Wine

How does Wine work?

Wine contains ethanol (alcohol), which blocks various nerve pathways in the brain. It also contains chemicals that might have beneficial effects on the heart and blood circulation such as antioxidant effects, and preventing blood platelets from forming clots.

Are there safety concerns?

Wine is likely safe for most adults when no more than 2 five-ounce glasses are drunk per day. Avoid higher amounts. Larger amounts can cause flushing, confusion, blackouts, trouble walking, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious problems.

Long-term use of large amounts of wine causes many serious health problems including dependence, mental problems, heart problems, liver problems, pancreas problems, and certain types of cancer.

Do not use wine if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have asthma.
• You have gout.
• You have heart problems such as angina or heart failure.
• You have high blood pressure (hypertension).
• You have high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood.
• You have sleeping problems (insomnia).
• You have liver problems.
• You have pancreas problems (pancreatitis).
• You have ulcers or a type of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• You have a disease called porphyria.
• You have psychiatric (mental) problems.
• You are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks. Wine might cause excessive sedation if combined with medications used during and after surgery.