We are nearly there, it is almost Christmas, and after the year we’ve had, a drink here and there could be just what the doctor ordered! However, before turning to the bottle, as tempting as it may be, stop and think: do I really want this? I am not a killjoy, far from it, trust me I enjoy a good drink or two, however, I pace it out and drink when I really fancy a good night out, or even in, with good socialising company.
On a good night with friends, it would be more of ‘somebody stop me’. It isn’t much when I compare to others who would drink two or three to my each one. When you don’t drink often, it hits you faster, and I guess quality to quantity works well for me. I drink when I am in the mood for a drink and when I feel I actually want to. I am not one to drink on my own, unless I really fancied a particular drink, that I purely wanted a taste of, which is rare and seldom being honest.
A little drink can actually be good for us. The doctors recommend an occasional glass of red wine for it has benefits not only to relax and calm you down at the end of a tough day, but it does have the added benefits of antioxidants.
Understanding the risks and also any possible health benefits of alcohol can seem confusing, as the evidence of moderate alcohol use in healthy adults is not really certain. Surprisingly, researchers know little about the risks of moderate alcohol use in healthy adults. Almost all the studies of lifestyle, including exercise, diet, caffeine and alcohol, actually really rely on a patient’s truthful reporting of habit and lifestyle over the years. So often, although it may seem that things may be associated with one another, it does not necessarily indicate that one may cause another. Therefore, people that are in good health and participate in more social activities and enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol – the alcohol has nothing to do with making them healthier. Some say a little of what you fancy does you good. If one is in good health naturally, then a little indulgence here and there should not do any harm.
The potential benefits of alcohol are of course small, and may not even apply to many. Nowhere in the medical field does it state that one should start drinking alcohol for its possible benefits. The possible benefits just do not outweigh the risks, and so of course avoiding alcohol or unnecessary excess consumption would no doubt be best.
If a moderate drinker and one is healthy, then continuing to do so responsibly should be fine. It has been said that moderate consumption may provide some benefits such as reducing the risks of developing heart disease and possibly reducing the risk of stroke.
Excessive drinking is said to cause high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke, liver disease, pancreatitis, accidental injury or even death in some cases, and toxic reaction to a combination of alcohol and medication – these are just some, the list extends beyond.
Excessive high risk or heavy drinking is said to be more than 4 drinks on one day or 14 drinks in one week for those under the age of 65, or 3 drinks on any one day or more than 7 drinks a week for anyone aged over 65.
One drink = 12oz Beer
One drink = 4oz Wine
One drink = 1.5oz spirit
As always, really think before you drink and make it a luxury indulgence rather than an everyday pastime.
Love and sparkles
Samsara x
