Low alcohol intake might cleanse the brain, study suggests

Recent research shows that a drink now and then can help clearing brain waste

According to a study conducted by scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in New York City, low amounts of alcohol could actually reduce brain inflammation, by boosting the function of the glymphatic system which drains the waste out of the brain.

On the other hand, alcoholism reduces this function and triggers the inflammation of the organ, poor cognitive functions and motor skills, in addition to the other 200 health conditions and death causes already highly familiar among both doctors and patients.

Nevertheless, a little alcohol seems to be beneficial, according to the research. 2.5 drinks a day is the accepted amount of alcohol that the researchers suggest may result in brain cleansing. The reducing in brain waste is important because the accumulation of it may trigger Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The study was conducted on mice, by assessing their glymphatic system under different alcohol quantities intake.

“The data on the effects of alcohol on the glymphatic system seemingly matches the J-shaped model relating to the dose effects of alcohol on general health and mortality, whereby low doses of alcohol are beneficial, while excessive consumption is detrimental to overall health,” explains lead study author Dr. Maiken Nedergaard from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at URMC.

The results of the study were reported in the journal Scientific Reports.