Continuous heavy drinking can lead to raised blood pressure so again try to limit your intake.

All types of alcoholic drinks contain calories so if you are watching your weight think about cutting back further.

If you have neuropathy (nerve damage), drinking alcohol can make it worse and increase the pain, tingling, numbness and other symptoms associated with nerve damage.

Moderate alcohol consumption, in line with recommended daily guidelines, can be beneficial for your heart.

Wine, especially red wine, may offer greater benefit than spirits or beer. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that you should take up drinking if you are currently ‘teetotal’.

Reviewed: May 2009