On average, alcohol reaches your brain within a few minutes.
No amount of alcohol is considered safe, however, you should try to limit your alcohol intake to a maximum of 10 standard drinks per week and a maximum of 4 standard drinks in one day.
One standard drink is generally equal to 100ml of wine, 285ml of beer, 285ml of cider or 30ml of spirits.
Excessive alcohol intake is linked to a variety of negative health effects. These include:
- increased risk of injuries
- high blood pressure
- liver disease and liver failure
- dehydration
- increase risk of stroke, diabetes and cancer (such as breast cancer, bowel cancer and liver cancer)
- memory problems
- weakened immune system
- depression and anxiety
- weight gain
- skin dehydration
- increased violent and risky behaviours
- the development of long term substance abuse
- impacts on your social and financial situation
Reducing your alcohol intake improves your:
- Energy levels
- Mental health
- Skin health
- Sleep quality
- Mental clarity
- Improves relationship with family and friends
- Save money
And can give you a sense of achievement.
How can you minimise your alcohol consumption?
- Meet up with friends in a alcohol-free environment.
- Swap your alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic versions.
- Focus on drinking water when thirsty.
- Stay active to keep your focus away from drinking.
- Set yourself a drink limit and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Stay dry this Dry July.
Book an appointment with our Chiropractor, Massage Therapist or Naturopath here or call us on 9651 5559.
Find more of our health tips here.
Sources:
Cancer Council. 2020. 12 tips to reduce your alcohol intake. https://www.cancer.org.au/blog/12-tips-to-reduce-your-alcohol-intake
Centres for Disease Control and prevention. 2022. Alcohol use and your health. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
Drink Wise. Alcohol and your health. https://drinkwise.org.au/alcohol-and-your-health/#app
Dry July Foundation. The campaign. https://www.dryjuly.com/about