Most people enjoy a few drinks with friends and family. However, it is easy to get too drunk and overindulge.
A doctor now reveals how long it takes for the liver to recover from a night of drinking.
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She warned that if you drink too much in a short space of time, you’re at increased risk of illness and injury.
Dr Elizabeth Rogers, Associate Clinic Director Bupa Health ClinicsShe said, “If you stop drinking alcohol for four weeks, your liver function could improve and your body may start to regenerate.”
“If your liver function is not too badly affected by alcohol, it can recover fully within 4-8 weeks.”
Consuming more than the recommended limit of 14 units per week means you’re putting yourself at an increased risk of problems with your heart, liver, and digestive system,
According to the NHS, we should not consume more than 14 units per week. A unit is a small glass or beer of wine.
Dr Rogers stated that regular consumption of alcohol over this amount can lead to problems in your heart, liver and digestive system.
She said that, despite the risk factor, your liver is able to repair and regenerate itself.
She also highlighted the fact that you have a greater risk of developing liver diseases if you drink five to ten units daily for more than three weeks.
Regularly drinking excessive alcohol can cause nerve damage and alter the levels of messenger chemicals (neurotransmitters).
“This can lead to problems with memory, eyesight, balance and coordination, and how sensations including pain are felt around your body”She said,
Drinking in excess can also lead to other issues. Dr Rogers suggested that you watch out for Prosecco or Champagne as they can damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
You can also harm your nerves by drinking too much alcohol. This can affect your brain’s levels of messenger chemicals (neurotransmitters).
“This can result in problems with memory and eyesight, balance, coordination, and how you feel around your body, including pain.
“Drinking more than usual can negatively affect your mental health, too. Alcohol alters the chemistry in your brain and can increase your risk of getting anxiety and depression”, Dr Rogers said.
KNOW YOUR SIGNS
There is a risk to drinking regularly. If you’re drinking every night, one glass of wine may not be enough.
Guidelines recommend that, over a week, it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol. Both men and women should follow the same guidelines.
Although it can be difficult to tell if someone is drinking excessively, Dr Rogers suggests that there are things you can do.
She added: “Watch out for feeling constantly tired, regularly experiencing hangovers, sweating a lot, and having regular headaches, as these are all signs you’re drinking too much.
“Watch out for psychological changes too, such as feeling anxious, experiencing mood swings and intensely craving alcohol.”
LIMITATION
Dr Rogers suggested that there are many ways to keep your boozing under control, but cautioned against saving up alcohol for one big party.
She stated that these should be spaced over the course of a week.
“Spread your drinking over a few days and where possible, aim for 3-4 alcohol-free days each week. Remember that 14 units a week is a limit, not a goal!”
She suggested that asking yourself why you drink is a great way of keeping tabs.
““Mindful drinking” is the practice of being aware of why and how much alcohol you drink. This can lead to better relationships with alcohol and lower consumption.
“It’s a simple trend to adopt – to practice mindful drinking, pause before each new drink and ask yourself why you’re drinking. From asking how it feels to drink this alcohol to if you feel good, all these simple techniques can improve your relationship with alcohol”She said so.
SOURCES FOR HELP
- See below for confidential tips, advice and online tools.drinkaware.co.uk. Talk to a professional adviser online chat or over the telephone, or search for support services online or in your area.
- Drinkaware urges anyone worried about their drinking, or someone else’s, to call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110.
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