About 40% of adults in the United States who drink alcohol do in amounts that risk health consequences. While you likely already understand the common consequences associated with drinking alcohol to excess, there are lesser-known effects of alcohol that women particularly are prone to. While you don’t have to completely do away with the occasional glass of red wine and tailgate party beer, you should definitely take these into account before hitting the party circuit next weekend.
Alcohol Is To Blame For Your Aging Skin
Sorry, girls, but all of those brunch-time mimosas and margaritas are likely the culprit for why your skin is not looking ideal. Due to the fact that it doesn’t offer up much nutritional value and is considered to be a toxin, it can contribute to reduced immunity, hormone disruption, cell damage and insulin issues that all impact that quality, appearance and aging of your skin. If you have woken up with cotton mouth after a long night out partying, you will also know and understand the dehydrating effects of alcohol on your skin, which cause it to appear dry and even flaky. One dermatologist even stated that the sugar in alcohol can quite literally crystallize your skin cells, which makes it dangerous if you are already prone to breakouts and acne.
Getting “Swole” in the Worst Way Possible
If you are hitting the gym daily and trying to reduce bloating in your body, alcohol is the exact opposite of what you need. Alcohol, in part due to the dehydrating nature of the drink, causes your blood vessels to enlarge, especially in the face. Drinks like margaritas and other cocktails with high sodium levels are even worse for puffiness as they make your sodium levels skyrocket and leave you even more dehydrated after a night out partying. Swollen ankles, bloated bellies and puffy eyes are all lesser-known effects of alcohol that you can avoid by being smart about how you consume it.
Safely Consuming Alcohol
Like everything in your life, alcohol can be a great way to treat yourself, if done in moderation. Ensuring you are engaging in a healthy lifestyle that includes proper exercise, a well-balanced diet and more than enough water to stay hydrated, you can ensure you won’t experience the lesser-known negative effects that alcohol has on women’s bodies. A few glasses of wine with your friends, brunch time mimosas and a couple of happy hours won’t do much harm if you are taking care of your body in other ways.