hampered by flawed methodologies and small sample sizes, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that certain foods have detoxification properties. Although the majority of these studies have been performed in animals. That being said, taking a few simple measures to purge toxins from your body and generally improve your overall wellness is never a waste of time or effort. And always, always use organic. It's not perfect, but it's far better than the contaminated soils and sprays that are used on regularly grown food. We're going to share some easy natural ways that you can detoxify your labor without going through the dramatic detox diet. All it takes is a few simple steps. 

One, cut alcohol from your diet for six weeks. That's not impossible. Just six weeks without drinking. Alcohol is one of the most toxic substances for your liver and can cause a great deal of damage. Giving your liver a break from alcohol for six weeks can allow the liver to regenerate itself and heal from the toxicity of alcohol unless there's permanent scarring. Number two is drink more water. It's also a pretty easy one. Water will help to flush the toxins from your liver and bloodstream acting as a natural diuretic, and eliminate waste products through your urine. And to drink three to five liters of water a day for the 30 day no alcohol period, your liver will thank you. Warm water may enhance digestion and promote better lymphatic system functions. Both of which will help keep your liver healthy. And of course, have it be filtered water. Step three is to eat better. We'll need to cut back on fried unhealthy fat foods. And instead, focus on eating organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, lean proteins and minimally processed oils such as virgin coconut or olive oil. 

Make sure to get more fiber. And Avini Health also has fiber, and I love that too. Fiber plays a huge role in preventing toxins from being absorbed into your bloodstream and purging existing toxins to protect your liver. Try to eat more liver friendly foods too including almonds, leafy greens, green tea, beets, salmon, lentils, fermented foods, citrus fruits, berries, artichokes, asparagus, raw spinach. Avocado will help the body to produce more glue, the ion and antioxidant that binds with toxins and flushes them from your liver. Support healthier eating habits by adding tumeric to your meals. Turmeric is rich in curcumin and anti oxidants that can decrease oxidative stress and protect against liver injury. It also stimulates the production of bile which helps your liver to digest and absorb fat. 

Number four is EXERCISE daily. Exercise plays a huge role in improving the function of all your organs including your liver, and it will stimulate blood flow through the liver making it better able to flush out garbage and toxins, and combat inflammation. Plus it will aid in weight maintenance which will lower your risk of non alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

Try intermittent fasting, it's number five. It involves eating during a specific period of time followed by a period of fasting with no calorie consumption. Or a day or two each week of fasting, which is 0 to 500 calories. Intermittent fasting may enhance the body's natural ability to detoxify itself as it increases the production of detoxifying enzymes, and can directly benefit the liver. 

And a sixth step is to manage your stress. Stress is a known risk factor in a broad range of health problems including liver disease. It also increases the presence of free radicals in your body which can contribute to oxidative stress that accelerates liver degeneration. Take steps to manage your stress, and your liver function will improve. It's also worth taking a look into supplements. You may have already been exposed to many toxins, and your toxic buildup is quite high. Going the extra mile and choosing a quality formula can make a difference in supporting your body's natural detoxification pathways. There are many products available, and it's essential to carefully consider all options and make the right decision on the best supplement. 

I'm not want to push products. I hate when people do it. I don't do it for just anything, I really and truly love the Avini Cell Defender and the Fiber. And as you just read, both of them would be good for detoxing or helping the liver. A good supplement should support not only liver function, but also other vital processes such as maintaining healthy insulin levels, having anti-inflammatory properties, and even flushing out heavy metals from the system. For best results, I recommend picking a product with all natural ingredients, herbs and extracts. You can find these products on Avini Health or do your own search. 

Number three is exercise. And let me have a little squeak here. Good circulation, it's absolutely necessary for a healthy functioning of your body. Think about it, your blood is what delivers oxygen and nutrients to the building blocks of every cell everywhere it needs to go. Without sufficient blood flow, your tissues and organs will be deprived of nutrients or oxygen which can impair function and throw off the delicate balance of all your internal systems. It should come as no surprise that any exercise that improves circulation is absolutely excellent for your overall health and longevity. Here are some of the best exercises you can incorporate into your weekly workouts to get blood flowing more effectively throughout your body. And once again, a reminder to make sure that you check with your health care provider that you are able to do the exercises that you're wanting to do. 

So the first one is walking, and most people are walking without an issue. Walking is easily one of the best exercises to improve blood flow in your body for one simple reason. Anyone can do it at pretty much any time. All you've got to do is walk out the door and keep on walking for an hour to three more, or a minute several times a day. Not only is walking a great exercise, but it's a form of exercise you can often sustain for much longer than higher intensity exercise. It's not uncommon to walk for two to three hours in a single day when touring a new city, attending a convention or enjoying a sightseeing trip. The more you walk, the more energy you'll burn, and the more you will clear your blood vessels of accumulated fat that could impair your blood flow. 

