ALL ABOUT ALCOHOL
There’s nothing like a glass of wine at the end of the day to help you relax from a long day, week, month….year. Alcohol, if consumed responsibly, can be additive in many ways. It can be enjoyed socially, with loved ones, as part of religious ceremonies, in special environments, as part of celebrations, and is a regular source of enjoyment for millions of people.
There is also research to show that moderate alcohol consumption can promote health and wellbeing by reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease and more. However, it is typically not advised to drink more due to these potential benefits, but to drink for the enjoyment or social aspect instead.
Use these tips to make better choices for your health when it comes to alcohol.
1. MAKE IT INTENTIONAL-
When you choose to enjoy a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine, do so intentionally. Enjoy the drink and try to avoid getting in the “habit” of drinking. Rather than having a couple drinks with dinner every night, try to make the choice to enjoy the beverage rather than doing so out of habit or forming a dependence.
2. BE RESPONSIBLE-
It is important to know your limits, how much alcohol you can enjoy without undesirable side effects, and how much is too much. Rather than drinking to get drunk, focus on others around you, conversations, the environment you’re in, and having a good time. It is always better to drink over good conversation, good food, good company, good atmosphere, etc.
It is also important to know the risks that over-drinking can have. Heavy alcohol use can lead to health detriments like liver disease, high cholesterol, inflammation, cancers and avoidable accidents. Minimize these risks by not drinking every day, limiting how much you drink at each occurrence, and not consistently getting overly intoxicated.
3. TIPS AND TRICKS-
In order to set yourself up for success, there are some tips and tricks you can implement when drinking:
· Drink plenty of water (before, during and after drinking).
· Eat a well-balanced diet (not just on the days you are drinking) to ensure that you are getting in all your macro and micronutrients.
· Take your time.
· Stop drinking a few hours before bed.
· Don’t drink more than 3-4 days/week.
· Arrange transportation ahead of time.
· Plan to drink with friends and/or family and in a good environment that you look forward to.
Overall, you likely know if you are engaging with alcohol in a safe and effective, or if you’re not. It is not necessary to constantly overdo it on the beverages in order to have fun and enjoy time with others. Overdoing it also tends to lead to not feeling your best the following day and, as a result, likely not putting your health and wellbeing first. Focus on what is most important around you, allow the beverages to simply add to your surroundings and immediate experience, and enjoy.