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[h=1]Alcohol use: If you drink, keep it moderate[/h]

[h=2]Guidelines for moderate alcohol use[/h]The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that if you choose to drink alcohol you do so only in moderation — up to one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.Examples of one drink include:

• Beer: 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters)
  
• Wine: 5 fluid ounces (148 milliliters)
  
• Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters)
  

[h=2]When to avoid alcohol use[/h]Keep in mind that moderate use of alcohol doesn't mean that using alcohol is risk-free. For example, if you binge drink — such as having four or five drinks in the space of a few hours — you face serious health problems. Likewise if you drink and drive.

[h=2]Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all[/h]The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So don't feel pressured to drink alcohol. But if you do drink alcohol and you're healthy, there's probably no need to stop as long as you drink responsibly and in moderation.