ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT ALCOHOL, ANSWERED BY A NUTRITIONIST
1. Are there risks associated with drinking alcohol?
Yes there are. Alcohol consumption is associated with liver problems, reduced fertility, high blood pressure, some cancers and heart attacks.
2. What amount of alcohol is safe for consumption to prevent these risks?
The truth is, there is no safe limit for drinking alcohol but there are recommendations, which will reduce our risks of the diseases mentioned herein but not prevent them.
3. What are the recommendations?
Recommendations vary from country to country. In some countries the recommendations are 3-4 units/day for men and 2-3 units/day women. Even with that, we recommend you do not take these amounts on regular basis. Find out from the professionals in your country or your ministry of Health website. They often have such recommendation.
4. When you say 2 - 3 units, exactly what is a unit ?
This picture from BBC News will give you an idea of what a unit of alcohol is
Note: The higher the strength (ABV %), the higher the unit and the larger the volume the higher the units.
5. Wow! I am exceeding my alcohol intake, are there tips to help me cut down?
Yes there are.
As we like to achieve a target, setting a limit on the amount of alcohol one drinks, will push you to achieve it. Remember to take small steps at a time
Do not stock your fridge with too many alcoholic beverages and if possible not at all, to avoid the temptation of exceeding your limit.
Drink a pint of water before you start to drink alcohol, this way you are less likely to drink above your targeted limits.
Swap strong strength alcohol drinks (ABV %) with lower strength.
Use small glass sizes for your alcoholic drinks.
6. I am a light drinker and I want to stop completely, any tips ?
Write down the places, events, which contribute to you drinking alcohol and cut down on going to these places.
When thirsty quench your thirst with water.
If you have a real problem, see a specialist. The best place is to contact your local health service.
7. Hmm, what about my friends ? I drink more when we get together
Generally, avoid the company of other binge drinkers. For your friends, show them this post and encourage one another to cut down on your alcohol drinking habit
Come up with more varied activities to perform when you are with friends. For example instead of hanging out in pubs and alcohol friendly places, why don't you go out and play some sports?
8. I or someone I know has a serious drinking problem, help ?
You should seek professional help. The best place is to contact your health service.
Some people may not be able to do it on their own.We all need help at one point or other and who can better help us than our family and friends, so tell them about the target you set.
9. What about alcohol and pregnancy ?
Women should avoid alcohol when pregnant.
10. I have more questions
If you have more questions, kindly visit http://www.olimehealth.blogspot.com
The Author
Olime Health is Olime health is a total health brand on a mission to enable people to choose and live healthier lifeclasss. We do this through advocacy, health research and promotion, education and professional health services. Visit http://olimehealth.blogspot.com or follow us on twitter @Olimehealth