Living Inside

Ten health risks of chronic heavy drinking

Publish: 10:03 AM, 08 Dec, 2021


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Frequently drinking too much alcohol is harmful to health. Alcohol can have an impact on every body system.

How much alcohol a person drinks, genetic factors, gender, body mass, and general state of health all influence how a person’s health responds to chronic heavy drinking.

However, studies consistently show that, overall, heavy alcohol consumption is detrimental to healthTrusted Source and a leading preventable cause of death.

When the body takes in more alcohol than it can metabolize, the excess builds up in the bloodstream. The heart circulates the blood alcohol throughout the body, leading to changes in chemistry and normal body functions.

Even a single binge-drinking episode can result in significant bodily impairment, damage, or death. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of many chronic diseases and other serious health problems.

Alcohol has been found to contribute to at least 60Trusted Source different health conditions.

Let’s look at the ten most common effects of heavy drinking.

 

1. Liver disease

Alcohol is mostly metabolized in the liver, which is why the liver is particularly at risk of damage.

The body metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, a substance thatTrusted Source is both toxic and carcinogenic.

Alcoholic liver disease is influenced by the amount and duration of alcohol abuse. Chronic, heavy drinking poses a substantial risk for its development.

Drinking heavily significantly increases the risk of alcoholic fatty liver, an early and reversible consequence of excessive alcohol intake. Chronic drinking alters the liver’s metabolism of fats, and excess fat accumulates in the liver.

Other effects on the liver include long-term inflammation, called alcoholic hepatitis. This can lead to scar tissue.

Over a period ranging from several years to decades, the scarring can completely invade the liver, causing it to be hard and nodular. This is known as cirrhosis.

If the liver cannot perform its life-sustaining functions, multiple organ failure and death will occur. Symptoms often develop only after extensive damage has already been done.

2. Pancreatitis

Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that often requires hospitalization.

The inflammation is likely related to premature activation of proenzymes to pancreatic enzymes and chronic exposure to acetaldehyde, and other chemical activities in the pancreas caused by alcohol injury.

Around 70 percentTrusted Source of cases of pancreatitis affects people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.

3. Cancer

Chronic alcohol consumption can increase the riskTrusted Source of developing different cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, and breast. Both acetaldehyde and the alcohol itself contribute to the heightened risk.

People who smoke tobacco as well as drinking have a higher risk of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

4. Ulcers and gastrointestinal problems

Heavy drinking can cause problemsTrusted Source with the digestive system, such as stomach ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, and inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis.

As alcohol initially passes through the gastrointestinal tract, it begins to exert its toxic effects.11 Damage to the digestive system can also lead to dangerous internal bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus related to chronic liver disease.

Alcohol interferes with gastric acid secretion. It can delay gastric emptying, and it can impair the muscle movements in the entire bowel.

The gastrointestinal tract sustains a considerable amount of damage from alcohol.

5. Immune system dysfunction

Drinking too much weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Alcohol causes changes in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A drop in the white blood cell count can occur due to alcoholism. This happens because the body’s production of white blood cells is suppressed, and the cells become trapped in the spleen.

Each episode of heavy drinking reduces the body’s ability to ward off infections. Exposure to large amounts of alcohol and chronic, heavy alcohol use will adversely affect white blood cell production and function over time.

There will be a higher riskTrusted Source of pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), HIV infection, and other conditions.

6. Brain damage

Alcohol is associated withTrusted Source blurred vision, memory lapses, slurred speech, difficulty walking and slowed reaction time. These are all due to its effects on the brain.

It alters the brain receptors and neurotransmitters, and it interferes with a person’s cognitive function, moods, emotions, and reactions on multiple levels.

Because alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it causes difficulty with processing information and poses challenges with solving simple problems.

Alcohol’s effect on serotonin and GABA receptors may cause neurological changes that could lead to a reduction in a person’s normal fear of consequences to their own actions, contributing to risk-taking or violent behaviors.

Alcohol also disrupts fine motor coordination and balance, often leading to injuries from falls. Excessive drinking can cause “blackouts” or the inability to remember events. Long-term heavy drinking can speed up the brain’s normal aging process, resulting in early and permanent dementia.

