The common belief that drinking alcohol helps to warm the body is a dangerous misconception, entirely lacking scientific basis. While alcohol consumption may initially create a flushed sensation, this is actually due to the alcohol stimulating blood vessels to dilate, pushing blood to the skin's surface and causing the body to lose heat more rapidly. Consequently, individuals who drink alcohol are experiencing heat loss, not genuine warmth. Any temporary feeling of warmth or reduced perception of cold is merely a result of transient nervous system excitement, which does not truly raise core body temperature.

Once the effects of alcohol subside, the body has lost a significant amount of heat, often leading to shivering and goosebumps. A more serious risk arises when dilated blood vessels encounter sudden cold, causing them to constrict rapidly. This reaction can lead to a sudden surge in blood pressure, potentially resulting in a brain stroke, especially for those with a history of hypertension. Furthermore, becoming cold after consuming alcoholic beverages, or the habit of showering immediately afterward, significantly increases the risk of developing colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

To safeguard health, it is crucial for everyone to control their alcohol intake to a moderate level. The recommended daily limit is a maximum of two standard drinks, equivalent to 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of spirits. During festive occasions like Tet holiday parties, it is advisable to consume lemon water or fruit juice alongside alcoholic beverages. This practice can help to reduce fatigue and enhance the body's immune response.

Doctor Doan Du Manh

Vietnam Vascular Disease Association