The Hidden Health Facts Of Christmas

Drinking

The festive season is fast approaching and that often means endless parties, catching up with old friends, eating and drinking. With social calendars fit to burst many overindulge on alcohol over the Christmas period. Women are advised to consume no more than 2-3 units per day, whilst men are allowed up to 3-4 units per day. A single unit of alcohol is measured as 10ml of pure alcohol. That’s the equivalent to one pint of beer with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4-5% or half a 175ml glass of red wine with an ABV of 12%.

As friends and family visit for Christmas catch-ups, it can be easier than you think to pour larger measures of alcohol at home. Additionally, it has been found that during December, Brits drink 41% more than the annual monthly average - but how harmful is overindulging on alcohol at Christmas? 

Regularly drinking above the daily unit guidelines during Christmas can cause temporary effects, such as headaches, sickness, diarrhoea and may also negatively affect mood, weight and sleep. Frequently consuming alcohol can also lead to liver damage. However, if you are planning on enjoying Christmas with a few drinks here are our top tips about how to drink responsibly:

1. Avoid drinking alcohol every day
2. Stay within the safe daily unit guidelines 
3. Drink water or soft drinks between each alcoholic drink
4. Be aware of large measures by using an alcohol measure at home
5. Eat a filling meal before drinking

Eating

The countdown to Christmas has begun and for some, that may mean that the thought of healthy eating is now a distant memory. Studies report that the average Briton eats a tremendous 7,000 calories on Christmas Day. That’s the equivalent of 25 jam doughnuts or 100 chocolate bourbon biscuits. Yet, it’s not just Christmas day that we overindulge in festive treats. Due to office party buffets, catch-up lunches, boxing day leftovers and new years celebrations, we tend to overeat throughout the seasonal holiday. However, it is possible to maintain a healthy diet over Christmas:

1. Never attend an event feeling hungry
2. Don’t buy too much food
3. Snack sensibly on dried fruits and nuts
4. Watch your portion sizes
5. Keep active

Sleeping

Studies have found that the average person needs 6-8 hours of sleep per night to feel fully refreshed and rejuvenated. Lack of sleep can cause a range of side effects, from mood swings and headaches to blurred vision. Sleeping patterns may change due to busy schedules and unhealthy diets. 

The festive season is a time filled with socialising, organising and overindulging. As these activities require energy, effort and time we attempt to fit more into our already hectic timetables. It has been found that on average a person will lose over 30 hours of sleep during Christmas, this can make you drowsy and irritable whilst also increasing your appetite. However, you can enjoy the festive season whilst maintaining a healthy sleeping pattern, below are our top sleeping tips:

1. Maintain regular sleeping hours
2. Create a comfortable sleep environment 
3. Don’t overindulge in food or alcohol late at night
4. Try not to compensate for lack of sleep with caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee
5. Keep to a regular exercise routine 

By following these tips you can enjoy the festive season whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For further information, medication and treatment please click here.