Until the age of 24 yearsTrusted Source, the brain is still developing. As a result, young adults are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol.

7. Malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies

Dysfunctional drinking leads to malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies.

This may be due partly to a poor diet, but also because nutrients are not broken down properly. They are not adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, and they are not used effectively by the body’s cells.

Also, alcohol’s ability to interrupt the bone marrow’s red blood cell production and to cause bleeding from gastric ulcers may lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

8. Osteoporosis

Chronic heavy alcohol consumption, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood, can dramatically affect bone health, and it may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, with a loss of bone mass, later on in life.

Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, especially in the proximal femur of the hip.

Alcohol interferes with the balance of calcium, vitamin D production, and cortisol levels, adding to the potential weakening of the bone structure.

People who drink excessively are more likely to fracture a vertebra than those who do not.

Drinking high quantities of alcohol during adolescence increases the riskTrusted Source of osteoporosis later in life.

9. Heart disease and cardiovascular health

Heavy can cause blood pressure to be high by triggering the release of certain hormones that cause constriction of blood vessels. This can adversely affect the heart.

Excessive alcohol intake has long been linked to multiple cardiovascular complications, includingTrusted Source angina, high blood pressure, and a risk of heart failure.

Stroke is a potentially deadly complication of binge drinking. Fluctuations in blood pressure and increases in platelet activation are common during the body’s recovery from a binge. This deadly combination heightens the chanceTrusted Source of ischemic stroke.

10. Accidents and injuries

Drinking alcohol in any amount is linked to car crashes, domestic violence falls, drowning, occupational injuries, suicide, and homicide.

Driving ability may be impaired with as little as one drink, and a person who drinks heavily is likely to sustain a greater severity of injury with an accident.

Chronic or heavy drinking poses an enormous health risk. Drinking too much, whether on one occasion or over an extended period, can lead to severe and irreversible body damage.

No pattern of drinking is entirely risk-free, and there is no reliable method of predicting how or when an individual will be harmed as a result of the chronic heavy drinking of alcohol.



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Living Inside

‘Street Food Market’ returns at Doreen Hotel Dhaka

Publish: 11:37 AM, 09 Dec, 2021


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Food festival ‘Street Food Market’ designed by Doreen Hotel Dhaka is going to be held from December 9-18, 2021 at its signature restaurant ‘The Flair’ from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, said the organizers at a press conference on Wednesday, said a press release.

To make this event more successful Doreen Hotel has joined hands with Coca-Cola as the beverage partner, Finlay Tea as the hot beverage partner and ZM as the raffle draw partner. Ten guests will get gift hampers by ZM.

Enticing food items are waiting for the people of Dhaka, specially prepared by Chef Kaique, who has come all the way from Brazil to make it a big bash.

With the experience of working in different World-class Hotels, Chef Kaique is now here to show his culinary expertise and present the guests the global map of foods from America, Mexico, Italy, Japan, China, Thailand to India through the ‘Street Food Market’.

In the Street Food Market customers will find live counters full with Deshi style Fuchka and Hilsha Fry, Middle Eastern Shwarma, Indian Luchi, Malaysian Chicken Satay, Thailand Beef/Chicken Balls, and American Hot Dogs.

Taste the authentic Thai cuisine on the carving station with overnight marinated whole grilled fish with coriander soy sauce and Indian marinated whole roasted chicken.

For Japanese food lovers, they can have assorted sushi like California rolls, Dynamite rolls, vegetable sushi rolls and deep fried Sushi rolls.

From the special main courses customers can get Spanish chicken rice, Percado fish with tomato sauce, creamy mixed seafood and many more.

Customers can enjoy Korean fried chicken, Mexican beef nachos, quesadilla and burritos chicken frank tempura, along with dessert station where they can find warm apple tart, mini fruit tart, cannoli, carrot cake, coconut pie, kunafa, patishapta pitha and a treaser trove of many other dessert items that will serve your appetite at its best.

