It recommends that Americans eat the right amount of food, prioritize protein at every meal, consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars, eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, incorporate healthy fats, prioritize fiber-rich whole grains, and avoid highly processed packaged, prepared, ready-to-eat, or other foods that are salty or sweet.

But the guidelines don't just recommend what Americans should and shouldn't eat. They also weigh in on alcoholic beverages.

The first version of the dietary guidelines, released in 1980, advised Americans that "if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation." The previous guidelines, adopted in 1990, suggested that Americans limit their alcohol consumption to one drink a day for women and two for men. The new guidelines make two recommendations:

Consume less alcohol for better overall health.

People who should completely avoid alcohol include pregnant women, people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder or are unable to control the amount they drink, and people taking medications or with medical conditions that can interact with alcohol. For those with a family history of alcoholism, be mindful of alcohol consumption and associated addictive behaviors.

Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said that "in the best-case scenario, I don't think you should drink alcohol." However, he also acknowledged that "alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together," and "there's probably nothing healthier than having a good time with friends in a safe way."

The government's dietary guidelines are not the only guidelines it issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues adult and child immunization schedules. It recommends that everyone six months or older get an annual flu shot, take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and take antiviral drugs if you are sick with the flu.

During the COVID era, the CDC recommended limiting the number of attendees at holiday gatherings, holding holiday events outdoors, requiring guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking, using single-serve utensils, staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone not in your household at all times, and encouraging guests to avoid singing or shouting. (A few years later, Dr. Anthony Fauci admitted that COVID guidelines had no science behind them.)

The government also issues guidelines for travel, physical health, school meals, food safety, workplace safety, and preparing for winter storms, summer heat, and hurricanes.