There are many negative effects of alcohol, a few have been listed below:
Increased body fat levels
Dehydration
Reduced concentration, judgement and co-ordination
Decreased strength, power and endurance
Small amounts of alcohol consumed on a regular basis can have a positive effect on health as we get older, however an excess can lead to serious health problems. Large volumes of alcohol may contribute to impaired liver function, increased blood pressure, damage to brain cells and obesity (Australian Government, 2006). A number of studies have shown that a small and regular intake of alcohol may actually have positive effects on heart health, however the mechanism is unclear (Rimm et.al., 2001).
Low to moderate alcohol intake is considered:
Women - 2 standard drinks per day (on average)
Men - 4 standard drinks per day (on average)
PLUS 2 alcohol free days per week. Remember that a 'standard' drink may be far less than the volume you may normally consume eg. A standard drink of beer is 285ml. It should be made clear that there is no amount of alcohol that can be said to be safe for everybody, these are general guidelines only (Australian Government, 2006).
healthy diet, weight loss
Increased body fat levels
Dehydration
Reduced concentration, judgement and co-ordination
Decreased strength, power and endurance
Small amounts of alcohol consumed on a regular basis can have a positive effect on health as we get older, however an excess can lead to serious health problems. Large volumes of alcohol may contribute to impaired liver function, increased blood pressure, damage to brain cells and obesity (Australian Government, 2006). A number of studies have shown that a small and regular intake of alcohol may actually have positive effects on heart health, however the mechanism is unclear (Rimm et.al., 2001).
Low to moderate alcohol intake is considered:
Women - 2 standard drinks per day (on average)
Men - 4 standard drinks per day (on average)
PLUS 2 alcohol free days per week. Remember that a 'standard' drink may be far less than the volume you may normally consume eg. A standard drink of beer is 285ml. It should be made clear that there is no amount of alcohol that can be said to be safe for everybody, these are general guidelines only (Australian Government, 2006).
healthy diet, weight loss