The second one is running. Running takes everything good that walking does for your body, and kicks it up the next level. Running may only move your legs, but it improves circulation throughout your entire body. Your heart pumps more effectively, your lungs absorb more oxygen, and your blood level dilates to allow for sufficient blood to flow through. The result is both enhanced cardiovascular function and a faster metabolism. Yes, running can be challenging at first. But it's well worth the time and effort you invest. Few forms of exercise are as good for your circulatory system as running. So if you're not a runner, I suggest you start with walking, start walking faster, and then build into jogging. And perhaps, walk, jog and walk, build up to the run and then cycling. Whether you have a bicycle, or you go to the gym. Cycling is another great exercise to improve your blood flow. When you're cycling, your legs are pumping up and down, your muscles contracting and relaxing over and over again. This forces your body to send oxygenated blood to your leg muscles along with burning through fats in order to provide fuel for your exercise. Even though you're sitting down, cycling works your heart and lungs, and forces your blood vessels to expand to allow for more blood flow. All of this combined to make it effectively improved blood flow throughout your entire body. 

Then rowing, whether you're in a boat, on a rowing machine. Rowing with basically your entire body, your leg muscles drive backward and pull forward. Your abs and lower back work, to bend your upper body with each stroke, and your arm, upper back and shoulder muscles. Pull on the oars or the rolling machine handle. But all that together, and you'll burn a lot of energy. But more than just energy burning, your cardiovascular system has to work overtime to keep out all those hard working muscles oxygenated and fueled with energy. The full body workout you get through rowing does amazing things to improve blood flow through your body. As a bonus, it'll increase mobility in your hips, knees and lower back. And improve your coordination and balance. 

And then swimming is perhaps the best form of cardio because it not only engages your muscles, but it also forces you to regulate your breathing. Because you're underwater, you have to time every inhalation and exhalation to be just right in order to maintain a steady breathing rhythm and absorb sufficient oxygen. By regulating your breathing, you'll strengthen your lungs, increase your heart's ability to pump efficiently, and encourage better muscle function. With all that together, you've got both improved fitness and better blood flow. 

And then body weight training. Exercises like push ups, squats, crunches, lunges and pull ups are also great for improving blood flow. When you perform these exercises, your muscles are replaced under a lot of strain all at once. A high volume of oxygen rich blood is needed to flush lactic acid from the muscles and replenish depleted nutrients and energy. Put together with the forms of cardio listed above, and you've got yourself a game changing workout routine guaranteed to improve blood flow. And then we have weightlifting. Weightlifting does the same thing as body weight training, but it takes it to the next level by adding a whole lot of weight. The heavy load will strain your muscles and force your body to send blood flowing to those muscles to replenish nutrients and energy, and flush away the lactic acid. Every set you perform will force your heart, lungs and blood vessels to work extra hard to restore your body to its normal function. This is a recovery phase between sets. The less time you spend recovering, the harder it pushes your cardiovascular system, and the more you will improve the blood flow.

Next is route training, sprint training and all forms of high intensity interval training is absolutely amazing for your cardiovascular system. During the periods of very high near maximum intensity, you are pushing your muscles, lungs and heart to the limits of their capacity. During the low intensity periods, your heart slows down, your lungs absorb more oxygen and your blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow. Repeatedly alternating between low and high intensity keeps your cardiovascular system and muscles working hard. Hard enough that you can actually increase both aerobic capacity and heart rate. 

Yoga and pilates is the next one. They provide similar benefits for your cardiovascular system. While neither a very high intensity, they require a consistent output of energy. Your cardiovascular system spends the entire session working to deliver energy your metabolism produces. The fact that you're pairing the movements with regulated breathing techniques also does wonders to improve your blood flow. The constant rhythmic inhalations and exhalations will ensure the blood your heart pumps is oxygenated to maximum capacity so your muscles and internal systems get all the oxygen needed to sustain the exertion for long periods of time. 

Then we have martial arts, and they have a lot in common with sprint training. Typically, there are long periods of low intensity efforts such as jogging, practicing forms, etcetera. Coupled with periods of high intensity effort like fast paced sparring and high intensity kicks and punches. Not only are martial arts amazing for fat burning, but they will also boost your circulation and help to improve both the cardiovascular and aerobic functions. And as a bonus, they're great for learning coordinated balancing and self control. 

