How will you be celebrating the King's Coronation this weekend?
This weekend many people up and down the country have plans to celebrate Britain's new King Charles through street parties, school events and hospitality hosted viewings. Alcohol is a widely consumed substance around the country, especially during a sunny bank holiday weekend with celebrations in place. However, it's important to recognise the potential harm that excessive alcohol consumption can have on our health. From liver damage to increased risk of cancer and mental health issues, alcohol can have a range of negative impacts on our physical and mental wellbeing. We want to encourage you to enjoy your Coronation weekend celebrations safely. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 reasons why alcohol consumption is bad for your health and why it's important to consume alcohol in moderation to prevent serious health consequences.
So, if you're someone who enjoys a drink or two and wants to learn more about the potential harm it can cause, keep reading.
Addiction: Alcohol is an addictive substance and can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit. In England there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers. Only 18% are receiving treatment.
Liver Damage: The liver is responsible for processing alcohol, and excessive drinking can lead to liver damage or disease. Typical indications of alcoholic liver disease usually consist of stomach pain and sensitivity, dryness of the mouth and heightened thirst, exhaustion, yellowing of the skin (known as jaundice), reduced appetite, and feelings of sickness. At Pall Mall Medical, we can test the functionality of your liver with our liver functioning blood test, a rapid and reliable test where you will receive your results within 24 hours.
Increased Risk of Cancer: Heavy drinking can increase the risk of various types of cancers. According to the CDC, drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers.
Mental Health Issues: Alcohol is a depressant that can affect the central nervous system and alter our mood, thoughts, and behaviours. Long-term alcohol abuse can increase the risk of developing a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Weakened Immune System: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells in your body, which are essential for fighting off infections.
Cardiovascular Problems: Drinking can increase your blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke. At Pall Mall Medical, we provide rapid support with a highly experienced specialist cardiology consultant. From pinpointing the problem to a personalised treatment plan, they are dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest level of care when it comes to any heart conditions.
Weight Gain: Alcohol contains a lot of calories, and excessive drinking can lead to weight gain and obesity. A bottle of red wine has roughly 615 calories, a third of a woman's recommended average daily intake.
Financial Issues: Alcohol can be expensive, and excessive drinking can lead to financial difficulties both in the short and long term. Large alcohol consumption can lead you to spend beyond your means, in extreme cases it can also have an effect on your employment causing you to lose your job.
Impaired Judgement: Drinking can impair your judgement and decision-making abilities, leading to risky behaviour and dangerous situations. According to the NIAAA, Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgement to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.
Accidents and Injuries: Drinking can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, including car accidents, falls, and other types of accidents. In 2020, it was reported that a total of 6,480 people were killed or injured in drunk driving accidents in the UK.
Alcohol can be fun when consumed in moderation, it can enhance social settings, allowing you to break down social barriers and feel more relaxed. This weekend, enjoy a few glasses of wine, but be aware that excessive drinking can have serious consequences on your health and wellbeing. If you feel that you are experiencing negative effects from too much alcohol consumption, it's important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional, such as a private GP.
One of the benefits of seeing a private GP at Pall Mall Medical is that we can provide personalised, one-on-one care and attention, taking the time to listen to your concerns and provide tailored advice and treatment. Our expert, private GP can also offer a range of diagnostic tests and screening services to help identify any underlying health issues or complications related to alcohol consumption.
All of our GP appointments are confidential and discreet consultations, which can be particularly important if you're concerned about discussing your alcohol consumption with others. They can provide advice on how to reduce your alcohol intake, and refer you to specialist services or counselling if necessary.
If after the Bank Holiday weekend you have found that your drinking may be having a negative impact on your health, talking to a private GP can be an important step in taking control of your health. They can provide personalised advice, support, and treatment to help you make positive changes and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
It couldn’t be easier to book a private GP appointment with us, choose from face-to-face, telephone or video call. You, or a family member, can be seen as soon as the same or the next day thanks to a super-smart booking process. Appointments from £50.
