Whether we like it or not, the simple factis that alcohol affects men and women differently.
According to US research, alcoholism amongwomen is on the rise across the globe. The reasons are hotly debated but it isthought that greater entry into the job market, and the stresses that itbrings, greater financial independence, and greater pressure on the home frontare all contributing factors. As well as anxiety, depression and loneliness insingle and divorced women.
How does it affect our bodies?
Women are, on average, smaller than men are;so equivalent doses of alcohol lead to greater concentration in their bodies.
Women carry more fatty tissue than men.Body fat contains little water, so women have less water with which to dilutethe alcohol.
Women have lesser amounts of the enzymethat metabolises alcohol, so more of the alcohol that women consume enters thebloodstream as pure alcohol.
When women’s oestrogen levels are high,such as when they are premenstrual, the intoxicating effects of alcohol willset in faster.
Chronic consumption of alcohol alsoincreases the risk of breast cancer.
Moderation is the key. The secret lies inmoderation rather than total abstinence (unless advised otherwise by yourdoctor); if you are a social drinker and suddenly go cold turkey, you are morelikely to start a cycle of binge drinking. For the same reason, it is also bestnot to abstain for a whole week and then take the whole week's units in onesitting.
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