In this festive episode I look at our tradition of consuming excess alcohol over the Christmas holidays and the subsequent physiological consequences of ignoring the warning signs.

The UK consumes approximately 250,000,000 (two hundred and fifty million) pints of beer during the Christmas period, which is great news for brewery's and retailers, but bad news for our health.

Stress levels are notoriously high throughout December and the general population are known to sooth or block out the manic month with swimming pools of wine, gin, beer, cider, champagne, whisky and prosecco, to name but a few.

Whilst it's ok to enjoy a controlled amount once or twice a month, we easily lower our inhibitions, with alcohol laden work parties, dinners out and of course our family gatherings between the 23rd and 26th of December, only to ramp up our boozing again for New Years Eve.

Excess consumption of any form of alcohol will slow down our digestion, decrease cognitive functions, weaken both our immune and nervous system and if continued over years, lead to increased risks of strokes, heart disease, cancers and more commonly obesity related illnesses.

Caution is advised when you crack open that bottle of bubbly or pour another pint in celebration of Christmas. If you are susceptible to high levels of festive related stress, it's far better to go for a walk, run or lift weights, which is essentially the gift that we should hope for....good physical and mental health.

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