New Dietary Guidelines May Soften Limits on Alcohol – But Should Your Health?

By Dr. David Samadi

For decades, Americans have been told that moderate drinking—defined as up to one drink a day for women and up to two for men—was acceptable, even potentially beneficial in some cases. But that long-standing guidance is about to change.

According to several sources familiar with the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government is expected to remove the specific daily limits on alcohol consumption. Instead of the familiar one-to-two drink cap, the revised guidelines may offer only a vague suggestion to “drink in moderation” or “limit alcohol due to health risks.” That’s a big shift—and one that deserves a closer look, especially from a health and nutrition perspective.

As a physician and advocate for preventative care, I believe this proposed change could unintentionally downplay the very real risks associated with alcohol—even at low levels. So, before we toast to the idea of fewer restrictions, let’s talk about what alcohol does to your body and whether this shift in policy matches what we know from science.

Why the Change?

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) update these dietary guidelines every five years. They’re not just words on paper—they influence school lunch programs, nutrition labels, and the advice healthcare professionals like myself, give to patients.

Historically, these guidelines set clear limits: no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. However, due to debates over the strength of scientific evidence supporting those limits, officials may now opt to leave numbers out entirely. In other words, “drink less” might replace “how much is too much.” This shift could have significant implications for public health, potentially leading to increased alcohol consumption and related health issues.

Some in the alcohol industry may view this as a win. After all, beverage giants such as Anheuser-Busch and Diageo have lobbied extensively during this review process, potentially influencing the decision to remove specific daily limits on alcohol consumption. But for those of us in medicine and nutrition, vagueness isn’t helpful when it comes to a substance linked to seven types of cancer, heart disease, liver damage, and impaired immune function—even in so-called “moderate” amounts.

What the Science Really Says

Let’s get clear on this: alcohol is not a nutrient. It contains 7 calories per gram, with no protein, vitamins, or minerals—just empty calories that can crowd out healthier choices in your diet. And more importantly, alcohol can disrupt your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, especially B vitamins, zinc, and folate.

Even low-level, regular alcohol use is associated with increased health risks:

• Breast cancer risk increases with just a few drinks a week.
• Cardiovascular disease and liver disease are more common among those who drink regularly—even at moderate levels.
• Digestive disorders and inflammation are also worsened by alcohol’s impact on the gut lining and microbiome.

Two major scientific reviews commissioned to inform the development of the new guidelines reached different conclusions. One found modest cardiovascular benefits in some drinkers. The other concluded that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of dying from multiple causes—not just from heavy drinking, but starting at low levels of use.

As a urologist, I’ve also seen firsthand the link between alcohol and bladder irritation, urinary symptoms, and increased cancer risk. It’s not a substance to take lightly.

Alcohol and Nutrition: A Troubling Relationship

Many people underestimate alcohol’s impact on nutrition and gut health. Here’s what happens when alcohol becomes a regular part of your lifestyle:

• Poor nutrient absorption: Alcohol damages cells in the stomach and intestines, interfering with digestion and nutrient uptake.
• Weakened immunity: Alcohol impairs both the innate and adaptive immune systems—even in moderate drinkers.
• Disrupted gut microbiome: Regular use promotes harmful bacteria and reduces healthy microbes, leading to inflammation, bloating, diarrhea, and even chronic GI issues like gastritis or pancreatitis.
• Metabolic disruption: It contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance, two major risk factors for chronic illness.

And let’s not forget: alcohol often displaces healthier behaviors—like quality sleep, balanced eating, and physical activity

So, Should You Still Drink?

The message here isn’t necessarily to quit drinking altogether but rather to understand the risks. If you choose to drink, do it with intention—and moderation. This means being mindful of your consumption, setting limits, and avoiding binge drinking. It also involves considering the context of your drinking, such as your health status, age, and any medications you may be taking.

A standard drink in the U.S. equals:

• 12 oz. of beer (5% alcohol)
• 5 oz. of wine (12% alcohol)
• 1.5 oz. of spirits (40% alcohol)

But just because something is “standard” doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Some people—like those under 21, pregnant women, individuals on certain medications, or those in recovery—should avoid alcohol entirely.

And with new data suggesting that risk begins at any level of use, it’s wise to reconsider how alcohol fits into your life.

Bottom Line 

If the new dietary guidelines drop clear limits on alcohol, that doesn’t mean alcohol has become healthier. It simply means we, as healthcare providers, must work harder to educate patients on the real science behind alcohol and disease risk.

As always, I encourage patients to prioritize whole foods, good sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition. Alcohol, while socially normalized, does nothing to improve your health—and can silently work against the health goals you’re striving for.

So before you raise your next glass, ask yourself: Is this drink supporting your long-term well-being—or quietly undermining it?

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.