Alcohol often contributes to a variety of life’s ills,
including liver disease and car accidents. What many people don’t know is that
it can also negatively impact our body’s circulation, resulting in issues such
as stroke and high blood pressure. Though moderate alcohol intake has been
shown to reduce these risks, excessive use only serves to exacerbate them.
Moderation
Studies performed by the National Stroke Association reveal
that moderate alcohol consumption (2 drinks per day) can effectively reduce
stroke risks. However, consuming additional quantities will ultimately triple
one’s chances of a stroke experience later in life.
Effects
When used in moderation, alcohol works to dilate our body’s
blood vessels, removing stress from the heart. Consuming 3+ alcoholic beverages
requires the heart to work harder, making us vulnerable to circulation issues.
Blood Pressure
Excessive alcohol intake places users at risk for high blood
pressure – The leading cause of stroke.
Red Wine
Studies have show that moderate consumption of red wine
actually serves as a preventative measure in heart disease prevention. In fact,
European countries who consume red wine more frequently, show lower heart
disease rates.
Considerations
Alcohol can often conflict with medications, including those
used for circulatory issues. Make sure to consult with your physician regarding
alcohol use prior to taking with prescription drugs.
Need Help?
Looking for an affordable rehab
solution? Pick up the phone and call Above It All treatment center today! With
a team of seasoned drug and alcohol specialists available to address your
individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you clean, happy and on
track towards the healthy, happy lifestyle you deserve in no time. Call today!
It is true that alcohol is very damaging to the body. Not only that it causes problems to blood circulation but to the brain cells as well.
ReplyDeleteLike many people, at the start of the year, I made a resolution to decrease my alcohol intake.
DeleteDrink Less in Seven Days by Georgia Foster has really helped me stick to this resolution. Georgia is a clinical hypnotherapist and alongside the written version of the book, there are also 4 "Hypnosis Hub" recordings that readers are encouraged to access to help them with the program.
One of the great things about Drink Less in Seven Days is that Georgia (and I"m going to call her Georgia because she kind of feels like a friend) is totally non-judgemental about how much you drink, why you drink, why you feel you drink too much etc. I feel that this is an area where people carry a lot of shame and negative feelings and to have someone who approaches an emotional issue like this with absolute objectivity is helpful in driving the desired behaviours. She's on your side!
There are two main parts to Drink Less in Seven Days. The first is how your amygdala (the part of your brain that deals with emotions and fear/stress responses) can actually work against your efforts to quit or reduce your drinking. It shows you how to move your decision to drink away from this very instinctive part of your brain to your prefrontal cortex which is the part of your brain that is more concerned with considered decision-making.
I found this part of the book fascinating, particularly the parts where she spoke about silencing your inner critic.
However, it was the second part of the book, where Georgia broke down different personality types. what triggers them to drink and how to circumvent these triggers that I found most useful. (Also fascinating, if like me you love a good theory of behaviour and the ability to proclaim "Yes!!!! That's me!"). Because it makes total sense right? If you drink out of social anxiety (which is me a little bit) your methods to success will likely be different to someone who drinks because everyone around you is (also me a little bit).
The biggest take away for me was starting to understand what triggers my wanting to drink and learning alternative strategies should I decide not to. I think a really important thing about Drink Less in Seven Days is that it is NOT about quitting drinking altogether. It is about cutting down to a level that you are comfortable with, whatever that is for you. And this feels more manageable than quitting altogether.
The cru of this type of book though is does it work?
So here's the real deal. I started this program in January. It's now March and I can count the times I have drunk alcohol on one hand. During this time I have been to pubs, bars and restaurants, entertained at home and been entertained at other people's homes so it's not like I have been hiding myself away. I have been around alcohol and people drinking as much as I ever was.
Will I drink again? Almost definitely. For me, this experiment was never about giving up altogether. And I have far too much fun making cocktails for this to give it up completely! However, I feel that moving forward I will be able to drink in a more mindful considered way.
Thank you to Georgia Foster for a thoroughly fascinating book that does exactly what it says on the cover!
Here's a link to The 7 Days To Drink Less Online Alcohol Reduction Program.
John
I knew alcohol was bad but this is crazy. Makes you second guess taking a sip.
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Not just circulation issues caused by alcohol, it also harms your heart rapidly too. Addicts must be aware that how long does alcohol stay in your blood that's why these circulation issues are caused. Thanks.
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