Have A Bevie
Most of us like a drink (or two) after a hard day at the office, a tough day dealing with the kids, or on the weekends to kick back and watch the footy. As long as we do this with moderation, we should be ok as far as our health is concerned. But if you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, you need to be aware of the detrimental effects of alcohol on the body.
Now this may sound obvious, as with any other drug, but some of us may be drinking too much already and not even realise it – and at this point, it may be too late to reverse some damage that’s already been caused. Abuse of alcohol can have both short and long-term effects. These are just some of them:
Short Term:
- a fitful night’s sleep
- hangover
- puffy face
- short-term memory loss
- headache
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- dehydration
- alcohol poisoning
Long Term:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- pancreatitis
- higher risk of heart disease
- diabetes (type 2)
- cancer (liver, bowel, breast, mouth, pharyngeal (upper throat), oesophageal (food pipe), laryngeal (voice box), stomach)
- cirrhosis of the liver
- long-term memory loss
- relationship break-downs
- loss of employment
- weight gain
- FAS – fetal alcohol syndrome
- reduced fertility (in both men and women)
Looking at those two lists, it’s a wonder anyone drinks at all!
So How Do I Know If I’m Drinking Too Much? The recommended amounts alcohol per day are:
For Men: 3-4 units of alcohol per day
For Women: 2-3 units of alcohol per day
A unit is defined as one standard drink – or 1 beer, 1 wine, or one mixed drink. If you are drinking this amount or more per day, you could be putting yourself at risk to these short and long term effects of alcohol. But don’t worry, it’s still ok to drink… just drink in moderation, and perhaps start following some of these simple guidelines.
Alcohol Free Days
Have a few days a week designated as ‘alcohol free’. You will remember more of the evening, sleep better at night, and feel more refreshed in the morning. Not too mention that your liver will have less to process, your heart will work better, and you won’t have to get up in the middle of the night for that busting pee.
Only Drink At Dinner
Try drinking only when you have your evening meal – this way you will enjoy your food and your wine more.
Cut Down Together
It will be easier for both you and your partner if you make the decision to cut down together. If one of you is drinking and the other is not, the temptation is too great for the other one to give in.
Smaller Glasses
Buy smaller glasses for home. This way you can have two or even thee glasses of wine and you won’t actually go over your limit.
Light Beer, Less Beer
Try switching to light beer to lessen your intake (being careful of course to choose the better tasting light beers), or even buying the smaller bottles of beer. All these tips will help you lessen your intake of alcohol and decrease the harmful effects of alcohol.
And as always, all things in moderation.