The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Holiday: Ministry of Health Reveals the Safe Amount of Alcohol for a Happy and Healthy Tet Festival.

Join us as we explore the Vietnamese Ministry of Health's expert advice on safe alcohol consumption this Lunar New Year. Discover the recommended amounts to ensure your health and well-being during these festive celebrations.

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Lunar New Year is approaching, and it’s natural to want to celebrate with a few drinks. But be mindful! Excessive alcohol consumption can impact your health. So, how much is too much? Let’s explore the recommended amounts and some essential safety tips for a healthy holiday season.

1. Recommended Alcohol Intake for Lunar New Year by the Ministry of Health

Recommended Alcohol Intake for Lunar New Year

During the Lunar New Year celebrations, alcohol consumption tends to increase, sometimes leading to unwanted consequences such as alcohol poisoning. Mild symptoms include anger, irritability, and unsteadiness, while more severe cases can result in vomiting, sweating, coma, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and low blood pressure.

According to the Preventive Medicine Department – Ministry of Health, Vietnam ranks third in alcohol consumption in Asia. Excessive drinking can also affect liver function, leading to complications like elevated liver enzymes, acute hepatitis, and liver failure. If not treated promptly, these conditions can be life-threatening.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption Impacts Liver Function

To ensure a healthy holiday season, the Preventive Medicine Department – Ministry of Health recommends limiting consumption to no more than 2 units of alcohol per day for men and 1 unit per day for women, and not exceeding 5 days per week. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is roughly 3/4 of a 330ml bottle/can of beer, a 330ml glass of draft beer, a 100ml glass of wine, or a 30ml shot of spirits.

2. Important Considerations for Alcohol Consumption During Lunar New Year

Important Considerations for Alcohol Consumption

With the increased alcohol consumption during the holidays, it’s crucial to purchase alcohol from reliable sources to ensure its quality and origin. This helps to avoid any unwanted health risks.

Additionally, refrain from driving or operating machinery after drinking alcohol, as it impairs your judgment and reflexes. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, alcohol consumption can negatively affect both the mother and the child, increasing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to abstain from alcohol.

If you’re taking medication that interacts with alcohol or have a medical condition exacerbated by alcohol, it’s best to avoid it altogether. Let’s prioritize our health and the well-being of those around us by practicing responsible drinking and adhering to safe alcohol consumption guidelines this Lunar New Year.

Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper, Preventive Medicine Department – Ministry of Health

Frequently asked questions

The Ministry of Health recommends that if you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation. For men, this means no more than 2 standard drinks per day, and for women, no more than 1 standard drink per day. A standard drink contains about 10-15 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to a small beer, a small glass of wine, or a single shot of liquor.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your health and well-being. It can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and violence, as well as contribute to long-term health problems such as liver disease, cancer, and heart problems. Drinking in moderation can help reduce these risks and ensure you have a safe and healthy holiday.

Here are some tips to enjoy alcohol in a healthier way: Understand standard drink sizes and stick to the recommended limits, pace yourself and drink slowly, alternate alcoholic beverages with water or other non-alcoholic drinks, and don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat a meal or snack before or while you’re drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

Signs of alcohol overdose include slow or irregular breathing, pale or blue-tinged skin, low body temperature, and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Place the person on their side in the recovery position and stay with them until help arrives.

Not drinking alcohol during the holidays can have several benefits. You may have more energy and better focus, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall health. You’ll also avoid the negative consequences of excessive drinking, such as hangovers, impaired judgment, and increased risk of accidents.