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What is Binge Drinking Really Doing to You?

Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia. Because it is so widely used and socially acceptable in our society, alcohol is often not considered to be a ‘drug’, nor is it considered to be particularly harmful. However, evidence from research shows that consumption of alcohol at harmful levels is increasing in Australia. Much of this drinking takes the form of ‘binge drinking’.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is a term widely used, but people tend to have quite different understandings of exactly what that means. Binge drinking refers to the act of drinking heavily over a short period of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks, resulting in immediate and severe intoxication.

The NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) guidelines indicate that risk levels of alcohol consumption for men start at seven to ten drinks each night, for no more than three days a week. For women, the level starts at five drinks. These levels assume that no more than one drink an hour is consumed, although men may drink two in the first hour only. These figures are also based on average heights and weights: if you tend to be small, you should drink less.

A standard drink is defined as one that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol:

• One can (375mL) low-alcohol beer.
• One pot (285mL) regular beer.
• Three-quarters of a stubby (375mL) of regular beer.
• One glass of mixed drink (30mL spirits + mixer).
• One nip (30mL) of spirit or liqueur.
• 100mL (small glass) table wine.
• Three-quarters of a bottle (330mL) of alcoholic soda.

It is important to remember that some venues do not serve alcohol in these standard drink sizes (they are often larger); large wine glasses can hold two or more standard drinks; drinks served at home often contain more alcohol than one standard drink; and cocktails may contain several standard drinks. So in reality men could reach risky alcohol drinking levels after 4-5 drinks and women after 2-3 drinks.

Short-term risks

The health risks associated with binge drinking include the potential to develop toxic damage to the small bowel which causes diarrhoea, depression of the central nervous system, hangovers, headaches, and stomach problems resulting in nausea, shakiness and vomiting. Also, because intoxication stops one thinking clearly and acting sensibly, binge drinking can also lead a person to put themselves and others at risk of harm from injury due to falls, risky behaviour or assault.

Long-term risks

If someone drinks heavily over a long period of time, they can become physically and psychologically dependent upon alcohol. Their body gets used to functioning with alcohol present and/or drinking can become more important than other activities in their life. Over time, alcohol can damage parts of the body, including the brain and liver. There are also the risks of developing emotional problems, such as depression, and problems at school, work and with relationships.

In fact, alcohol is the second largest cause of death in Australia due to substance abuse, after tobacco. Some of the long-term risks of binge drinking are:

• Liver damage
• Stomach ulcers
• Cancers
• High blood pressure
• Infertility and stopping of periods among women
• The loss of the ability to get an erection
• Loss of memory
• Strokes
• Brain damage
• Weight problems due to not eating well
• Family conflict and breakdown
• Being broke because of spending money on alcohol

If you are drinking:

• Set limits for yourself, and stick to them.
• Start with a non-alcoholic drink.
• Drink slowly. Take sips, not gulps.
• Remember that ‘alcopops’’ (sweet-flavoured pre-mixed drinks) often mask the taste of the alcohol, but they do not mask the effects.
• Try the low-alcohol alternative.
• Eat before or while drinking, and avoid salty snacks, which make you thirsty.
• Avoid rounds or ‘shouts’.
• Have one drink at a time so you can keep track of your drinks—avoid ‘topping up’.
• Pace yourself.
• Stay busy — don’t just sit and drink.
• Have at least two alcohol-free days a week.
• Be assertive — don’t be pressured into drinking more than you want or intend to.

Here’s some food for thought if you’re considering going on a bender this weekend…

• Weight gain: alcohol is packed with calories and will eventually show up on your waist.
• Broken capillaries: It’s not only pensioners that suffer from ruddy complexions — drinking too much causes vessels in the face to expand and break, leaving ugly red veins.
• Aging skin: drinking leads to dehydration as it stops the release of anti diuretic hormones so the kidneys get rid of too much water. As your skin dries out, it is more prone to wrinkling.
• ‘Red eye’: a night out can lead to bloodshot eyes the next morning but over time, these obvious blood vessels can break, leaving an unattractive permanent bleary look.
• Bad odour: drinking too much leads to bad breath and body odour. Your liver can only work through one unit of alcohol per hour and the rest must be excreted elsewhere.

Swine Flu

I have recently read an article by Rob Santich in the MediHerb News about the recent Swine Flu out break. He stated that classical ‘Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu virus causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.’

However the classic strain appears to have mutated and the ‘current strain contains elements of US swine flu, swine flu typically found in Asia and Europe, US bird flu and lastly human flu.’ This current new strain seems to adapt to humans easily and has symptoms that are similar to seasonal influenza including; fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing.

‘The CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu or Relenza for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu. This is based on evidence that suggests that both of these drugs are effective anitvirals against the classical swine flu virus.’ The current strain of the swine flu virus has not been confirmed to be be responsive.

I think it is important not to become caught up in the fear around this or any health issue. There is much we can do to boost our immune system naturally to give us the best defences against any bacteria and viruses. Remember these pathogens can only take hold when our body’s are weakened.

We are fast approaching the flu season and I know in my clinic I have already seen a few runny noses. Here a some great tips to keep you healthy this coming Winter.

* Wash hands often and try to avoid touching face, eyes, nose with unclean hands.
* Stay in good general health ie Get plenty of sleep, exercise often, manage your stress levels, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* If you are prone to colds and flu’s or have already been sick this season, dose yourself up on Echinacea, Vitamin C and a Multivitamin.
* At the first sign of a cold or flu; keep warm, increase fluids, and start on the above mentioned herbs and nutrients.
* Also make this great witches brew – 2 cloves crushed garlic, a nob of grated ginger, 1/4 tsp cayenne powder in 500ml purified water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15mins. Add the juice of 1 lemon and sweeten with a tsp of honey if desired. Drink the whole lot, wrap yourself up and go to bed. You will feel 100% in the morning.

If colds and flu’s are a problem for you see your Naturopath for an individualised treatment plan to boost your immune system.

Yours in good health,
Jodie Cariaga
Naturopath & Nutritionist
555 Military rd Mosman.

Lose Weight and Feel Great.