Alcohol has been derided as poison that wreaks havoc on the body systems and leads to many ailments. While this may be true, research reveals that there are many health benefits of alcohol too. But, you should take care to consume drinks in moderation. Read on to know all about the numerous benefits of alcohol.

Health Benefits of Alcohol

• Improves your voice tone
• Good for the respiratory system and heart
• Improves digestion
• Promotes sound sleep
• Provides nourishment to the body
• Relieves anxiety and stress
• Improves strength
• Lowers the risk of gallstones

Research Results on the Benefits of Alcohol

• Moderate drinking is most beneficial for seniors.
• Alcohol reduces the risk of heart ailments. However, binge drinking is known to substantially raise heart disease risk.
• It reduces diabetes risk in both men and women. This is because moderate drinking helps to improve the body’s insulin sensitivity. It also lowers insulin levels.
• In seniors, moderate drinking lowers the risk of dementia. This could be because most people drink alcohol while socializing and this factor may play a large role in preventing dementia.
• Research evidence suggests that another benefit of alcohol is that it can prevent silent strokes and other kinds of brain injury.
• Moderate drinkers have better overall health compared to heavy drinkers or abstainers.
• There is less acute hospitalization among regular moderate drinkers.
• A ten-year study found that moderate drinkers suffered less illness and were psychologically healthier compared to heavy drinkers and abstainers.
• A Canadian study discovered that daily moderate drinkers suffered 15% less disability compared to the general populace.
• A Dutch study suggests that moderate drinking helps to cope better with stress and depression.
• Moderate drinking lowers the risk of duodenal ulcer, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Alcohol helps to combat the effects of aging. Seniors are advised to drink moderately and exercise regularly to maintain optimum physical functioning.

Summary
To reiterate, only moderate drinking has positive effects. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for women and two per day for men. Seniors over 65 should restrict themselves to one drink a day to enjoy the health benefits of alcohol. Before you start drinking alcohol for its benefits, get the green signal from your doctor first. Pregnant women should never consume alcohol.

Contrary to popular belief, beer has many health benefits. In fact, research studies show that beer may be more beneficial than wine. In this article, we reveal the numerous benefits of beer.

Nutritional Benefits of Beer
Beer is rich in many beneficial nutritional compounds such as:

• B-complex vitamins like B2, B6 and B12 that promote the formation of hemoglobin and help other body functions.
• Beer is rich in useful minerals like phosphorus, niacin selenium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, silicon, potassium and calcium.
• It does not contain any cholesterol or fat.
• However, beer is low in carbohydrates and protein.

Health Benefits of Beer
It is advisable to consume beer in moderate amounts to enjoy the following health benefits:

• Beer prevents the formation of kidney stones by dissolving toxins and particles before they clump together and become large deposits in the kidneys.
• It reduces blood insulin which can prevent hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Beer boosts blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
• Beer contains folates which reduce the chances of coronary diseases by 30%.
• Moderate beer consumption lowers the risk of stroke by 20%.
• It contains flavanoids that combat free radicals, which are known to cause diseases like cancer.
• Beer raises good cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of blood clot formation. This prevents thrombosis and strokes.
• It can postpone the onset of diseases that occur due to aging.
• Beer is rich in silicon and calcium which make the bones healthier and stronger and increase bone density which prevents osteoporosis.
• It helps to combat stress, and promotes relaxation and sound sleep.
• Seniors can enjoy benefits of beer such as improved bone density, urinary function, sleep and expansion of blood vessels.
• Beer combats the neurotoxins which cause Alzheimer’s disease, and also prevents dementia.
• It is composed of more than 90% water and this helps to flush toxins from the kidneys.
• During brewing, most of the bacteria is removed from beer.
• You can condition your hair with beer to make them glowing and shiny.
• There are culinary benefits of beer too as it is a great meat tenderizer and can also be used in soups, gravies and batters.
• Beer helps to minimize chromosomal damage caused by exposure to radiation.

A Word of Caution
Do not get carried away by the numerous benefits of beer mentioned above. There are some undesirable side effects too caused by regular heavy drinking. These include developing a beer belly, heartburn, increase in blood pressure, intoxication, dehydration and hangover. Never drive after drinking beer as it impacts motor skills and attention. Consume beer moderately to enjoy its benefits and avoid side effects.

