We've heard it said time and again that Indian society frowns upon women who drink. Well, if that wasn't enough motivation to quit, we understand - and even secretly approve (shush!). But that doesn't mean we endorse drinking. We don't. In fact, what we're telling you is to quit, or drink responsibly - not because of 'what-will-people-say'. But because, to put it simply, alcohol can kill. 
 

Women have less tolerance to alcohol 

They get drunk faster, and are faster affected by alcohol related diseases than men. Researchers found that women who regularly have two drinks a day face a significant risk of liver damage; men are at risk only after more than six drinks a day. 
 

Why, why, WHY? 

• We're getting to it... Primarily, it's because women are smaller than men, so equivalent doses of alcohol produce higher levels of concentration in women's bodies. 
• Women have lower  than men of the same size. Because of this, the concentration of alcohol in their blood is higher than that in men, after drinking the same amount of alcohol. 
• Women have less of Alcohol Dehydrogenase (a metabolizing enzyme that helps the body get alcohol out of its system) than men, so metabolisation of alcohol is slower in women. 
• Fluctuations in hormonal balance during menstruation further affect the metabolisation of alcohol

Drinking alcohol when pregnant can harm your baby 

There are no two ways about it. Aznd no, it is not alright to take 'just a little drink' when pregnant. The alcohol in your blood can get carried into the baby's bloodstream causing birth difficulties, abnormalities and even a miscarriage. Plus, if you are planning to conceive, it is unclear how early into the pregnancy you must stop drinking. So it is best if you abstain from alcohol when planning a pregnancy, when pregnant and when breast feeding. The best gift you can give your child is that of good health. 
 

Addiction

Women also become addicted more easily. And the result can be fatal: Female alcoholics are twice as likely to die of alcohol-related diseases as male alcoholics. What's more, a greater percentage of alcoholic women die from accidents, violence and suicide. 
 

Liver Damage 

The detrimental effects of alcohol on the liver are more severe for women than for men, and are caused after a much shorter period of heavy drinking. 
 

Breast Cancer? 

Drinking doesn't cause breast cancer but there is data which suggests that heavy drinking may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. 
 

Weight Gain 

Alcohol is so high in calories that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it can make you fat. They don't call it a 'beer belly' for nothing. If a fuller cheek, fatter waistline and chunky hips is what you fancy, have your daily glass of wine. 
 

Ragged Appearance 

Let's not pretend we don't know alcohol is bad for health. It destroys the body's cells, is addictive and causes nothing but damage. It inhibits the body's ability to use vitamins, proteins and calcium, resulting in dull skin and hair. If your alcohol intake has shot up and so have your dandruff and acne problems, you know why. 
 

Lower Resistance