Alcohol and Health
THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK… When the festive season approaches, many of us will accept as normal – and perhaps even look forward to – drinking more alcohol than we know is good for our health. Many of the major civilizations have made and consumed alcoholic drinks for thousands of years, and alcohol still has a role in ceremonies, celebrations and rituals around the world. The feelings of relaxation, confidence and social inclusion alcohol temporarily induces clearly underlie its popularity. In ancient times alcohol also played the important roles of water steriliser and surgical anaesthetic in addition to being a ‘recreational drug’.
Undoubtedly, alcohol is a toxic, addictive drug that can cause disruption of the body's water balance, leading to dehydration. Its metabolic products, mainly acetaldehyde and acetic acid, acidify the blood and tissues. It also alters your body's normal daily rhythms, causing insomnia, daytime sleepiness and a generally jet-lagged feeling. The negative effects of alcohol on the body’s systems are many.
Read our blog post with more advice on alcohol and information on the damage it does