That's what alcohol really does to your body

We are a nation of pub devotees and there is something fundamentally British to complain about your boss for a pint or two after work.

With the holiday season coming up, meaning Christmas parties filled with champagne, it can be easy to fall into the trap of having one too many.

This Alcohol Awareness Week encourages people to think about their alcohol consumption and how they can change to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

In 2016, there were 7,327 alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom; men were 55% more likely to die of alcohol-related illness than women.

According to Dr. Luke James, Medical Director of Bupa, recent figures from an assessment of Bupa's health status show that over a third of people drink more than the 14 recommended alcohol units every week.

Dr. James stated to the standard, "It's perfectly normal (and normal) to take a few drinks once in a while, but you should aim to spend a few nights without alcohol each week."

In light of Alcohol Awareness Week, we decided to take a look at the toll tips for your body:

What are the effects of long-term alcohol consumption on the body?

Excessive consumption of alcohol for a prolonged period can cause more than 60 different health problems, including cancer of the mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and depression.

Dr. James explained, "Excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time can have adverse effects on many organs, including the heart, liver, pancreas and brain.

"It can also weaken your immune system and your bones. Indeed, a few minutes after taking your first sip, alcohol gets into your bloodstream through the lining of your stomach and travels through all parts of your body. "

What health conditions can result from excessive consumption of alcohol?

When Dr. James' patients try to lose a few pounds, the first thing he tells them is to reduce their alcohol intake. In fact, alcohol contains a large number of calories, which can lead to weight gain.

For example, a glass of wine contains 159 calories, the same as a half-burger.

Weight gain can lead to obesity and subsequently to an early death, but there are many other serious illnesses associated with excessive consumption of alcohol.

Dr. James added, "Your liver detoxifies harmful substances – but the digestion of alcohol can damage liver cells, causing inflammation and scarring, resulting in diseases such as fatty liver, l?" hepatitis and cirrhosis caused by alcohol.

"In addition, alcohol speeds up the heart rate, which affects the quality of blood circulation in the body. If you regularly drink too much alcohol, especially if you consume excessively, your blood pressure can also increase, which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can these diseases be reversed?

Dr. James said, "Depending on the severity of an unprocessed alcohol problem and the level of damage already caused, some effects may be reversed. But it is important to consult a doctor if you feel that you are drinking too much or if you do not feel well. "

How do you know if you drink too much?

According to current guidelines, no one should drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. One unit of alcohol equals 25 ml of whiskey, one-third of a pint of beer and half a glass of 175 ml wine.

So, if you like a glass of wine or two, you should not take more than seven glasses a week and no more than five liters of beer a week.

Dr. James reiterated, "It's important to stick to that and it's a good idea to have several days without alcohol a week."

What can you do if you drink too much?

If you drink at least one drink a day, the best thing to do is start reducing your intake and take several days without alcohol per week. If you know you're having a drink after work on Friday, do not drink alcohol for the week before – but that does not mean you should do too much once on a Friday.

Drinking less brings you many benefits, your skin becomes lighter, you lose weight and save money. Oh, and you'll live longer too, so it's something.