Have you ever thought about the effects of alcohol on your health?

For many of us alcohol is a part of our lives. We drink it when we socialise with friends, we consume it when we want to celebrate a special occasion and we drown our sorrows in it during difficult times.

Alcohol in moderation is fine and can actually have some health benefits. Certain varieties of red wine have been shown to contain the anti-oxidants resveratrol and catechins that may help protect artery walls. Alcohol can also boost HDL, the good cholesterol.

In very small amounts alcohol can be used as a relaxant but this isn’t encouraged.

Very often however alcohol is consumed in quantities that will do anything but make us healthy. The long-term effects of alcohol can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. Not only are we at increased risk of accidents and injury when we consume alcohol, prolonged consumption of excess alcohol can lead to weight gain, liver disease and a plethora of other serious ailments.

How many units can I drink?

The recommended daily and weekly intake of alcohol is different for men and women.

Women should not drink more than 2-3 units per day while men should drink no more than 3-4 units per day. It is also important to have alcohol free days to allow your body and liver to rest.

Regular alcohol use at levels greater than this can lead to long-term health risks.

Does alcohol contain any calories?

The answer is YES!

Many of us will diligently follow diet plans and fads in the hope of losing weight but will fail to take into account the amount of alcohol we consume.

A glass of wine is equivalent in calories to a packet of crisps. If you think about the amount of alcohol you consume over the course of a month, this can add a few more inches to your waistline.

Also, one of the short-term effects of alcohol intake is the dreaded hangover.

Hangover cures often involve the consumption of hundreds of calories in the form of high-fat breakfasts, milkshakes, and junk food, all adding to the calorific effect of alcohol consumption.

Tips to avoid drinking too much

• In between drinking an alcoholic drink why not have something alcohol free? There are lots of premium soft and sparkling water drinks available that can be a welcome interlude from alcohol. This allows you to reduce the number of units you consume and you’ll appreciate this the next day.
• Why not add some tonic water or lemonade to your wine or beer to create a wine spritzer or shandy? This way you will drink half as much as you normally would.
• Go for low alcohol content drinks, avoid strong beers and wines as these will make you reach your units limit faster.
• How about organising a social event with friends, which doesn’t involve alcohol? That way you will all have a chance to catch up properly and the next day you’ll remember all the funny stories and anecdotes.
• If you will be drinking, try having it with a meal or after food. This way the alcohol will take longer to have its effect and you won’t drink as much.