Drink Smart Tips

Binging is not smart
Binging is having four or more drinks in one session.  This is definitely not “moderate” consumption, and leads to all the other risks mentioned on this page.

Count Calories
We know you don’t count calories when you are having an alcoholic drink.  However, you should know that alcohol is high in calories and these extra calories are more likely to be stored as fat, increasing triglycerides (blood fats) and body fat, especially when consumed in excess.  That’s not healthy.  It’s often called a beer belly.

Some people can drink a lot of alcohol and remain thin.  This happens because the liver gets overworked and goes out of whack.  When this happens one of the high probabilities is cirrhosis of the liver.  This liver disease is rarely recoverable and the only solution is an operation to install someone else’s healthy liver in your body.

 Appoint a designated driver to get you home
Just one drink can impair judgment, reaction time and decision-making.  Before you go out drinking with friends and family, select a designated driver who agrees to forego alcohol for the evening.  That person drives any vehicle thereafter for the evening.

Moderation is best
Having one drink a day is said to have health benefits.  Please do remember that a little bit goes a long way.

Know your risks

• Alcohol consumption, even moderate, increases the risk of some cancers and liver disease. Since the liver has to filter all alcohol out of your system, the more you drink, the more your liver has to work.
• Moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink per day for women; 1-2 drinks per day for men) has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, including increased HDL (good cholesterol) when choosing red wine.  That’s healthy.

Know your limit
People who can drink just one or two and don’t desire any more are what we would call “social drinkers.”  A person who has the urge for more the more he or she drinks has a “drinking problem.”

Sleep risks
Sleep problems can occur from the use of alcohol.  It doesn’t affect everyone, but quite a few people find their sleep is affected by too much alcohol.  It can affect the quality of sleep, preventing you from getting a much needed deep sleep and increasing the number of times you wake up in the night.

If you suspect alcohol contributes to insomnia, cut back on the drinks and see if you sleep better.

Smarter without alcohol?

• If you can’t stop at one, it’s wiser to not drink at all.
• Excessive alcohol use can cause a vitamin deficiency, damage to the brain, and overall reduction in brain size. The digestive system of alcoholics is unable to absorb vitamin B1 and this can cause various problems affecting the brain.

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