Underage Drinking is associated with Risky Behavior:
Based on U.S. Surgeon General reports, nearly 5,000 kids below 21 years die every year due to underage drinking – from suicides, crashes and homicides. Also, teenage drinkers are at a risk of developing several other injuries and life-long abuse of alcohol. The dangers of teen drinking can be reduced by reducing underage drinking.

Brain development and alcohol abuse:

• Studies indicate that in a human being the brain continues to develop in early 20’s and that exposure of brain development may have long-term effect on the intellectual capability and can increase addiction to alcohol.
• The earlier one starts, it has impact on the future drinking of a person. If you start drinking in the early age, the risk of alcohol dependence increases by 14 percent.

Driving after Drinking:

• Car accidents are the leading cause of death among the people between 15 – 20 years. Nearly 1,900 teens below 21 years die annually from car accidents due to teenage drinking.
• Young people are more prone to alcohol-induced impairment of the driving skills. Teenagers between 16 – 20 years are more involved in fatal crashes compared to those who are 21 years or older.

Suicide:

• Alcohol addiction may interact with some conditions such as stress and depression. This contributes to nearly 300 teen suicides every year.
• High school students are more susceptible to attempt suicide compared to non-drinkers. Also, binge drinkers are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to non-drinkers.

Sexual behavior:

• Teen drinkers are more likely to have had sexual contact than compared to those who do not drink.
• Drinking in high levels can increase the likelihood of sexual intercourse.
• Adults drinking in high amounts are more likely to engage in the risky sexual activities such as having physical contact with strangers or failing to use precautionary measures to prevent STD’s.

Other risks:

• Teen drinkers are more likely to smoke marijuana, carry a weapon or use inhalants.
• Binge drinking will considerably increase the probability of these activities.

These are a few dangers of teen drinking. Parents must be cautious about their teens. They must monitor their kids and take care of them.

Teenagers in colleges are known to drink beer and other liquor at parties. Many even end up binge drinking and cause themselves great harm. Why do

teenagers and alcohol

hit if off when they legally shouldn’t? In this article, we reveal the effects of alcohol on teenage bodies and why youngsters should wait till they reach the legal age to start drinking alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol is known to kill more young men and male teenagers than drugs like marijuana, cocaine or heroin. The debilitating effects of alcohol can cause injury and even death. Many men fight and drive recklessly and indulge in other risky behavior under its influence. Typically, excessive alcohol use increases the risk of homicides, suicides, drowning and car crashes. Teenage girls are vulnerable as they may indulge in risky sexual behavior after drinking and suffer an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.

Effects of Alcohol on Teenage Bodies

• Alcohol can poison the immature organs of teenagers.
• It can damage the liver. In fact, the liver may take some days to recover after a binge drinking session.
• Heart beat becomes irregular and may even stop.
• During cold winters, some teens die because they pass out in freezing conditions after drinking too much alcohol.
• Lack of sugar in the body can lead to seizures and coma.
• Breathing becomes slow or shallow and can even stop.
• Many teens die after drinking alcohol as they choke on their vomit. They become unconscious and breathe in their own vomit. This deprives the brain of oxygen and causes death.

Why Teens Drink?

Many teens experiment with drugs and alcohol. The main reasons why they try these addictive substances are:

• Curiosity about their effects
• To relax, reduce stress and feel good
• Peer pressure and the urge to fit into their friend circles
• Some teens can’t wait to get older, and they may feel more rebellious and free by drinking alcohol
• Teenagers are exposed to attractive alcohol ads and they want to give it a try
• Teens see their parents and others drink alcohol socially and thus drinking may seem harmless to them

Whey Teens Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol

In the US, it is illegal for people below 21 to drink alcohol. But, you can see many teenage school and undergraduate students binge drinking at parties and other occasions. Read on and learn why it is essential for teens to refrain from drinking alcohol:

• Alcohol is addictive. If you get addicted it can be a long, hard battle to overcome this addiction.
• You can get arrested if the cops catch you while drinking. Besides, teens can also lose their equilibrium and commit crimes and start fighting, inviting legal trouble.
• Alcohol can affect a teen’s academic and sports performance.
• Drinking does not make you look cool. In fact, you may end up doing stupid things like barfing or peeing in public. Alcohol will also give you bad breath, which will turn off your date. The next morning you are likely to get a bad hangover which can spoil your entire day.
• Drunken teens are more likely to indulge in unsafe sex. They may also get involved in a suicide, homicide, drowning or car crash.
• Teenage drinkers can become fat and suffer health problems. Research reveals that teenage binge drinkers can become overweight and suffer from high blood pressure. If they continue drinking into adulthood, they may end up damaging vital organs like the brain, heart and liver.

