Put the ‘No’ in November! Cut your alcohol consumption to give your body a pre-Xmas break, urges expert.

Recent research published in the medical journal ‘Atherosclerosis’ has revealed that our levels of LDL – so-called ‘bad’ – cholesterol can rise by as much as 20% in December and January compared to May and June. Higher levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) can cause a build-up of plaque in our arteries, causing them to become blocked. Potentially, this can lead to coronary heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke. High LDL levels are also known to increase our likelihood of becoming prediabetic and going on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Harvey Bhandal is the Managing Director of Sinclair Method UK, specialists in medically supervised alcohol reduction. He says: ‘Danish researchers at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at Copenhagen University Hospital and the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, first detected this post-Christmas spike in a 2018 study of 2,500 people. Just like us, the Danes love their Christmas drinks, roasts and creamy desserts.

‘Their paper reveals that the risk of having elevated cholesterol is six times higher after the Christmas break. It concludes: “Celebrating Christmas is associated with higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol.” While most people know that fatty roasts and heavy desserts increase our levels of LDL, fewer people realise excessive alcohol consumption is also a key factor.

‘Drinking too much, or binge drinking, can significantly raise levels of LDL cholesterol. Additionally, the body converts alcohol into “triglycerides”, a type of fat in our blood that the body uses for energy. High triglycerides can lead to excessive fat in the liver, further hindering its ability to remove cholesterol from the blood. 

‘That’s why we are urging people to put the “No” into November and stop or cut back on their drinking this month, to ensure their LDL levels are lowered in the run-up to Christmas. One of the encouraging findings of the Danish report was that LDL levels can fall quite quickly if there is a change in our consumption of alcohol and fatty foods.

‘Taking action now will allow people to see if they really can cut their consumption before the temptations of Christmas and New Year. For some of us, the unsettling truth is that we find it very hard to cut back on our drinking. An over-dependence on alcohol that has gradually built up over time can catch us unawares. We may tell ourselves that we can cut back but, for some, that may prove harder than anticipated.

‘Fortunately, there are simple, proven treatments that can help prevent alcohol misuse and aid us all in reducing our drinking to moderate levels. A proven method for reducing alcohol consumption involves taking a prescribed medication supported by online coaching and counselling. Known as The Sinclair Method (TSM), this established treatment boasts an 80% success rate in helping people to overcome problem drinking. Despite its effectiveness, TSM remains relatively unknown, yet its wider adoption could potentially save the NHS up to £4.9bn a year.’

David Axon, Chairman of Sinclair Method UK, adds: ‘TSM combines naltrexone with guided coaching. Supported by 17 years of research and 90 trials, TSM’s long-term success rate has seen 92% of patients reducing their alcohol intake.

‘Patients take naltrexone orally one hour before drinking, which reduces alcohol’s rewarding effects. This timing helps retrain the brain’s reward system through a process called “pharmacological extinction”.

‘Sinclair Method UK offers personalised treatment that includes one-to-one support from a private GP. Each patient is assigned a dedicated coach for 3 to 6 months to guide them through the medication programme. Consultations are conducted via phone or video call and prescriptions are provided for the appropriate medication. All services are completely private and strictly confidential.

‘Sinclair Method UK’s founders worked closely with Dr. Roy Eskapa, long-time friend and colleague of Dr. David Sinclair, whose pioneering research gave birth to this life-saving treatment. Dr. Eskapa personally trained and advised Sinclair Method UK’s team. These strong links are why it is the only organisation entitled to use The Sinclair Method brand and trademark in the UK. For full details of Sinclair Method UK’s treatments: see: https://www.sinclairmethoduk.com/