The
Internet is full of mixed messages about alcohol. On the one hand,
moderate amounts have been linked to health benefits. On the other, it is
addictive and highly toxic — especially when you drink too much. The truth is
that the health effects of alcohol vary between individuals and depend on the
amount.
What Is Alcohol? ( click here to know more)
It’s produced by yeasts
that digest sugar in certain carb-rich foods, such as grapes — used to make
wine — or grains— used to make beer. Alcohol is one of the most popular
psychoactive substances in the world. It can have powerful effects on your mood
and mental state. By reducing self-consciousness and shyness, alcohol may
encourage people to act without inhibition.
OUR LIVER
Our liver is a remarkable organ with hundreds of
essential functions. One of its main roles is to neutralize various toxic
substances you consume. For this reason, your liver is particularly vulnerable
to damage by alcohol intake. Liver diseases caused by alcohol consumption
are collectively known as alcoholic liver diseases. The first of these is fatty liver characterized by increased fat inside
liver cells. In heavy drinkers, drinking
may cause your liver to become inflamed. In worst-case scenarios, liver cells
die and get replaced with scar tissue, leading to a serious condition called
cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is irreversible and associated with many serious health
problems. In advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option.
IMPACT ON BRAIN
Excessive alcohol consumption can have numerous adverse effects
on your brain. Ethanol reduces communication between brain cells — a short-term
effect characterized by memory loss, or amnesia, These effects are only
temporary, but chronic alcohol abuse may cause permanent changes in your brain,
Because your brain is very sensitive to damage, chronic alcohol abuse may
increase your risk of dementia and cause brain shrinkage in middle-aged and
older adults In worst-case scenarios, severe alcohol-induced brain damage may
impair people's ability to lead an independent life.
DEPRESSION
Alcohol intake and depression are closely
but complexly associated. While alcohol intake and depression seem to increase
the risk of one another simultaneously, alcohol abuse may be the stronger
causal factor Many people facing ANXIETY and
depression drink intentionally to reduce stress and improve mood. While
drinking may provide a few hours of relief, it will worsen your overall mental
health and spark a vicious cycle In fact, because heavy drinking is a major
cause of depression in some individuals, treating the underlying alcohol abuse
leads to big improvements
BODY WEIGHT
Obesity is a
serious health concern. Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after
fat — packing about 7 calories per gram. Beer has a similar number of calories
as , whereas red wine has twice as much However, studies investigating the link
between alcohol and weight have provided inconsistent results It seems that
drinking habits and preferences may play a role. For example, moderate drinking
is linked to reduced weight gain, whereas heavy drinking is linked to increased
weight gain In fact — while drinking beer regularly may cause weight gain —
wine consumption may decrease.
HEART HEALTH
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in modern society. It is a broad category of diseases, the most common of which are heart attacks and strokes.
The relationship between alcohol and
heart disease is complex and depends on several factors. Light to moderate
drinking is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, while heavy drinking
appears to increase the risk. There are several possible reasons for the beneficial
effects of drinking moderately.
Moderate
alcohol consumption may: Raise “good” HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream
Decrease blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease Lower
your blood concentration of fibrinogen, a substance that contributes to blood
clots Cut the risk of diabetes, another major risk factor for heart
disease Reduce stress and anxiety temporarily
CANCER
Cancer is a serious disease caused by
abnormal growth of cells.
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for
cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, breast and liver. The cells lining your
mouth and throat are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Even
light alcohol consumption — up to one drink per day — is linked to a 20%
increased risk of mouth and throat cancer. Your risk increases the
more you consume. More than four drinks daily appear to cause a fivefold
increase in your risk of mouth and throat cancer, as well as an increase in
your risk of breast, colon and liver cancer
BIRTH DEFECTS
Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is the leading
preventable cause of birth defects.
In fact, it may have adverse effects on
development, growth, intelligence and behavior which may affect the child for
the rest of its life
which type of alcohol is best
What you drink matters less than how
much you drink. However, some alcoholic drinks are better than others. Red wine
appears to be particularly beneficial because it is very high in healthy ANTIOXIDANTS. In fact, red wine is linked to more
health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage. That said, consuming high
amounts does not provide greater health benefits. Heavy drinking causes health
problems — regardless of the type of beverage.
How
much to drink?
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