Drinking Deconstructed…

Dear Readers, I’m back. Research completed and in  full senses to try and understand why alcohol drinkers are so fond of committing hara-kiri. Alcohol related death is the second largest cause of death after smoking (in the category of preventable causes) This statistic heavily points to the famous Indian proverb – apne pairro pur kulhadi marna i.e. to chop one’s own legs with an axe.

Alcohol is a toxin. Its beneficial effects come in very minuscule doses and entirely dependant on situations. Very often you hear, red wine is very good for health. Yes it is. Where was research for this carried out? In wine-growing countries which also have severe winters. In cases where temperatures fall to -50*C, alcohol is a concentrated source of fuel giving 7Kcal/gm.  In India and esp Mumbai where temperatures are touching new heights of 38*C  alcoholic stores are definitely not needed.

When we talk of social drinking, categorise yourself according to the  following drinking patterns to see where you stand.

•  Below 18yrs. – Suicidal. Burning out your brain cells and ruining your chances of a healthy and intellectual life.

•  Man or Woman –  Sorry women, science shows that females lack an important detoxification mechanism present in men and thus have a lower capacity for processing alcohol than men.

•  2-3 times a month, not exceeding 1-2 pegs or one 300ml glass of wine.-  You most probably started drinking after your teens so you  don’t show lack of intellectual function and are making the right choices to lead a happy life.

• Choice of alcohol –  beer is fattening due to the amount that can be drunk at a time.

• Foods eaten along with drinks – protein rich foods such as non-veg kababs, paneer snacks, nuts, protect the stomach lining from the harmful effects of alcohol and moderates the release of alcohol into the blood in a more controlled fashion.

•  Binge Drinking – Alcohol does not follow the rules of maths. 1 peg a day is not the same as 7 pegs on a weekend night.

•  More than 2-3 pegs daily – you need to be extremely fit to handle that kind of abuse.

•  Overweight and consuming more than 2-3 pegs daily – Make sure your mediclaim is going to cover your hospitalisation costs.

• Overweight, suffering from metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and consuming more than 2-3 pegs daily………………. select the flowers you want on your grave.