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Alcohol: mind and bodyPublished by Bupa's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, April 2008 Most of us are familiar with the pleasant glow that follows a couple of drinks. But there are other effects that alcohol has on your mind and body which may surprise you. Why am I putting on weight?You just have to do the maths! Alcohol is full of calories (see the table below). If you drink regularly without doing any extra exercise, you could start to gain weight. And although it has lots of calories, most alcoholic drinks contain no vitamins and minerals, so as well as putting on weight, you could be missing out on vital nutrients.
Why do I feel so awful the morning after?Hangovers are nature's way of telling you that you have overindulged in alcohol. Typical symptoms include a pounding head, thirst and nausea, and you may also feel extra sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. These symptoms are partly caused by dehydration. Alcohol makes you produce more urine and, unless you top up with water or soft drinks, it will leave you feeling thirsty, dehydrated and headachy. Hangovers are also caused by naturally occurring chemicals found in alcohol called congeners, some of which are toxic. Clear or light-coloured drinks (such as vodka and white wine) tend to have fewer congeners, while darker drinks (such as red wine and port) have more. Hangovers also cause low blood sugar, making you feel tired and weak. Why are my eyes bloodshot?Alcohol temporarily dilates the small blood vessels on the surface of your eyes, making them look red. It has the same effect on the blood vessels in your skin, particularly around the nose and cheeks. If you drink heavily over a long period of time, these changes may become permanent. Why do I sometimes get emotional or angry when I drink?According to the Institute for Alcohol Studies, when you drink alcohol, the part of your brain that governs judgement and self-control is affected first. That's why your behaviour changes first, followed by your speech and finally your physical co-ordination. This loss of control means that hidden emotions can sometimes surface and lead you to do and say things that you may regret the next morning. Why can't I perform in bed?Alcohol can certainly increase our sexual desire and, by reducing tension, enhance our enjoyment. In men, however, large doses of alcohol can block the nerves necessary for an erection. If this happens once or twice, a man can become worried about his sexual ability, which may lead to chronic problems. Why can't I sleep?Although it's true that a nightcap can help you drop off to sleep more quickly, alcohol can decrease the quality of your sleep. Research shows that, when you drink alcohol within an hour of bedtime, you are more likely to wake up during the second half of the night and you may have difficulty falling back to sleep again. Long-term effects of alcohol on the body While these are all short-term effects, prolonged heavy drinking can lead to permanent problems. The loss of inhibitions that comes with a few drinks can give way to mental health problems, and temporary sleep problems can turn into chronic insomnia. You are also at risk of other health problems, such as:
And finally, the good newsModerate drinking - that's about one or two units of alcohol a day - helps to prevent heart attacks in men aged over 40 and in women who have gone through the menopause. Try not to get carried away, though, as drinking above this level actually increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. And if you don't drink, there's no need to start - there are other, more effective ways to protect your heart, including eating a healthy balanced diet and taking regular exercise. Further information
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