alcohol consumption
That’s why it’s worth doing without even after “Dry January”
Even after “Dry January” it’s worth saying “no” to alcohol every now and then.
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In January, many people abstain from alcoholic beverages. Why it is worth reducing consumption even after “Dry January”.
Many people use January to abstain from alcohol for a month after the holidays around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But even outside of “Dry January” it is worthwhile to evaluate and possibly reduce your own alcohol consumption.
Because whether the evening glass of red wine is really as good for your health as has long been claimed is questionable. Even doctors have not come to a consensus so far. But one thing is certain: even small amounts of alcohol can have serious negative effects on your health.
The Federal Ministry of Health assumes that around 74,000 deaths are caused by alcohol consumption. Almost eight million of the 18 to 64-year-old population in Germany consume alcohol in a health-risk form. However, this does not necessarily have to be an alcohol disease or addiction, even moderate consumption can be harmful.
How much alcohol is too much?
The amount from which “excessive alcohol consumption” is involved has not yet been defined uniformly, but usually means the consumption of at least four to five alcoholic drinks at one drinking opportunity. The German Center for Addiction Questions (DHS) recommends women to consume no more than 12 grams (e.g. one eighth of wine) and men no more than 24 grams of alcohol (e.g. two small glasses of beer) per day. You should also avoid alcohol for at least two to three days a week.
How alcohol affects the body
Anyone who consumes alcohol too often or in too large quantities risks a variety of health problems. The liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol, is particularly badly affected. Regular consumption can also lead to shrinkage of the brain tissue – memory and the ability to concentrate decrease as a result. Judgment can also be permanently damaged. Regular consumption also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke.
Those who drink a lot of alcohol also increase their risk of developing cancer – especially of the liver, oral cavity, esophagus and rectum. In addition, there is a risk of inflammation of the pancreas and gastric mucosa. The libido also suffers: alcohol reduces potency and reduces the ability to have sex in both men and women.
Beer belly and more: alcohol changes the appearance
In the long term, alcohol consumption can also lead to obesity, the classic beer belly is well known. Because not only does alcohol itself have a lot of calories, consumption also stimulates the appetite for food.
In addition, alcohol robs our youthful appearance: it dehydrates the body – with the result that the skin is less able to regenerate. The effects: deeper and more wrinkles and a changed appearance of the skin. Through consumption, the peripheral blood vessels dilate, which leads to a flushed face or the typical “booze nose”.
Because alcohol weakens the immune system, the skin is no longer so well protected against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Skin disorders such as acne or psoriasis are more likely to occur.
Dementia, “Hangxiety” and Co.: a burden on the psyche
The fact that alcohol isn’t good for the body becomes apparent in the morning after a night of drinking at the latest. Headaches, sweating, nausea are among the symptoms of a hangover. But the fun from the night before also has a psychological effect on many people: alcohol activates receptors in the brain that are responsible for relieving anxiety and calming down, the body wants to compensate for the excessive activation and releases stimulating substances. Because the body’s counter-reaction wears off more slowly than the effects of alcohol, you often feel nervous or restless the day after. The feeling is also called “hangxiety”, a portmanteau of the two English words “hangover” and “anxiety”.
And alcohol also has a long-term effect on the brain and psyche. Use can lead to unreliability, irritability, excessive jealousy, depression and even suicidal thoughts. “Mental and behavioral disorders caused by alcohol” is one of the most common reasons for treatment in German hospitals.
According to a study by the Federal Ministry of Health Middle-aged people who consume more than 24 grams of pure alcohol per day (250 ml of wine or 0.6 liters of beer) have a higher risk of developing dementia.