The countdown to 2025 has begun! With the year-end festivities in full swing, New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to celebrate with friends, family, and a glass of your favourite drink. From picking the perfect outfit to deciding on the cocktails to serve, the air is filled with excitement. While a toast to the new year feels festive, overindulgence can leave you dealing with more than just a splitting headache. Before you raise your glass for one last drink of 2024, let’s take a closer look at what happens to your body when you drink too much. After all, starting 2025 with a clear head, and a healthy body, is the best way to welcome the new year as ‘health is wealth.’

The first signs of over drinking manifest quickly, often during or shortly after the party. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, and its effects can be felt within minutes.

Dr Sarah Johnson, a clinical nutritionist, explains, “Alcohol affects the brain by interfering with neurotransmitters. This leads to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and potential memory lapses. At higher levels, alcohol can cause blackouts, a dangerous state where memory formation is disrupted.”

Additionally, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production. This can lead to dehydration, a primary contributor to the dreaded hangover symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea. A study published in Alcohol Research & Health highlights that dehydration combined with disrupted sleep significantly worsens post-drinking symptoms.

- Liver

The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, breaking it down into less harmful substances. However, excessive drinking overwhelms the liver's capacity. This can result in a build-up of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that causes inflammation and damages liver cells. Chronic overdrinking may lead to conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

- Stomach and Digestive System

Heavy alcohol consumption irritates the stomach lining, potentially causing gastritis. This irritation may result in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) shows that binge drinking can also exacerbate acid reflux and lead to ulcers.

- Heart

Alcohol can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. According to the American Heart Association, heavy drinking is linked to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.

Alcohol’s impact on the brain isn’t just limited to the night of drinking. Heavy drinking can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depressive episodes in the following days. Dr Rebecca Lee, a psychiatrist, notes, “Excessive alcohol can disrupt serotonin levels in the brain, leading to emotional instability. Moreover, chronic heavy drinking is associated with long-term cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.”

Long-Term Risks of Overdrinking

Studies consistently show that frequent heavy drinking is a major risk factor for various health conditions:

- Cancer: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). It increases the risk of cancers, including those of the liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, and breast.

- Weakened Immune System: Research from the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that alcohol impairs the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.

- Addiction: Regular overdrinking can lead to alcohol dependence, characterized by a compulsion to drink despite negative consequences.

Dr Emily Carter, a preventive medicine specialist, offers practical tips to enjoy your New Year’s Eve responsibly:

- Pace Yourself: Sip your drink slowly and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages like water or sparkling water to stay hydrated.

- Eat Before Drinking: Consuming a balanced meal before drinking can slow alcohol absorption, reducing its immediate impact.

- Set a Limit: Know your limits and stick to them. The CDC recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

- Avoid Mixing Alcohols: Mixing different types of alcohol can lead to higher blood alcohol levels and exacerbate hangovers.

How To Handle Too Much Alcohol

If you find yourself suffering from a hangover the next day, here are some remedies:

- Hydrate: Replenishing lost fluids is the first step. Electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks can help.

- Eat Light: Opt for easy-to-digest foods like bananas, toast, or soups to soothe your stomach.

- Rest: Giving your body time to recover is crucial. Avoid strenuous activities or additional alcohol consumption.

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