There are so many myths about heath benefits of alcohol. The pleasurable effects of alcohol are undeniable, making it easy to forget about the negative effects.
Alcohol consumption has been linked to depression, anxiety, violent behavior promiscuity, suicide, motor accidents, cancers, etc and ultimately death.
As if that not enough, alcohol does unbelievable damage to the body. From the first sip, alcohol is immediately absorbed into our blood stream through the lining of the stomach and then to the various part of the body. Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body:
THE BRAIN
Alcohol consumption results in seizure disorders, impaired memory, impaired vision and speech.
Too much much endorphin releases in the process can lead to infertility and depression among other complications
THE LIVER
My oh my, how the liver takes a hit when you are drunk!!!
The liver turns the alcohol into a toxic substance called acetaladehyde which can cause cancer. Excess drinking can result in cancer of the liver and also causes the liver to accumulate fat.
THE STOMACH
Alcohol increases the production of acid which can results in ulcer in the stomach
THE PANCREAS
Heavy drinking impairs the pancreas ability to produce insulin which eventually leads to diabetes. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.
THE HEART
Alcohol may stretch and droop heart muscles; a condition known as cardiomyopathy. It increases blood pressure, blood lipids, stroke and causes irregular heart beats eventually leading to heart failure.
CANCER
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the:
- Mouth
- Esophagus
- Throat
- Liver
- Breast
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections – even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.
DEPENDENCY
Some people who drink heavily may develop a physical and emotional dependency on alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and life-threatening. You often need professional help to break an alcohol addiction. As a result, many people seek medical detoxification to get sober. It’s the safest way to ensure you break the physical addiction. Depending on the risk for withdrawal symptoms, detoxification can be managed on either an outpatient or inpatient basis. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- anxiety
- nervousness
- nausea
- tremors
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- heavy sweating
Seizures, hallucinations, and delirium may occur in severe cases of withdrawal.
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
You may think drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions and help you have more fun in bed. But the reality is quite different. Men who drink too much are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking can also prevent sex hormone production and lower your libido. Women who drink too much may stop menstruating. That puts them at a greater risk for infertility. Women who drink heavily during pregnancy have a higher risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Women who drink alcohol while pregnant put their unborn child at risk. Fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASD) is a serious concern. Other conditions include:
- learning difficulties
- long-term health issues
- increased emotional problems
- physical development abnormalities
Why let alcohol decide your health, think twice. And to our pregnant women, it is an absolute NO due to the adverse health effects it has on the unborn baby.
by Bro Dr Adu Appiah-Kubi
GK CL 116