Alcohol has so many negative outcomes, but most of us enjoy the taste that we indulge – sometimes a little too much! So what can alcohol do to you?
What can alcohol do to you?
– It’s a leading cause of cancer. Alcohol is classed as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means it poses the biggest risk, along with asbestos and tobacco. It damages cells and causes seven different cancers, including breast, bowel, mouth, throat and liver.
– You could die early. A large study looking at 135,000 British people over the age of 60 found that ‘high-risk’ drinkers (defined as three drinks a day for men, one and a half for women) had a 33% increased risk of early death.
– You’re more likely to develop heart disease. Drinking alcohol can give you high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and damage to organs. It’s also implicated in heart rhythm problems, which can cause strokes, heart failure and cardiac arrest.
– Drinking puts you at risk of diabetes. Drinking more than 14 units a week gives you a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
– It affects your brain. Medical evidence suggests downing too much alcohol can impair brain function and increase your chances of dementia.
– You could get liver disease. According to the British Liver Trust, half a bottle of wine a night is enough to damage this vital organ.
How do you cut back?
So far, so depressing. But let’s be honest, many of us would like to reduce our alcohol intake. Here are some easy ways.
– Have two or three alcohol-free days a week. But don’t binge on the other days!
– Actively opt for social activities that don’t involve a tipple. For example, go to the cinema or join a sports group.
– Volunteer to be the designated driver if you go to events where there will be booze.
– Only drink when you go out. Even then, stick to your 14 units a week, preferably less.
– Pour smaller drinks. Buck the trend for enormous wine goblets and use a smaller glass. This will fool your brain into thinking you’re drinking more than you are.
– Go low with drinks that contain less alcohol. Opt for beers under 4% and white or rosé wine, which tend to be weaker than red.
– Surround yourself with light drinkers. This helps avoid peer pressure.
– Don’t self-medicate with alcohol. It disrupts sleep and makes you feel worse when you’re feeling down.
– Getting more exercise is a much better remedy for both.
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