Alcohol is one of the important elements of human socialization, celebration and relaxation, and with the aging of the population, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to the health of middle-aged and elderly people. Many people believe that alcohol can increase the warmth of the body and make blood circulation smoother, which in turn improves qi and blood circulation and eliminates blood stasis. Is this true?
Drinking alcohol in moderation does dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, but this effect is only effective in the short term. Alcohol is quickly metabolized by the liver after entering the body, which causes the effects of alcohol to disappear quickly. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the liver, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, which in turn exacerbates the problem of blood stasis.
Some people may say that there are good and bad wines, but in fact, no matter what kind of wine, no matter what the occasion, it should be controlled. Drinking alcohol has an important impact on human health, and if we drink alcohol for a long time, our liver, kidneys and other organs will be very seriously damaged, and even cause serious diseases. Therefore, the restriction on alcohol is clearly stated in the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents.
According to the guidelines, men should limit the amount of alcohol they drink to less than 25 grams per day. This is equivalent to half a tael of liquor, or a bottle of beer. Women, on the other hand, should limit their alcohol consumption to less than 15 grams to protect their health. These restrictions are to avoid the negative effects of alcohol on the body. Of course, the best course of action is not to drink alcohol.
Don't believe these 4 drinking rumors!
Liquor can be used to treat colds
It is a misconception that liquor cannot cure colds. In fact, alcohol suppresses the function of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. In addition, drinking alcohol can also increase the toxicity of the drug and reduce the drug's resistance to the virus. Therefore, when we feel unwell, we should follow the doctor's guidance and seek professional medical advice instead of using alcohol on our own.
Drinking alcohol can improve intelligence
Some studies have found that small amounts of alcohol have a slight improvement in cognitive function. However, this improvement is short-lived, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the brain. Alcohol is especially harmful to the brain development of teenagers, which can lead to memory loss and a weakened ability to learn. Therefore, we should abandon this misconception and look for other healthy ways to improve our intelligence.
Drinking alcohol can decompress
Alcohol is decompressing, but only temporarily relaxing. Under the influence of alcohol, we may forget about our troubles, but this is only temporary, and we still need to face problems afterwards. In addition, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to psychological and physical dependence, increasing stress and anxiety. Therefore, we should look for healthier ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, social activities, etc.
Drinking alcohol can help you fall asleep
Alcohol is a common sleep aid, and many people drink a glass of wine before bed to relax and help them fall asleep. However, while alcohol can help us fall asleep faster, it is not good for a good night's sleep in the long run. In fact, alcohol can cause erratic sleep and decreased quality.
First, alcohol can cause light sleep. Light sleep is a stage of sleep in which the body and brain are relatively relaxed and easily disturbed by the outside world. When we drink alcohol, alcohol inhibits the activity of the nervous system, making it easier for us to fall into light sleep. This means that our sleep is more easily interrupted and unable to reach a deeper level of sleep.
When we fall asleep under the influence of alcohol, we may find ourselves feeling tired and uncomfortable after waking up. This is because alcohol interferes with the normal sleep cycle, preventing us from getting enough deep sleep and REM sleep. Even if we sleep enough, we may feel tired and listless.
In addition to quitting alcohol, you should do more of these 3 things
1. Eat a balanced diet
A good diet is the cornerstone of good health. In your diet, you should consume balanced nutrients to meet your body's nutritional needs. At the same time, we should also control the intake of food in moderation, be sure to eat less high-calorie, high-sugar and high-oil foods, preferably a light diet, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins, which can enhance immunity and prevent chronic energy.
2. Moderate exercise
Engaging in moderate physical activity on a regular basis is essential for maintaining good health. Exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, improves blood circulation, and increases muscle strength and flexibility. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also relax our body and mind and reduce stress. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week has a positive effect on maintaining good health.
3. Good sleep habits
Getting enough sleep is the key to good health. The human body needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night in order to restore energy, regulate metabolism and strengthen immunity. A good night's sleep improves concentration, memory, and emotional stability. In order to maintain good sleep habits, we can follow some rules such as forcing ourselves to rest at the prescribed time, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, avoiding excessive use of electronic devices, etc. If you often suffer from insomnia or other sleep problems, it is wise to seek medical advice in time.
To sum up, we should pay attention to a healthy lifestyle, so that more people are aware of the importance of health, and improve health awareness and health literacy. Of course, this not only needs the attention of middle-aged and elderly people this year, but also young people should pay attention to these issues, pay more attention to the elders in the family, and give them more patience and companionship.