The tendency to consume is quite high during festive periods; alcohol could be consumed in high volumes during such a period. While alcohol may have some benefits when taken in moderation, excessive intake has immediate complications. The immediate effect of high alcohol intake could be a hangover.
A Hangover is characterized by splitting headache, weakness, muscle pains and raised blood pressure. It is due to the by-products of the breakdown of alcohol by the body.
But do you really need the problem? The answer is no, you can do without alcohol.
Here is how to reduce your intake especially during festive periods.
1. Decide on what you like to drink
The alcoholic content varies from drink to drink, beer has 3-6 percent alcohol, wines have about 6-14 percent alcohol, spirits such as rum, vodka, gin, brandy, whisky could have alcohol content as high as 40 percent. Therefore the type of alcoholic drink you take is very important. Go for the one with low alcohol content.
2. Apply restriction
Restrict yourself to a glass of red wine, or a glass or two of beer or a glass of spirit or a glass of champagne.
A glass of beer is equal to a CAN of beer
Each type of alcoholic drink is associated with a particular type of glass (cup). Find out the glass meant for what you want to drink and adhere.
3. Eat before taking alcohol
Eat before you start drinking alcohol. A full stomach reduces the absorption rate of alcohol and also the total amount of alcohol consumption. If the rate of absorption is slowed down, the intoxication is reduced, if the stomach is full, very little will be consumed.
4. Add ice to spirits
If you must take spirit, if that is your preference, then add some ice blocks to dilute the alcohol contained in the glass of spirit.
5. Sip your alcohol
To reduce the rate of absorption of alcohol into your body and also the total amount consumed in a day, sip your alcoholic drinks while engaged in conversations with friends or associates, reading a book or watching a movie. Do not gulp your drinks.
6. Alternate your alcohol with water
Alternate your drinks with water; you can either have two glasses in your “front”, one for water and the other for your alcoholic drink OR alternate your glass of drink with a glass of water. This action will reduce your total amount of alcohol consumed during a party.
Dr. Edward E. Sowho.
