Whether we like it or not, the simple fact
is that alcohol affects men and women differently.
According to US research, alcoholism among
women is on the rise across the globe. The reasons are hotly debated but it is
thought that greater entry into the job market, and the stresses that it
brings, greater financial independence, and greater pressure on the home front
are all contributing factors. As well as anxiety, depression and loneliness in
single 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 dilute
the alcohol.
Women have lesser amounts of the enzyme
that metabolises alcohol, so more of the alcohol that women consume enters the
bloodstream as pure alcohol.
When women’s oestrogen levels are high,
such as when they are premenstrual, the intoxicating effects of alcohol will
set in faster.
Chronic consumption of alcohol also
increases the risk of breast cancer.
Moderation is the key. The secret lies in
moderation rather than total abstinence (unless advised otherwise by your
doctor); if you are a social drinker and suddenly go cold turkey, you are more
likely to start a cycle of binge drinking. For the same reason, it is also best
not to abstain for a whole week and then take the whole week's units in one
sitting.
