Summary:
One of the most common ways to relax on the weekends after all that grind, but how is alcohol ruining your health in the long run or overdose?
Alcohol. Most of us must have indulged in consuming the “elixir of joy” or “the forget juice”; whatever you call it, at some point in our lives. A place where alcohol is served is considered to be a place where people come to drink and socialize at the same time. Some drink to forget while some do it to have a good time, relaxing on the weekend after working hard on earning bread for the entire week. Whatever the reason is, it has become an important part of relaxing and having fun during the weekend parties.
Why does it make us happy?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It slows down brain activity, altering mood, behavior and sometimes losing control. Sometimes tampers with the memory and reduces rationality. All in all, it helps the brain to ‘loosen up’ a bit, which is associated with temporary cheerfulness.
Is there a safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed without posing a life-threatening risk? There is. According to MedlinePlus, the moderate drink for a woman could be no more than one standard drink a day, whereas men can consume two standard drinks a day as per US norms (14 grams of pure alcohol). This roughly translates to one drink of
- Beer, which is 12 fluid ounces or 355 m
- Wine, which is 5 fluid ounces or 148 m
- Distilled spirits: brandy, whiskey, or rum (80 proof), 1.5 fluid ounces or 44 mL per day.
There is no defined standard drink in India. However, it is advisable to refrain from drinking unless it’s for certain occasions and festivities.
Now the question arises.
Why is it not advisable to drink alcohol in large quantities? Why is alcohol dangerous?
Here’s why.
● Causes fatty liver diseases, as well as cirrhosis
● Causes damage to various organs, including the brain
● Increases risk of cancer
● Increases risk of injuries in the form of accidents and losing control.
● Increases risk for the baby during pregnancy.
● More chances of getting heart disease.
● It’s high in calories but has zero nutritional value.
In the long run, it can cause
● Cancer in the esophagus and colon
● Severe liver damage
● Obesity
● Swelling in the pancreas
● Bleeding in the stomach
We need to keep in mind that everything needs to be in moderation.
“Too much of anything can make you sick.”
Too much alcohol is the same. It could cost your health, your career, your family, and it could lead you to make decisions that could lose you a place in society as well. Therefore, drink responsibly and make safer choices out there.
Points to remember:
- Alcohol has its short-term as well as long-term effects on health.
- Overconsumption can affect various organs of the body.
- It is important to maintain a certain amount of alcohol only that you down without risking your health.
References:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. What Is A Standard Drink? [online] Available at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink
- KERR, W. C., & STOCKWELL, T. (2011). Understanding standard drinks and drinking guidelines. Drug and Alcohol Review, 31(2), pp. 200–205.
- Nayak, M. B., Kerr, W., Greenfield, T. K., & Pillai, A. (2008). Not All Drinks Are Created Equal: Implications for Alcohol Assessment in India. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 43(6), pp. 713–718.
