Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : May 18, 2015 2:13 PM IST
Most Indians used to say It s Party time! and drink up. But, nowadays it s being seen as a casual drink at every occasion. Whether you are depressed or happy, a glass of alcohol makes up your day.
The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) examined the economic and public health dimensions of harmful alcohol use. And the results stated that alcohol is the fifth leading cause of death and disability, especially in the working age, all over the world.
And drinking alcohol not just harm the drinkers themselves, but also others who fall victim of drink-and-drive cases, domestic violence, and anti-social behavior.
Wondering why do Indians need to worry? Well, India ranks as 3rd as leading alcohol consumption nation in the span of 20 years from 1992 2012, just behind Russia and Estonia. While these results indicate that more and more young people are addicted to booze, women indulge in binge drinking and are at par with their counterparts, in the past 10 years.
Time and again, the side-effects of drinking alcohol are shed light on, but in vain. According to WHO, about 30% of Indians consume alcohol, out of which 4-13% are daily consumers and up to 50% of these, fall under the category of hazardous drinking. (Read: Alcohol abuse what you need to know)
About the study
Dr P.C. Gupta, Director, Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health said, 'In the Mumbai Cohort Study of 35,102 men aged 45 years and older followed-up for 5 years conducted by Healis, alcohol consumption caused increased risk of mortality from several types of cancers, heart disease, liver cirrhosis etc. The study also demonstrated that the risk multiplies when alcohol is consumed along with tobacco another lethal consumer product easily available.'
Health problems of heavy alcohol drinking
If you are listening and before you start binge drinking and increase your risk of various health complications, here s what you should know.
Increase your risk of liver disease
The absorption of alcohol by the liver makes you susceptible to fatty liver disease, inflammation of the liver and cirrhosis.
Hinders with your sleep
If you feel that drinking alcohol make you fall asleep, you are wrong. In fact, it hinders with your hormones in the body, leading to long-term impacts on your sleeping pattern. And don't forget about the hangover you have to face the next morning!
Affects your sex life
Have you ever wondered that binge drinking can hinder with your sexual health leading to erectile dysfunction (ED) (due to lack of flow of blood to the reproductive organ).
Can lead to accidents
The cases of drunk and drive leading to death are not new in India. While you might escape with a small injury, chances of sudden death and severe injuries are also very high. Here are 5 don t drink and drive lessons for everyone.
Increase risk of fetal abnormalities
As there is a significant increase the number of pregnant women drinking alcohol, what most women do not know that it can cause birth defects in the fetus, affecting the physical as well as mental health.
Puts you at risk of cancer
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Oncologists at Tata Memorial Hospital said, 'Alcohol is causally related to cancers of the mouth, oropharynx, liver, oesophagus and breast. It is sad that such a toxic and carcinogenic compound is being brazenly advertised and consumed by ever-increasing number of youngsters without any warning.'
Here are few more side-effects of alcohol which you should be aware of!
Economical problems related to excessive alcohol intake
Heavy drinking is associated with -
Because of this, the overall value of production lost to harmful alcohol use is estimated in the region of 1% of GDP in high- and middle-income countries.
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