Too much alcohol can increase your risk of several cancers and other health problems including risk of stroke and can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
National guidelines advise that men and women should not consume more than 14 units per week on a regular basis. The guidelines also suggest if you do regularly drink up to 14 units per week you should spread alcohol consumption over a few days and include alcohol-free days.
One unit = half a pint of normal strength lager, cider or bitter, a standard glass of wine or 25ml of spirits.
Calculate the units of alcohol in your drink by using the drink aware alcohol calculator.
Alcohol can be linked to problems including:
- Anxiety, stress, depression and poor concentration
- Memory loss and brain damage
- Liver complaints
- Problems with stomach, intestines and bowel such as indigestion and stomach ulcers
- Kidney problems
- Certain types of cancer including breast cancer
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and risk of stroke
- Sexual difficulties such as temporary impotence
- Weight gain and obesity
- Ageing you before your time – wrinkles, dark circles around the eyes and reddening of the face.
What’s your limit?
The Change for Life website has lots of information to help you cut down your alcohol intake – take a look at their cutting down section. You can also use their drinks checker to see how many units you consume on average.
