Have you ever thought about how this alcoholhas impacts on your body, apart from getting high? Although taking one or two glasses may not be a problem to the body, they are dangerous when taken frequently or in large amounts. But do you know exactly how? In the course this paper, we will take a look at some of the short term effects and the long term effects of alcohol from the liver to the innermost part of the brain. Now, let’s look at how alcohol affects our bodies and what you can do to lessen the harm brought in by alcohol.
The Immediate Effects of Alcohol
1. The Buzz and Relaxation:
Alcohol is a sedative-hypnotic drug that belong to the group of depressants that affect the CNS. This is why people tend feel relaxed, or perhaps more gregarious after a glass. But it also reduces the ability to reason and to co-ordinate movements.
2. Dehydration and Hangovers:
Alcohol is a natural diuretic which means that after its consumption, a person increases their frequency and quantity of passing urine. This can cause dehydration which is one of the major causes of hangovers.
3. Impact on Blood Sugar:
These are common alcohol effects that lower blood sugar: Dizziness, fatigue, irritability and others which are all a result of the alcohol decreasing your blood sugar.
4. Disrupted Sleep:
Though alcohol make one fall asleep, it interferes with the REM level of rest, making one wake up with stiffness and sleepy feelings the following morning.
Effects on Major Organs
1. Brain
❖ Short-Term: Drinking alcohol alters the way the brain handles neurotransmitters that relay messages, the result being low memory, slow reaction times, and bad decisions.
❖ Long-Term: Excessive alcohol consumption results in alcohol-induced mind damage and can produce permanent , memory loss, and impairment concentration abilities. It is also another type of brain disorder that is caused by Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and is attributed to excessive qualities if vitamin B1.
2. Liver
❖ Fatty Liver Disease: Alcohol can cause the build up of fat in the liver cells resulting to inflammation.
❖ Alcoholic Hepatitis: Longterm effects of alcohol include the inflammation and injury to liver cells.
❖ Cirrhosis: This is the worst stage of the liver disease in which fibrosis affects the healthy liver cells and replaces them with scar tissues.
3. Heart
❖ High Blood Pressure: Alcohol in our system causes high blood pressure, putting many at high risk of heart diseases.
❖ Irregular Heartbeat: Arrhythmias which are irregular heartbeats are some of the effects of heavy drinking.
❖ Cardiomyopathy: Kuver:. Alcohol is toxic to the heart, as it affects its muscles and makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.
4. Digestive System
❖ Alcohol is an irritant to the mucosa of the stomach and therefore can cause gastritis or ulcers.
❖ It has adverse effects when taken in the long run it has adverse effects on nutrient absorption thus reduces the intake of vitamin B12, zinc and folate vitamins.
Also read more on Foods Rich In Vitamin B12
5. Immune System
Alcohol also lower the body immunity and therefore the body becomes vulnerable to diseases. It inhibits the capacity of white blood cells to combat damaging pathogens.
5. Skin
❖ Quoting alcohol it removes skin moisture which makes it to look washed up and has early signs of aging.
❖ Some dilute skin conditions such as rosacea making the skin become even more red and inflamed.
Mental Health Impacts
1. Anxiety and Depression
Despite people using alcohol to reduce stress or anxiety they are likely to worsen these conditions in the future. It affects the normal composition of the brain causing a heightened feeling of sadness or irritability.
2. Alcohol Dependence
Binge drinking carries physical and psychological addiction, which means the body requires alcohol to undertake daily activities. It also makes it difficult to quit and worsens mental health.
Reproductive and Sexual Health
1. Hormonal Imbalances: Alcohol affects hormone production in men and women – fertility and libido will be negatively impacted.
2. Erectile Dysfunction: This acts by on the blood vessels of which are responsible for blood supply in the male reproductive organs, and this is where heavy drinking has been shown to have the negative impact of diminishing blood supply.
3. Pregnancy Risks: Drinking during pregnancy is dangerous for both the unborn baby and the mother; pregnant women consume alcohol run the risk of offering birth to babies with FAS.
Cancer Risk
The World Health Organization has defined alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. It is linked to several types of cancer, including:
❖ Liver cancer
❖ Mouth and throat cancer
❖ Oesophageal cancer
❖ Colon and rectal cancer
Positive Effects (When Consumed Moderately)
While excessive drinking is harmful, moderate alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women and two for men) may have some benefits, such as:
❖ Heart Health: Moderate intake of red wine pointed out to better heart health as it is rich in antioxidants especially resveratrol).
❖ Social Benefits: They are in a position to south in moderation for fun and pleasure with their friends and family once in a while.
However, these benefits should not be a reason to start drinking because you do not consume alcohol and if are a drinker, then it is time to think of changing.
How to Reduce Alcohol’s Negative Effects
❖ Set Limits: Follow the alcohol consumption limits: The recommended alcohol per week is fourteen units, and this is for everyone.
❖ Stay Hydrated: In case of drinking alcohol it is advisable to take some water to help in breaking its cycle .
❖ Eat Before Drinking: Eating decreases the speed at which alcohol is soaked in the stomach.
❖ Know Your Triggers: Avoid attending events or events, with frendz or families where there is always a lot of consumption of the alcoholic products.
❖ Seek Help: If affected by alcohol dependence the person should seek the help of a qualified medical provider, or seek help from support organizations.
For such more related content don't forget to check out our blogs on Treatments.
Conclusion
Alcohol has many detrimental impacts on the human body and it impacts almost every organ. Harmful use of alcohol includes any type of daily or regular use of alcohol and immediate effects can range from vomiting and blurred vision to paralysis and death. This way you will be able to understand all the effects it has on the body and stay aware to reverse the effects by taking the right precautions and correct your wrong habits. Bear in mind, you have control of your health.