This holiday period, amid the merriment of cocktails and cooler ftes, the temptation to overindulge will undoubtedly present itself. As we knock back beers and let loose to lyme, reminders to consume alcohol responsible bear repeating and repeating.

Lets face it. The consequences of overconsumption often extend far beyond the next days hangover. Even if you are just a casual drinker with no long-term habit of alcohol abuse, drinking alcohol irresponsibly can lead to disaster, especially on the roads. As we prepare to sip and celebrate, there needs to be some awareness of the risks that come with the overconsumption of alcohol.

Occupational health adviser at Red Stripe Veronica Benain breaks down how too much alcohol disrupts the body and poses a threat to short- and long-term health. A registered nurse, she also provides those determined to imbibe this holiday season with tips on avoiding the effects of overconsumption.

How each person reacts to alcohol is based on multiple factors, Benain says. Its based on a combination of things such as gender, weight, health, and unique physiology all working together to establish each individuals tolerance level for alcohol. Its important to know your personal limit because overconsumption for you is indulging beyond your tolerance level.

Benain warns that while what is considered as too much may vary per person, the general effects on each persons body are universal.

The short-term effects of a few too many drinks are the commonplace symptoms. The most noticeable of its effects are on the brain. Alcohol disrupts the parts of the brain that deal with motor function that inhibits our balance and speech. Too much alcohol, and we start struggling to walk and string sentences together.

Benain says, Since alcohol also affects how the brain makes memories, overdrinking can result in anything from minor lapses in memory to full-on blackouts. Its effects on the stomach and liver are a bit more subtle but more threatening to our immediate health.

Benain also notes that the bodys process to break down alcohol is quite delicate and can easily be exacerbated by overconsumption. Prolonged abuse, she says, can be disastrous.

Overdrinking puts the stomach at risk of damage, Benain says. If bacteria develop there, it can also threaten the liver. Alcohol passes through the liver, where it is broken down and toxins are removed. When the liver is damaged or is put under too much pressure, it cannot function properly.

If these toxins are allowed to build up in the liver, it can lead to anything from fatty liver, which can be remedied in a few weeks, to cirrhosis, which can be fatal.

Benain outlined the importance of food when it comes to managing the effects of overconsumption. Food provides a buffer, helps to slow the absorption of the alcohol, and also protects the lining of your stomach.

Consuming carbohydrates and fats usually proves effective. Water is also highly recommended. It helps the liver to better absorb alcohol and maintains electrolyte balance.

Benain also shares a strategy to manage yourself and get home safely. Firstly, if youve been drinking too much, stop drinking, she said. If you can get water to drink, and if you can manage to eat, have something to eat. Sit for a minute. I would hope that you are out with somebody who has been assigned to be the designated driver, someone who had no alcohol for the evening. If that is the case, youre home free. If you dont have a designated driver, its time to call a cab. Whatever you do, under no circumstances should you get behind the wheel of a car, she stressed.

Veronica Benain is occupational health and office services manager at Red Stripe.

See the original post:
Veronica Benain | Celebrating safely - the effects of overconsumption of alcohol - Jamaica Gleaner