Summary

We hope this article has convinced you about the need for

teenagers and alcohol

to remain separate. Do not give into peer pressure, but stand on your ground and just say “no” to alcohol. You will find out that this gutsy decision is the best when you see your friends acting stupid and weird after binge drinking.

You were binge drinking last night and this morning you have a terrible hangover. You have come to the right place for advice. In this article, we offer you effective

hangover remedies

. It is important to sleep well and drink plenty of juice or water to cure a hangover. Read on to learn more:

Best Hangover Remedies

• Sleep through your hangover to feel better. If it is bad, take leave from work and stay in bed.
• Avoid caffeine to ensure you do not exacerbate the dehydration caused by your binge drinking.
• Consume orange juice as it is rich in vitamin C. Other fruit juices with vitamin C are apple and cranberry juices. Make them from fresh fruits for best results.
• Drink sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade to replenish yourself.
• Eat foods rich in minerals like canned fish or pickles.
• Take a soothing shower to feel better.
• Alka Seltzer is known to be a great
  

  hangover remedy

  as it provides relief within minutes.

• Do some exercises to get the sweat flowing. But, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
• When you are hung over, avoid ibuprofen, Tylenol and aspirin as these can exacerbate the effects of alcohol.

More Great Hangover Remedies

• Avoid eating a hearty meal when you have a heavy hangover. This might cause a stomach upset and worsen the situation.
• But, a light meal can cure hangovers. Soothe your stomach with a hot soup full of fresh vegetables to replenish lost vitamins.
• A hangover means your body lacks electrolytes, minerals and vitamins. To help your body recover faster eat mixed fruits including strawberries, grapes, peaches and bananas. Or, make and consume a smoothie with vitamin supplements. Honey, milk, orange juice or bananas can be used to make great smoothies. If you feel like vomiting, drink a smoothie or shake for relief.
• Other great
  

  hangover remedies

  are ginger, frozen fruits, yogurt and milk.

• Eggs are also good for hangovers. Boil or pouch them and add to hot soup. Avoid oily and fatty foods.

Summary

The above provided

hangover remedies

can effectively cure your condition. But, avoid excessive or binge drinking as it can cause addiction and worse hangovers. Moderation is the key to a healthy and enjoyable life.

Alcoholism creates many physical and mental problems. This addiction can ruin your career, social relationships and family life. Therefore, it is imperative for alcoholics to overcome their addiction as soon as possible. In this article, we reveal easy and effective tips on

how to stop drinking.

First Step

First, mull over the reasons why you drink in the first place. Such introspection will reveal the psychological reasons behind your alcohol addiction, if any. Then, make the mental effort to overcome the mind blocks and bid adieu to alcohol.

Reduce Gradually

Chronic drinkers may find it hard to give up their habit at one go. They can instead reduce their alcohol consumption gradually. Make a timetable for yourself and stick to it to reduce your addiction gradually.

Keep Track of Progress

Maintain a diary to record your progress and analyze it each week. There are bound to be lapses, but you must show a big heart to bounce back. Treat these lapses as a stepping stone to progress. Monitoring your progress or lack of it will help to keep you in control of the situation.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are unable to make progress by yourself, talk to your doctor. Chronic drinking can affect vital organs like the digestive system, kidneys, heart, pancreas, liver etc. If that is the case you need your doctor’s help immediately. They can prescribe the right medications for your condition and assist you with advice on

how to stop drinking.

Overcome Obstacles

You need to introspect and identify stumbling blocks to progress. For instance, your friends may be goading you to drink. In that case, you need to sever your friendship with them. Also make effective lifestyle changes to overcome drinking. Instead of alcohol, you can try delicious and healthy drinks like fruit juices.

