Why Shouldn't We Overdo It With Alcohol?
Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~3
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Regular alcohol abuse leads to cirrhosis, heart problems, cancer, affects memory ...
Overdose is associated with complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. After overdosing on alcohol, our body becomes dehydrated - the release of antidiuretic hormones is blocked, with the help of which the water balance in the body is regulated.
In recent years, the habit of drinking alcohol in large quantities has spread more and more around the world.
A number of studies have shown the harmful effects of long-term alcohol abuse.
However, constant consumption of alcohol can cause damage to a number of vital organs and the development of diseases, including the heart.
Chronic alcohol abuse has a long-term effect on blood pressure. High blood pressure burdens the heart, which is considered a risk factor for disease leading to heart attacks and heart attacks . In addition, the content of triglycerides in the blood increases, which again leads to heart problems as a result.
Once in our body, alcohol is broken down by two systems in the liver - the alcohol dehydrogenase and the meos system. This ability of both systems is genetically determined.
Alcohol has been shown to be a major culprit in the onset and development of liver problems , including cirrhosis. Excessive consumption inflames the liver cells.
Alcohol is also not recommended for diabetics . They are 70% more at risk of death from liver disease than people who are not affected by the condition, a study shows.
Diabetes is known to increase the risk of liver disease. Poor blood sugar control can lead to cancer or liver damage.
Because of the potential effects of alcohol on blood sugar levels and the risk of weight gain, diabetics are not recommended to consume large amounts of alcohol, says Dr. Sarah Wild of the University of Edinburgh.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of stomach cancer . One of the causes of cancer may be related to acetaldehyde, which is produced by the breakdown of alcohol. Acetaldehyde is a highly carcinogenic substance.
Alcohol abuse also increases the risk of developing breast cancer . Women who drink 3-6 drinks a week have a 15% higher risk of cancer, according to a study by researchers at Harvard University. And consuming an average of 2 glasses a day is at 51% higher risk.
Alcohol also affects reproductive capabilities . It is believed that it affects the levels of estrogen and other reproductive hormones in the body, which leads to ovulation disorders - prolongs the menstrual cycle and is the cause of anovulatory cycles. In the absence of ovulation, a woman's ovaries do not release an egg and consequent conception is impossible.
Alcohol use in men is associated with reduced sperm count and low speed of movement, which means that a larger percentage of available sperm is unable to make a "long journey" to fertilize a woman's egg.
Excessive alcohol consumption affects the hippocampus , a part of the brain that plays a key role in learning and memory. The structure of the brain is extremely sensitive to the toxic effects caused by alcohol, scientists from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Another study shows similar results. 122 students, aged between 18-20, take a series of language and cognitive tests.
It turns out that the group of students who frequently drink alcohol performed less well on the tests than the group of participants who consumed alcohol within normal limits. Students who overindulge in alcohol find it harder to absorb new information, remember fewer words, and remember about 4% less than the stories they are told.
But, alcohol consumption in moderation, and up to 2-3 times a week, can be beneficial to health. Men have a greater ability to break down alcohol. The recommended dose for the stronger sex is 30-35 ml of concentrate, and for women - 20-25 ml.
The following table for the permissible moderate dose of alcohol can be displayed, according to the type of drink:
- 385 ml plain beer,
- 150 ml of wine,
- 45 ml liqueur,
- 30 ml of hard alcohol.
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