Customers can avail all these only at Tk 5,999 net per person. Customers can also avail buy one get two offer with selected cards. For reservations contact 01966662152.



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Living Inside

Amish — The best place for doner kebab in Dhaka

Publish: 02:01 PM, 08 Dec, 2021


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Rarely does anyone say no to kebabs. Whether it is the traditional version or the taste of foreign cuisine, we all love the taste of spicy charred meat on pita bread every now and then. So, what makes Amish the answer to our kebab cravings? Glad you asked.

Amish is perfect for takeaways and/or the gathering of a small group. Although we have accepted kebab shops to look a bit messy and greasy, Amish proves us wrong. With a polished look inside out, it wipes off any hygiene questions you may have by offering a live kitchen experience. The kebab meat is carved off of a circulating heated cylinder and assembled right before your eyes.

The next notable fact is the menu itself. Again with a very refined look, Amish offers a limited number of options with only the best of their creation; quality over quantity.

Kebabs are available in both chicken and beef variants, and you may choose to have it as a wrap or between sub-breads. You can also choose to adjust the spice level. Chips and meat, on the other hand, is doner with a poutine twist to it. This dish is loaded with the meat of your choice along with fries and house-special sauce. Sounds like love in a box, doesn't it?

Last but not the least, Amish has probiotic yoghurt drinks as the perfect complement to your meal.

In conversation with one of the owners, Faisal Khan, we got to know the story behind the beginning of Amish. It turns out that in 2020, this close-knit group of friends came up with an investment plan that would require their involvement and keep them together.

"We are all busy with our lives and with time, people are bound to grow apart. Amish came as an attempt to keep us all together," he said, and added, "I hope I don't scare you, but Amish is actually owned by 18 people."

The atmosphere around Amish seems to reflect the vibe it was created from. You can catch up with a friend, stop for a quick meal on the go, or just unwind by yourself at the end of the day. This is probably why despite being relatively new, it is growing in popularity rather fast.

With the winter approaching soon, make sure you don't miss out on the 'meatiest doner kebabs in town.'

Essentials —

Location: Shop No. #2 [Ground Floor] Army Market, ECB Chattar, Manikdi, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka-1206



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Living Inside

Doing décor Flea market style

Publish: 01:57 PM, 08 Dec, 2021


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Flea market style decor emulates the essence of flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops. Similar to shops like these, flea market style decor pleasantly overwhelms you as each decorative piece of furniture you lay your eyes on seems to hold a story of its own, while still meshing well together. Although flea market style decor is often mistaken for shabby chic which makes use of worn-out or distressed furniture and throws, what sets it apart is its ability to take onlookers to a different time and place entirely.

Get your hands on antiques and heirlooms

The flea market style creates a fine blend of eclectic and antique décor. Some of the best ways to find antique, vintage or retro items is to reach out to friends and family who may be willing to give up heirlooms they do not feel attached to. Local antique stores may also have a lot to offer, both in terms of authentic pieces which have been around for decades and replicas which can be customized just for you.

If you have always been fascinated by very specific types of antique or vintage items, such as cameras, retro toys, miniature animals, or tin signs, you can try looking into collector's shops online which cater to these interests.

Regardless of how or where you get your decor items, the main goal is to obtain pieces which remind you that they have been through a lot, even before they came into your life. It may be a rocking chair that solaced people no longer around or a dresser that housed trends long forgotten.

Upcycling and repurposing

Upcycling and repurposing old pieces will help add eccentricity to your interior while also helping you make trade-offs for some of the more mundane room installments. It can also be more utilitarian than one may expect. Used and embellished wedding trunks may help serve the purpose of a living room table when upcycled. If you have always wanted to add a tea table but lacked the space for it, you can try turning an antique dresser into a high tea station. A second-hand headboard may be repurposed as a small bench near your entrance, and get people wondering about its origins.

Plantswhich transcend

Exotic-looking house plants may be the perfect companions to flea market-style décor, as they help add to the feel of transcendence from time and place. Additionally, they may serve as showpieces themselves.

