The festive season has begun and as temptations loom large in the form of rich food and drinks, a little sense of control would be wise. Because binging can not only ruin the days that immediately follow, it can also have harmful effects on physical as well as mental health in the long run.
So while you revel in the festivities and usher in the New Year with joy, be sure to strike a balance by eating the right foods on time and getting enough sleep.
Read on to find out what the experts have to say about keeping those nasty hangovers at bay...
Make Portion control your buddy
Drink within Limits
Don’t let the season of joy turn into a time of ill health and sadness later. Dr Dharmesh Kapoor, senior hepatologist at Global Hospitals says, “Men must not have more than five pegs in one session and women should stop at four pegs.”
As per the international guidelines, men must not drink more than 21 units of alcohol per week and women need to keep it under 14 units. There should also be at least two alcohol-free days a 
week.
Dr Kapoor explains, “Drinking and then driving is a clear no-no. Even drinking and smoking is a very lethal combination. So is mixing drinks.”
Cases of fatty liver due to continuous drinking also tend to rise after the season. A few cases of hepatitis as well as inflamed liver are also reported.
‘Exercising self-control is very important’
In modern times, festivals have turned into a time for excessive indulgence and this has a direct effect on our health.
Dr Anand Agarwal, senior cardiothoriac surgeon at Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, warns, “The young especially need to control themselves, as we find more of them walking in with high cholesterol levels. Peer pressure and the need to feel accepted should not make them neglect their health. Because even though the damage to one’s mind and body can be controlled, it has already been done. Eat what your body can take, and eat on time. A healthy body will not trouble you much the next day and will also allow easy functioning.”
Those who are obese and overweight must be very careful during this season, as the temptations are too many. Exercising self-control is very important.
As Dr Agarwal says, “Enjoying good food is an art. You can’t have rich fatty foods but there are wonderful salads, brown bread sandwiches and even baked foods that can be enjoyed during this season by both normal and obese people. The most important thing is for each one to identify their limits during the holidays and enjoy the spirit of the festival to avoid crying and suffering later.”
