Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV December 26/00

To help prepare you for New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss some facts and tips about alcohol consumption.

Let’s first start with some of the health benefits. A moderate intake of alcohol (1-2 drinks per day) has been associated with a decreased risk of MI (heart attack). Alcohol raises HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body. Red wine has been shown to have the best effect due to an antioxidant in grape skins called resveratrol. However, this antioxidant is also found in real red grape juice so there is no need to start drinking red wine if you don’t currently drink alcohol.

Alcohol digestion:
Alcohol is not digested it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the stomach. Once in the blood alcohol reaches the brain within minutes, instantly affecting the central nervous system, mood, balance and motor skills. Normally we burn fat in our liver for fuel. When we drink alcohol, the alcohol burns instead of the fat. What this means is that alcohol slows the breakdown of fat and leads to a buildup of triglycerides (fat) in the liver. This may also promote fatty acid synthesis (fat production). The end result is a build- up of fatty cells in the liver. If this is really excessive it can affect how the body metabolizes other nutrients. It can also contribute to memory loss, mood swings, hypertension, heart burn, ulcers and cancer.

Some tips to help you through New Year’s Eve and the morning after:

• Try not to drink on an empty stomach: Food in the stomach will slow the absorption of alcohol.
• Drink less alcohol before your meal: Alcohol stimulates appetite and can cause you to over eat at your meal.
• Watch the mix: Carbonated beverages will speed up the absorption of alcohol. Juice and pop mixes will add calories. Try low calorie mixes such as sugar-free pop, soda water, tonic and sparkling water. Tomato juice has fewer calories than OJ or apple juice.
• Choose your beverage wisely: Your beverage of choice can affect your hangover. Hangovers are caused by substances known as congeners in alcohol. They are by-products of fermentation that provide flavour and aroma to alcohol. The more congeners the worse the hangover. The worst hangovers, in order of severity, come from brandy, red wine, rum, whiskey, white wine, gin and vodka.Other tips:
• Alcohol is dehydrating so drink plenty of water. Ultimately at a 1:1 ratio.
• Avoid using alcohol to quench thirst. Drink water first.
• Hold water in your dominant hand
• Put your glass down
• Add more ice to reduce the amount of booze in your drink Add water
• Try non-alcoholic drinks
• Pre-plan your limit
• Don’t drink and drive.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!