And lastly and my favorite, dancing. Last, but definitely not least, we've got to recommend dancing as one of the best forms of exercise to improve blood flow. And just a side note that not only does it improve blood flow, but interaction with other people depends on their dance style, I suppose. Regardless of what type of dancing you do, from salsa dancing, to ballroom dancing, to hip hop, to break dancing, your muscles have to work hard through the sequence of movements you perform. And thus your heart, lungs and blood vessels work to keep those muscles fueled and oxygenated. Back when I was in my late 40's and 50's, I took dance classes. There was a group of us and we went every Wednesday night. We took classes on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and sometimes there were some Sunday classes, and we danced. It was so much fun. So social and such great exercise. If you're familiar with the triple step, it's a 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 rock step instead of 1, 2 rock step. It says rock and roll. I could do that the whole four hour night on a Friday night, and what a tone it did for my legs. Almost hard as a rock. I hurt my leg. And now, I can't do that very well anymore. But it was just fantastic. I loved it. And also, I love to dance so I would dance with anybody who wanted to dance. I didn't care if they were handicapped. If they were in a wheelchair, you could still dance with them. That made them feel important. And I still got to do what I wanted to do. I helped them to do what they wanted to do. So the social aspect. 

Yes. So with the fact that you sustain your exertion dancing for long periods means that you burn through a lot of calories and maintain elevated cardiovascular activity to improve fitness and circulation. And best of all, it's a whole lot of fun workout. You'll actually look forward to it every time. Oh, yes, and I did forget about it, if your focus is only on improving blood flow like cardiovascular endurance, training should be your primary form of exercise. And these low intensity steady state exercises will help you keep your heart and lungs working for longer, encourage more efficient dilation of your blood vessels, and clear fats and cholesterol that could impair circulation. However, for fitness, it's highly recommended to combine cardio with muscle building exercise, which also happens to be a great way to improve blood flow. However, you work out whatever exercises you choose. The effort you put in will go a long way toward helping you get healthier and fitter. 

And so now, we're on ALCOHOL. This is not quite 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Trust me, this is not alcohol. I use mind over matter, so to speak. This is a probiotic drink in a wine glass, and so I trick my mind. I play games with my mind, so to speak. The only kind of mind games I like to play. I have this and say that I'm drinking a glass of wine so I don't need wine, because it's in my wine glass. Anyway, cheers. I like humor too. 

So alcohol's true health costs and natural strategies for a longer life. Think that a nightly glass of wine is harmless. Think again. New research that gets even moderate drinking could be taking months of your life. Take your damn drink as a health tonic. Think again. New research reveals alcohol's sobering impact on longevity, but nature may offer solutions to those seeking change. Like I said, just pretend it's alcohol and glass. Recent research is sobering up our understanding of alcohol's impact on longevity. The results may make you think twice before reaching for that glass of wine or brew. Dr. Stockwell dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through happy hours everywhere. Consuming just one alcoholic drink a day could shorten your lifespan by approximately two and a half months. One drink a day. Let that sink in your daily unwind ritual that seemingly innocent glass of wine or beer could be quietly chipping away at your lifespan. It's enough to make one think twice, what is safe drinking? But surely, a drink or two can't be that bad.  

We've all heard about the supposed benefits of moderate drinking to prepare to have a comfort zone shake up. Dr. Stockwell's research suggests that no amount of alcohol consumption actually improves health. No amount. In fact, the more you drink, the more years of life you might be losing. So those who indulge in a hefty 35 drinks a week, that's five drinks a day or two bottles of whiskey over seven days could be cutting their lives short by approximately two years. Suddenly, bottoms up takes on a whole new rather morbid view to the science behind the sober truth. How did we get it wrong for so long? The belief and alcohol's potential health benefits stems partly from the so-called French paradox. The observation that French people despite their rich diet above average wine consumption have relatively low rates of heart disease. Yeah, the idea was eagerly embraced particularly by those of us who enjoy our time. As it turns out, the science behind this belief was about as solid as a drink at hand. Many studies suggesting health benefits from moderate drinking were funded by the alcohol industry, a classic case of the fox guarding the henhouse. Your health for their profit. 

As seen in a recent report found that more than 13,000 studies have been directly or indirectly funded by that industry. Debunking the healthier drink myth, Dr. Stockwell and his colleagues expose more holes in pro alcohol research. Many studies compared moderate drinkers to non drinkers, but failed to account for the fact that some non drinkers had quit alcohol due to health problems. The sick quitter problem. This made the moderate drinkers look healthier by comparison, but it wasn't the alcohol keeping them healthy. It was the fact that they were healthy enough to drink in the first place. But as put by Dr. Stockwell, being able to drink is a sign you're still healthy, not the cause of being in good health. This is a classic case of putting the cart before the horse, or the drink before the health. 

