Since ancient times and across all civilisations, the one common ingredient to celebrate occasions has been the serving of alcohol. During Christmas and more for the New Year, I find many expressions of eager intent towards imbibing alcohol. I am writing this from a professional viewpoint — without diluting the spirit of the occasion. There is a perception, based on scientific studies that get reported with regularity and in an incomplete manner, that there are benefits of alcohol consumption. My fear is that such studies are not fully comprehended and the public tends to only increase their carelessness towards alcohol consumption.

The human body can process only one drink per hour. An excess of this amount reaches the bloodstream without being metabolised. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache or nausea are the body’s way of indicating that the system is out of sync. Always listen to your body signals.

Drink only on a full stomach

The food in the stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol. Some amount of fatty foods at such times may actually be good, slowing down the absorption. Food taken after the drinks does not help in slowing the absorption rate. Water or a non-alcoholic drink (lemonade, fruit juice) taken between drinks helps fight dehydration and reduce the load of alcohol on the system.

Hangover truths

Hangovers occur when alcohol levels drop to near zero after a high. Instead of coffee, go for water and sports drinks which are replete with electrolytes — particularly so if you have vomited. Fruits, fruit juices and other sugared drinks can also help reduce the intensity of the hangover. If you wish to reduce the chances of a hangover, the best choice of alcohol would be a beer or clear liquors such as vodka and gin. Popping a painkiller at bed time hoping to feel good the next morning will be of little help. It would be wiser to take the painkiller when you wake up. Certain painkillers such as acetaminophen, if taken along with alcohol, could lead to harmful effects.

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