The holidays are just around the corner, and that means many of us will forego our diets – and common sense – and indulge in a variety of food and spirits. And while it may seem harmless to “live it up” once in a while, drinking too much alcohol can have some pretty dramatic effects on the body.
Here are some of the things alcohol does to your health, and why you will want to limit how much you drink over the holidays:
Brain Fog
Alcohol disrupts the communication pathways inside your brain and can even affect the way your brain looks and works. Not only will you have trouble with clear thinking and coordination, but you may also find your mood takes a dramatic hit.
Heart Damage
Drinking can damage your heart and cause irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and even strokes. And this can happen to those who drink a lot over long periods of time, and even those who drink too much on a single occasion!
Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, there is a strong correlation between drinking alcohol and the development of certain cancers such as esophageal, liver, breast, and colon cancer.
Compromised Immunity
Drinking too much alcohol can compromise your immune system, making you far more susceptible to illness and disease. In fact, chronic drinkers are prone to catching diseases like pneumonia more so than people who don’t drink.
If you’re someone that likes to take part in the holiday festivities, take care to not overdo it. And if you believe you may be drinking too much these days, set a New Year’s goal of cutting back. Your health will thank you.
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