Join a Support Group

You can join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous for help and guidance. The old members who have managed to quit can offer you useful advice and practical help. You can share your problems with them and gain knowledge about others’ experiences. You are guaranteed to get understanding and empathy for your condition. You can find self-help groups on the Internet too, which will enable you to maintain your anonymity.

Say NO to Drinks

Your associates and friends may persuade you to drink now and then. Stay firm and refuse with a strong NO. Overcoming alcohol addiction is all in the mind. Try creative activities like hobbies, playing music, writing etc. to divert yourself from drinking. If you are making progress, reward yourself in other ways for your success.

Take Spiritual Help

Try yoga and meditation, and start reading spiritual books to gain a whole new perspective about your addiction. You can learn relaxation techniques and try to increase your awareness of body and mind. All these will make you realize that you are holding on too tight to the rope that is life. You will learn to let go of your addiction and other bad habits too, if any. Spirituality increases our self-awareness and mental alertness. It can also strengthen your resolve to stick to the right path. With a firm and enlightened mind you would find it easy to stop drinking.

Summary

We hope the above tips on

how to stop drinking

will prove useful to you. The most important thing is you should realize alcohol addiction is mostly a mind game. Once you firm up your resolve, overcoming any addiction will become as easy as eating apple pie.

effects of alcohol abuse

on your body, mind and social relationships.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Liver

Liver is important to break down alcohol. Too much of alcohol can cause a condition called fatty liver. More than 50% of alcohol addicts suffer from fatty liver. The symptoms are fever, weight loss, appetite loss, vomiting and nausea. The good news is that even chronic alcoholics can recuperate from fatty liver if they stop drinking. The worst liver ailment caused by over-consumption of alcohol is known as liver cirrhosis.

Alcohol Abuse and Cancer

Alcohol abuse can cause cancers in the esophagus, throat and mouth. This risk is increased for drinkers who are also regular smokers. Heavy drinkers face higher risk of getting liver cancer and cancer of the large intestine. Women drinkers increase their risk of breast cancer.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse on Mental Health

• Heavy drinkers can suffer from depression
• Alcohol abuse can lead to many mental health ailments
• Alcoholics have a high suicide rate (15% of alcoholics go on to commit suicide)
• Alcohol dependence leads to irritability and cravings
• In children, alcohol abuse can cause antisocial behavior
• Alcoholics commonly suffer from panic disorder and anxiety
• Another effect of alcohol abuse is increased risk of suffering from psychotic disorders
• Chronic alcohol misuse worsens symptoms of social phobia
• Sleep disorders are another unfortunate side effect

Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Brain

The immediate effects of alcohol consumption include impaired memory, slow reaction, slurred speech, blurred vision, difficulty in walking etc. Chronic alcoholics can suffer brain damage that may last for a lifetime. The

effects of alcohol abuse

on the brain depend on factors such as:

• Amount and frequency of consumption
• Length of time of chronic drinking
• Family record of alcoholism
• The individual’s general state of health.

Binge Drinking and Blackouts

Blackouts are commonly reported among college students and others who indulge in binge drinking. This is caused because they drink too quickly and too much. Binge drinking is the consumption of at least five drinks within two hours. Women are at higher risk of blackouts after binge drinking because of how their body metabolism handles alcohol.

Social Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Besides health complications, chronic alcohol abuse can cause social friction affecting your career, finances, emotional stability and hence your relationships. Alcohol can affect your relationship with your friends, family members and office colleagues. Alcoholics face a higher risk of getting divorced, domestic violence, unemployment and poverty.

Your Loved Ones Suffer Too

Your friends and family members may try to cover up for your addiction and thereby incur suffering too. Your family members may be forced to work harder and for longer hours if you are not able to bring home the bacon. If you have kids, they may undergo emotional trauma because of your alcoholism.

Summary

Clearly, the

effects of alcohol abuse

are considerably damaging and wide-ranging. If you are an alcoholic, we hope this article will make your realize the dangers of your addiction and help you take firm and courageous steps to overcome it.

Alcoholism develops when the person has a habit of drinking alcohol from a long time. So he can’t resist his urge to drink and thus becomes addicted to alcohol.

