Your body could be trying to warn you against drinking alcohol, as experts reveal the five physical symptoms to look out for.
Right now, many people are drinking more than ever to celebrate the festive season. But how exactly can we tell that we're overdoing it with the booze?
One obvious giveaway that our bodies reject alcohol is waking up the next day with a raging hangover. But there are actually five major ways it can affect us.
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Experts at Reframe App - the alcohol reduction and quitting app - are warning that a mass intake of alcohol impacts our bodies far more than we realise, including when we're asleep. So, what are the physical symptoms?
Gut health issues
Alcohol does a good job of disrupting our natural digestive process, because it gets in the way of nutrients being absorbed properly for vital functions.
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It can cause symptoms such as pain and bloating, as well as nausea and vomiting - all of which we would very much like to avoid.
Increased alcohol consumption can also mess with appetite, so if you've been eating less or more, it could be the reason why.
Disrupted sleep
While many of us believe that a good night cap can actually improve our sleep, the opposite is true.
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A good night's sleep is imperative for our circadian rhythms and REM cycles - all of which alcohol consumption interferes with.
The quality of sleep is just as important as the amount, and if you're waking up feeling fatigued, groggy, and less focused the day after a drink...it could explain everything.
Mood swings and memory loss
Alcohol is a depressant, so if you're feeling big emotions the day after a night out, that would be one reason.
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It causes fluctuations in our mood, which affects our ability to think rationally about things.
Over an extensive period of time, perhaps a number of years, alcohol can also cause memory loss.
Weight gain
One of the most common physical symptoms of drinking too much alcohol is weight gain.
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Beer, wine, and cider in particularly are calorie-dense beverages, and drinking them consistently could lead to putting on the pounds. However, the same can't be said for all alcoholic drinks.
For example, a gin and tonic has few calories in comparison.
Skin issues
Alcohol dehydrates our bodies, and the skin is the body's largest organ.
So if you're currently experiencing an unexpected acne break out, alcohol intake could be the root cause.
Beyond this issue, alcohol actually makes us look visibly older - inducing wrinkles, spots, and facial puffiness.
Topics: Health, Alcohol, Food and Drink
Mia Williams