If you would like to add a fairy tale element to your décor, try a fairy castle cactus. Ponytail palms can help take your imagination to a desert oasis, whereas miniature Christmas trees can take you somewhere cooler.

Distress, chip, substitute and down cycle

Even if some new pieces just lack the ability to demand attention, you can still alter it with DIY techniques to get it to hold a flea market essence.

Flea market style decor is known to incorporate distressed rugs, mats, and throws. If you have an oriental area rug or a painted and braided mat laying around, they are the ideal candidates for a flea market makeover. Laying them out on a rooftop or balcony under direct sunlight will bleach them, making them appear as if they have been passed around for decades.

Chipped paint is one of the other foundations of the style, and can also be imitated with relative ease. Layering any cabinet, closet, or chair with multiple layers of chalk paint before scrubbing it with coarse sandpaper can be a quick old-timey fix.

On the other hand, newer items such as lanterns made out of colored glass or brass miniatures may look right at home in a flea market-styled room, without any added modification.

Eclectic within limits

If you do decide to try out eclectic decor, make sure all the components of your room balance each other out. This may require you to go for plain white walls and muted white curtains so that the room does not feel like it has too much going on in it. If the walls or curtains are too bright or flashy on their own, your room may end up looking more like an eyesore than a box of eccentricity.

It is also important to make sure that the colors in your palette do not clash too much. This may require you to keep the color wheel in mind so you can steer clear from untasteful color groupings.

Lastly, it is best to go minimal when it comes to flea market-style decor. When most pieces demand attention, even a moderately decorated room may feel maximal in a bad way.



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Living Inside

12 beauty tips from International Makeup Expert Farjana Epshita

Publish: 03:19 PM, 06 Dec, 2021


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We all love to look flawless the whole day. There are two secrets to this, first the skin preparation, second the makeup application. Here is my 12 beauty tips:

1. Hydrating your skin: when it comes to any special event looks, we need to prepare the skin properly, before applying makeup. Applying a good face mask will help to boost brightness, and make your skin look more hydrated.

I would recommend the "Face magic gold face mask" by Ligion Herbal. This would be a great choice as it goes with all types of skin. Lastly, you should use a good moisturizer that has SPF in it.

2. Glow up with a smooth base: Use a good primer - I would suggest a primer that has no color like the Absolute New York Flawless Face Foundation Primer because if your primer has color, it will oxidize the makeup (even if the primer is skin-colored). Always use a primer that will make your base look flawless and consistent for the whole day.

However, if you want to avoid all these steps and want one particular product that will help you to get good facial hydration and prime your face, you may either consider the Embryosis Moisturizer or Sunscreen by Revox.

3. selection of a good foundation and application: When you pick a foundation, make sure to choose one which will give you an HD finish. However, when you apply the foundation, make sure to use a beauty blender as this will help provide a dewy, smooth, flawless, and heavy look. I'd recommend the Absolute New York HD Foundation, which will go perfectly with the weather condition of Bangladesh.

4. A good concealer: For color correction, I'd recommend using the Absolute New York Click Cover Concealer Medium Olive Undertone. After blending it in, you can choose a lighter concealer by the same brand and apply it to your T-zone for highlights. Remember to use the same branded products for getting the most consistent and flawless looks. As they are all made with similar ingredients, and won't react negatively with one another.

5. Apply a translucent powder: Apply a good quality translucent powder all over your face to set your makeup. Do not use any loose powder with color when setting the face, as it may make your makeup oxidize within an hour.

6. Apply a cream blush: A soft amount of cream blush looks amazing. A small amount goes a long way, and they stay on all day and night. Just apply a small amount and blend softly with your beauty blender to achieve the desired blush look. Pro tip: Smile while applying it.

7. Contour: When we do our contour, we need to use a dark color to sharply define our face shape. Apply a powder contour after the cream blush and then apply your setting spray to lock it in. I would recommend the Ofra Cosmetics setting spray because it is really amazing and my favorite.

