Responsible drinking

As alcohol is consumed the liver will prioritise it over doing the job of breaking down fat in the body and this can lead to a build-up of unprocessed fats – the basis for fatty liver disease. Even when your liver does break down the alcohol, the chemical reaction involved damages its cells and can lead to inflammation and scarring. 

Overindulgence can also affect our sleep and, although you might fall asleep more quickly after drinking alcohol, it inhibits deep sleep so you’ll spend more time in the less restful, rapid-eye-movement stage.

A fifth of adults in England currently drink above the low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week. Exceeding this guideline increases the risk of ill-health and poorer quality of life, so it’s a good idea to moderate alcohol consumption.

    “If you’re drinking alcohol, it’s important to stay hydrated, as alcohol is a diuretic. Try to have a glass of water alongside your drink of choice.” Joanne Lunn, Partner and Nutritionist

To keep health risks from alcohol at a low level the government advises:

• Men and women should drink no more than 14 units* per week on a regular basis
• Spread drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week
• Try to have several drink-free days a week

*14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses (125ml) of lower-strength wine or 6 medium glasses (175ml)

If you’re looking for tasty alternatives to alcohol, the choice has never been better. From craft beers to sparkling wines to botanical cordials, no- and low-alcohol ranges are on the rise. 

To be described as alcohol-free, a drink must be below 0.05% ABV, a de-alcoholised drink is below 0.5% ABV, and a low-alcohol drink is below 1.2% ABV. In store you can find clear signposting to the alcohol-free section.