Alcohol data exposes necessary consumption for resulting in a hangover
Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on our bodies, and understanding its effects is crucial for responsible drinking. A recent study reveals that **hangovers** can occur after as few as four to eight standard drinks, equivalent to two glasses of wine or a couple of pints of beer[1].
The UK's National Health Service advises that adults should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week[2]. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 ml or 8 grams of pure alcohol, so a liter of strong beer contains three units, while a liter of low-alcohol beer has just over two units[4].
After consuming these units, an average person can expect a hangover the next day. However, it's essential to note that the body processes one unit of alcohol per hour[5]. Therefore, spreading alcohol consumption over three or more days is advised if you drink regularly up to the recommended weekly limit.
Regarding **intoxication**, even a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.1% can cause noticeable intoxication effects. Mild intoxication symptoms can begin with mood changes, impaired coordination, and slurred speech at BACs between 0.15% and 0.3%[6]. Unconsciousness usually occurs at BAC levels between 0.3% and 0.4%, while levels above 0.5% are potentially fatal[3].
It's also important to note that after four to six units of alcohol, the nervous system is impacted, slowing reaction time and affecting decision-making[7]. This impact is more pronounced in women, who typically experience intoxication and hangovers at lower alcohol consumption levels compared to men due to biological differences such as body composition and metabolism[8].
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking thresholds differently by gender. For men, consuming five or more drinks in a day or 15 or more per week classifies as heavy drinking. For women, the thresholds are lower: four or more drinks in a day or eight or more per week is considered heavy drinking[3].
To reduce the likelihood of hangover symptoms, it's recommended to drink water, eat light foods, and prevent dehydration[9]. Going to sleep can also help your body naturally expel alcohol from your system. However, there is no scientific evidence that the natural expulsion of alcohol from the body can be accelerated.
In summary, moderate drinking can cause hangovers and intoxication, with women generally affected at lower units than men. It's essential to be aware of the effects of alcohol and to drink responsibly to minimise potential health risks.
[1] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7063663/ [2] Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/alcohol-guidelines/ [3] Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/alcohol-guidelines/ [4] Source: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/alcohol-units-and-calories/alcohol-units [5] Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/alcohol-guidelines/ [6] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225175/ [7] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7063663/ [8] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7063663/ [9] Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/hangover-cures/
What impact can alcohol consumption have on our health-and-wellness in terms of nutrition and science? Hangovers can occur after just four to eight standard drinks, according to a recent study, and it's important to note that the body processes one unit of alcohol per hour. Moreover, drinking five or more drinks in a day or 15 or more per week for men, and four or more drinks in a day or eight or more per week for women, is considered heavy drinking by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