What about red wine? Surely it's hard, and a healthy reputation still stands. This too may be more wishful thinking than scientific fact. While red wine does contain compounds called polyphenols, which are believed to help protect blood vessels in the heart. The amount is tiny. Another doctor notes that you'll need to drink between 100 to 1000 glasses of red wine daily to get an amount equivalent to the doses that improves health in my studies. At that point, your liver would likely give out long before your health saw any benefit. I don't think anybody drinks even that much water every day. Shift in alcohol attitudes. The mounting evidence against alcohol's health claims is starting to impact policy worldwide. 

Ireland has become the first country to pass legislation requiring health warnings on alcohol labels set to take effect in 2026. More than two alcoholic drinks a week, Canada has dramatically revised its guidelines now recommending no more than two alcoholic drinks a week. The World Heart Federation made a statement that likely caused collective gasps in vineyards worldwide declaring contrary to popular opinion, alcohol is not good for the heart. Reality Check. Our booze is on the defensive ripple effects of alcohol consumption. The impact of alcohol extends far beyond just shaving time off of our lives. According to the CDC, the average number of deaths annually due to excessive alcohol use increased by about 30% from 2016, 2017 to reach more than 178,000 deaths a year from 2020 to 2021. That's more than the number of drug overdose deaths reported in 2022. These deaths aren't just from liver disease or drunk driving accidents. Alcohol reaches into many aspects of health contributing to mental health issues, heart disease, even certain cancers. It's a sobering reminder that alcohol effects on our bodies are complex and far reaching. 

Do you know of anyone who's lost their life to alcohol? Unfortunately, I know of two people. One was back around 1970. It was a classmate. He was a really handsome young man, but was hooked on drinking. And this begs me to wonder, why throw him or anyone over a drink? The other man I know of was the father of my little sister in the big brother sister program. He drank himself to death at the time. I mean, the National Guard, and he being a veteran had military services. I was honored to present the United States flag to his little sister, his daughter, and my little sister's mother. So what impact did this have on her sister and her mother addressing alcohol addiction naturally? For those struggling with alcohol addiction, there's growing evidence that certain natural approaches may be helpful. One of the most promising areas of research involves psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms.

In 2015 study found that psilocybin treatment led to significant decreases in alcohol craving, and increased abstinence from alcohol. Researchers noted that psilocybin when combined with the psychotherapy could help patients gain insights into their addiction and make lasting changes. Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a single dose of psilocybin in the context of various alcoholism treatment programs was associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse. The effects were still noticeable six months after treatment. So natural substances showing promise and addressing alcohol addiction include N-Acetyl or Nac, vitamin B1, milk thistle, acupuncture reducing alcohol toxicity. Some of the top substances shown they have protective effects against alcohol toxicity or curcumin, vitamin C, resveratrol, ginger, green tea extract, omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, milk thistle, B complex vitamins. 

Should we all get up our alcohol? Before you pour all your booze down the drain, note these findings represent average and risks. Not everyone enjoying a daily drink will see their lives shortened by exactly two and a half months. Individual factors like genetics, overall lifestyle and pure chance play a role too. But the evidence is clear that alcohol, even in moderation, is not the health tonic we once thought it was. Many of us think of alcohol as our favorite recreational drug. We use it for pleasure and relaxation. And the last thing we want to hear is if that causes any harm. It's a comfort to think drinking is good for our health. But unfortunately, it's based on poor science. So let's raise a glass to inform choices. 

Where does this leave us? The alcohol worshippers. Perhaps, it's time to approach alcohol with the same mindset we applied to other indulgences as something to be enjoyed in moderation with a clear understanding of the potential risks. After all, life is about them. While we now know, even moderate drinking might be shaving some time off our lives. It's up to each individual to weigh the potential costs against the perceived benefits. Maybe that glass of wine with dinner is worth it for the enjoyment that it brings. Or perhaps it's time to explore some of the non-alcoholic alternatives hitting the market. Whatever you decide, at least, you can make that choice with your eyes wide open, not blurred by the rose tinted glasses about data health claims, or those that profit from your consumption. So here's to making informed decisions about your health even if it means occasionally raising a glass of sparkling water instead of champagne. 

I want to thank you for listening to today's episode, and I'm sure you enjoyed it and learned something new. Please leave a kind review, and share it with a friend. I would appreciate you subscribing as well. And like it, please. I'm gonna see you next time with another insightful episode of Common Sense Living because most people don't have common sense, and I'm full of it.