Alcohol

We’re all used to hearing stories nowadays about how a small amount of alcohol can be beneficial to our health.

Studies have shown it can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly after the menopause.

Drink more than the recommended daily allowance, however, and the health risks soon outweigh the benefits.

Heavy drinking can lead to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, liver disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as mental health and social problems.

How much can you drink without significant risk to your health?

Most women can drink up to two to three units of alcohol a day without worrying about the effects on their health.

If you’re trying to conceive or you’re pregnant already, you should have no more than 1 or 2 units a week. Breastfeeding mums should avoid drinking alcohol just before a feed because the alcohol can pass to the baby in small amounts through breast milk.

What is a unit?

A unit is half a pint of standard strength (3 to 5% ABV) beer, lager or cider, or a pub measure of spirit. A glass of wine is about 2 units and alcopops are about 1.5 units.