Another problem brought on by a late-night bender: When breaking down alcohol, your body pumps out lactic acid and other byproducts that impede the production of glucose (sugar) and electrolytes (salts and other minerals that keep your body functioning properly).

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Factors associated with increased serum uric acid levels, such as increased alcohol consumption and purine intake, or use of diuretics, were associated with increased risk for recurrent gout attacks.

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The latest figures also show that fewer women are smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy and more are taking recommended supplements - folic acid and vitamin D.

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The acid is used to make aspirin, and drugs and alcohol are a bad mixture.

ECONOMIST: Mumeo Oku