Home Remedies for Alcoholism

• Eating at least 2 apples per day reduces the crave for alcohol. This is a simple but very effective home remedy for alcoholism.
• Drinking lemon juice or orange juice is a very good alcoholism home remedy.
• Take a glass of water and mix it with half glass of celery juice. Drink this water two times in a day. It reduces the crave for alcohol. This is an effective home remedy for alcoholism.
• Eating banana or apple helps in removing the harmful toxins collected in the body.
• Eating grapes and dates is very helpful in controlling alcoholism.
• Take some dates and soak them in half glass of water. Drink this combination two times per day. This is a very good home remedy for alcoholism.
• A glass of carrot juice should be taken when the person can’t resist his urge to drink alcohol. It is also an effective natural remedy for alcoholism as it reduces the temptation.

Causes of Alcoholism

• Depression
• Business loss
• Death of dear one
• Unhappy relations

Symptoms of alcoholism

• Red eyes
• Weak digestion
• Palpitation
• Nervous disorder
• Vomiting
• Headache

Tips for Your Wellness

• Take proper rest
• Don’t take any stress
• Do constructive work
• Take more and more fruit juice
• Don’t take oily and fatty foods

Definition of Hangover and Nausea:

A hangover is the unpleasant feeling, affecting physiologically following a excess consumption of alcohol.

Nausea

is the feeling of sickness or stomach upset followed by an urge to vomit.

A heavy boozing can show the symptoms of nausea,headache, giddiness,thirst, diarrhea, anxiety, weakness and depression.

As per the study conducted on boozing. The persons who are new to drinking are more resistant than the people who regularly take liquor. And approximately 23% to 31% of drinkers do not show the hangover symptoms.

Most of the drinkers face several problem after boozing, they complain about weakness, headache and nausea etc. While some suffer restless sleeps, hunger, dehydration and repulse by the smell and taste of liquor.

Causes of hangover:

Ethanol is the main element that causes dehydration through lots of urine production. which in turn causes lethargy, mouth dryness and headache. The alcohols effect on the stomach causes Nausea.

The ethanol after passing through liver enzymes is converted into acetaldehyde by enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, and is further converted into acetic acid by enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This process diverts the other pathways like gluconeogenesis. This effects the supply of glucose to various parts of the body especially brain. Thus it contributes to the symptoms of hangover.

How to avoid hangovers:

• Do not take liquor in excess quantity
• Avoid acidic food and eat light, while drinking
• Avoid smoking while drinking
• Drink plenty of water after boozing. This will help rehydrate the body
• Taking Vitamin B6 will help reduce hangovers.

Health Benefits of Coffee

Many studies have suggested that those who regularly drink coffee have less likely chance (by 80%) of developing Parkinson’s diseases. Other studies have also pointed that compared to those who do not drink coffee, drinking a minimum of two cups may reduce the risk of cancer (colon) by up to 25%, liver cirrhosis by 80% and gallstones by 50%.

It is suggested that the rich presence of antioxidants such as tocopherols, chlorogenic acid as well as magnesium may boost sensitivity to insulin and glucose metabolism. This could help in treating type II diabetes.

Some of the benefits of coffee are also suggested to be due to caffeine. “The evidence is very strong that regular coffee consumption reduces risk of Parkinson’s disease and for that, it’s directly related to caffeine,” says Tomas DePaulis from Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies. He further adds, “In fact, Parkinson’s drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on this evidence.”

Further evidences have also pointed towards the beneficial effect of coffee in managing asthma, treating headaches, improving mood and treating cavities.

Coffee Health Risks

Studies have also revealed that drinking coffee may not be as beneficial as it is proclaimed. This is could be because of the presence of addictive stimulant, caffeine.

• Coffee and Heart Health:

  The US National Institutes of Health study has revealed that drinking decaffeinated coffee may raise the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol. This can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), etc.

• Coffee and Women Health:

  Though it is not yet conclusive, but some studies have also shown that coffee may increase the risk of breast cancer, premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, fibrocystic breast disease, etc.

• Coffee and Dyspepsia:

  Experts suggest that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may induce secretion of acids that could lead to dyspepsia.

• Coffee and Constipation:

  Once colon become used to the stimulating action of coffee, this can make its normal peristalsis become sluggish, leading to constipation.

Lastly, it could be added that there is no direct answer to whether coffee is a health drink or not. Before taking it, though, you may want to do your own research and come to the conclusion.