Health experts warn of increased summer alcohol risks

Health experts are warning that alcohol consumption increases during the summer due to leisure time, tourism, and high temperatures. This seasonal trend presents a dual challenge: rising health risks coupled with a decreased perception of danger among the population.

Antonio Zoido of the Professional College of Dietitians-Nutritionists of Andalusia (CODINAN) noted that alcohol can exacerbate dehydration. While alcohol increases body temperature and sweating, it simultaneously lowers the sensation of heat, potentially leading individuals to drink less water. This decreased risk perception is also linked to higher rates of traffic accidents and drownings during the summer months.

Experts remind the public that the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer recognize alcohol as a carcinogen, stating that "the only risk-free consumption is zero consumption."

In response to these risks, non-alcoholic beverages are being highlighted as a preventive alternative. In Spain, there is a significant market for non-alcoholic beer, which Jacobo Olalla, president of Cervesers d'Espanya, suggests is part of the local culture focused on socialization and refreshment rather than alcohol content.