8. Lips transformations: A dark color liner to line your lips, paired with a nude lipstick to make your lips look plumper. For the daytime look, and during the night, just change the nude shade with a deep bold color. Apply your lipstick and set it again with your Ofra Cosmetics setting spray.

9. Some bling bling: Apply your favorite highlighter, my favorite is the one by Ofra Cosmetics, because made of 100% with pearls, and a small amount shines a lot.

10. Day to night Eye transformations: During the day, I like to do simple wing liners with nice lashes, it looks classy and beautiful. You can add a little bit of bronze color on the eyelids with a light shimmer to make it look more dramatic.

During the nighttime, you can transfer the day looks to night looks by applying a darker brown color on your lips with some glitter.

11. locking the look: Last but not least, apply your setting spray to lock in your look. Make sure to wait before you apply it once more, so it won't make a mess. Use the Ofra setting spray if you can because it will help to set a matte base.

12 always carry your pressed powder: It is normal for the makeup under the eyes and smile line to crack. Don't worry, you will have your magical pressed powder for this purpose, use it when needed.

 

Normally if we follow these tips, it will help us achieve a flawless quick look for the whole day. Please make sure to stay hydrated, drink a lot of water because your skin needs to stay healthy from the inside too. If you have any questions related to the products listed, you can check out BanglaShoppers for all the products listed.



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Living Inside

Style guide for unpredictable weather

Publish: 02:33 PM, 06 Dec, 2021


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The weather seems to be pretty indecisive during this time of the year; constantly shifting between hot and cold. While we might have to shield ourselves from the blazing sun during the day, by night, we can feel the chill of winter.

This brings us to the bewildering decision of what to wear during the transitional season. What keeps us cozy and warm during the night might just be too uncomfortable to do during the day. The bigger question remains — how to find the right balance between chic and comfort?

While the weather may remain indecisive, we must come to a decision about what to wear that is suitable for the changing seasons and remain stylish at the same time. Thus, here is a rundown of the styles and attires you may opt for during the ongoing in-between weather.

Shirts and denim

Denim is suitable during the entire year but the thick fabric makes it a comfortable option during in-between weather. Denim pants, shirts, skirts, and tops are perfect for the changing seasons that add a little warmth and a lot of cool factors to your overall ensemble.

An added layer of clothing over our usual will make us feel more comfortable. While it is not that cold yet to slide into jackets, you surely can use oversized shirts for the purpose. Wear them over t-shirts or tops to look trendy and feel comfortable.

Ponchos, shawls, and scarves

Ponchos add warmth and attitude to your outfit without looking weirdly bundled up. Enjoy the winter breeze and look like a fashionista by dressing up in a poncho. Blanket shawls are a good alternative too. The altering seasons can make us prone to throat irritation and nothing gives better respite than a warm mug of coffee and wrapping a muffler around the neck. While mufflers can make our neck sweat due to the uncertain weather, silk scarves are a smart substitute.

Coats, cardigans, and overalls

It might be time to stow away our summer clothes but it is not yet the hour to bring out jackets and sweaters. Trench coats and cardigans should do the task for now – and fashionably so! Look modish in a trench coat or go for that cozy vibe wearing a cardigan. Either way, rock that urban fashionista looks.

If you have delayed wearing those overalls or jumpsuits all summer long, the transition season may be the perfect chance to make the best use of them. Feel warm and look classy at the same time wearing jumpsuits and overalls and make the most out of this weather while it lasts.

Pants and shoes

 One great aspect of transitional weather outfits is that we may temporarily switch to a capsule wardrobe. Wear pants that give utmost comfort and go well with your attire. If leggings are too thin for you, try jeggings instead.

As for shoes, you can wear closed-toe shoes and loafers to keep your feet warm while avoiding wearing socks. Also, it is finally time to show off those booties that we are able to wear only during this time of the year!

While the tropical climate of our country does not allow us to enjoy winter for long, there is something very exciting about being able to appreciate the changing seasons and dress for each one uniquely, including the transitional tenure. This year, rather than fretting about what to wear, relish the colors of winter – muted, neutral and dark tones along with a medley of textures through your attire. 



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