Why drinking too much alcohol can age you

Alcohol is often a confusing topic with there being many conflicting news stories on whether drinking has any benefits or is simply bad for you.

Wine for example, has a number of potentially beneficial molecules such as polyphenols that are found in the grape skins - and in the past, some research has suggested that people who drink small amounts of alcohol may have a reduced risk of heart disease.

However, there is now no doubt that drinking too much is linked to significant health problems (such as high blood pressure, liver disease, mental health issues and certain types of cancer).

Drinking too much can also lead to other issues such as weight gain and poor sleep - and its 'disinhibiting effect' can encourage us to make poor decisions and binge eat & drink in the moment, as well as making us less likely to want to do any physical activity the following day.

None of this is good for Younger Living - and that's why we recommend keeping within the recommended weekly amounts to stop alcohol having an ageing affect on your body.

How much is ok?

Overall, research indicates that people who are able to maintain a ‘moderate’ alcohol intake (less than 14 units a week) are more likely to be healthier and live longer, happier lives than those who don’t.

2 units = 1 medium glass of wine (175ml) OR a pint of normal strength beer OR a double measure of spirits.

So if you enjoy the odd drink here and there, try to become aware of how much you are drinking and stick to the guidelines of drinking 14 units of alcohol or less per week to ensure it isn't having an ageing effect on your body.

It's also important that your alcohol units are spread across the entire week and not 'saved up' to be consumed on one or two days, as 'binge' drinking of 6 units or more in one session can be damaging to your health.

Could alcohol be ageing you?

Take our free Life Age assessment to find out how your drinking habits, along with other lifestyle factors, could be ageing you or keeping you young.

You may also want to take a look at our Younger Living Edit Support which is all about how to create habits that can keep you feeling happier, more fulfilled and years younger for life.

Finally, PLEASE SHARE this article with any friends and family who you think would find this useful. We are on a mission to help as many people as we can feel happier, more fulfilled and years younger - so would really appreciate your help to get our message out there.