Dry January

Many of our patients and customers have been doing Dry January. You may have heard about this campaign in the media. It may have got you thinking about how much you drink. So how much can you drink, without affecting your health and what can you drink if you are off alcohol but bored of fruit juice and cola? This blog aims to give you more information.

How much can you drink?

The government brought out new guidance in 2016 and this advises that:

• to keep health risks from drinking alcohol to a low level you are safest not regularly drinking more than 14 units per week – 14 units is equivalent to a bottle and a half of wine or five pints of export-type lager (5% abv) over the course of a week – this applies to both men and women
• if you do drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread this evenly over three days or more
• if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to your baby to a minimum

The benefits of drinking less

So what are the benefits of drinking less? Drinking less can help you sleep better, improve your skin and help you loose weight. Did you know for incidence that there are 180 calories in a pint of beer and around 160 calories in a 175ml glass of wine?

The NHS website tells us that, alcohol is linked with more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer. In fact, alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability for people aged 15-49 in the UK. Cutting back on alcohol reduces your risk of developing these conditions.

Non-alcoholic alternatives

But what can you drink if you are off alcohol and bored of fruit juice or cola? Those of you who have been doing Dry January have recommended Brewdog Nanny State, Seedlips gin (spice 94) and Belvoir Botanical Juniper & tonic. Alternatively one of our pharmacists recommends cranberry with bitter lemon poured on top served with ice. We are always looking for suggestions so please let us know what you recommend.

All the best to those of you who are doing Dry January, do let us know how you have been getting on.