Ask the doctor: Why does alcohol affect women differently?
As we age, our bodies contain even less water and more fat, so blood alcohol levels rise even faster. And we are also likely to metabolize alcohol less effectively as we get older. At every age, women are quicker to become alcohol-dependent and suffer the consequences, which may include psychiatric problems, damage to the brain and other organs, and fatal accidents. What is moderate drinking for a man (two drinks per day) is nearing heavy drinking for a woman. As a result, the recommended alcohol intake for women is no more than one drink per day, on average.
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