Binge drinking encourages infections

By Lucy Halfhead  on Monday 21 September 2009

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Drinking too much in one session can leave you open to infection, according to new research.

Binge drinking compromises the immune system by knocking out proteins known as cytokines, which are crucial for fighting off bacteria and viruses, reports the BBC.

Trials on mice show that these cytokines were still not working properly 24 hours after intaking alcohol.

"There's now more evidence emerging about how [binge drinking] can damage our bodies in the longer term," said Don Shenker, chief executive of the charity Alcohol Concern.

"Sticking to sensible drinking guidelines of 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units for men increases your chance of staying healthy."

The trials, by Dr Stephen Pruett, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, were reported in the online journal BMC Immunology.

"The time frame during which the risk of infection is increased might be at least 24 hours," said Dr Pruett.

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Monday 21 September 2009

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