Where Does Alcohol Go In The Body?

An opinion that is confirmed in recent years through the results of many studies on the positive effect of moderate alcohol consumption on the functioning of the body. Of course, any amount above the recommended, combined with chronic consumption - addiction, can cause very serious health problems and even lead to death. But what is the journey of alcohol in our body? Which path does it follow and which organs does it affect positively or negatively? What do the statistics say about alcohol consumption in our country?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 3 million deaths per year from harmful alcohol use - consumption where 1/3 are women and the remaining 2/3 men.

What are the recommendations for alcohol?

Moderate alcohol consumption corresponds to: One drink / day for women and people over 60 (or 15 g of alcohol for women)Two drinks / day for men (or 25-30 g for men).

Alcohol consumption does not consist of:

Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. People on medication. People who intend to drive.

How is alcohol metabolized in our body?

Which organs of the body are affected by alcohol consumption?

Oral cavity

High consumption increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus or pharynx.

Stomach

On an "empty" stomach, alcohol passes directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, eating food before or during slows down the absorption of alcohol from the blood. High alcohol consumption: Stimulates the secretion of gastric fluid, this can lead to gastritis or ulcers. It can reduce appetite and therefore lead to malnutrition.

Circulatory System - Heart

Once alcohol enters the circulatory system it is distributed throughout the body. Alcohol consumption causes dilation of blood vessels causing: Transient feeling of warmth (increase in temperature)Transient decrease in pulse. Transient reduction in blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption: It strains the heart Increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart disease. Significantly increases blood pressure

Liver

It breaks down most of the alcohol we consume (the rest is eliminated from our body through respiration, urine and sweat).It contains enzymes that break down alcohol into water and carbon dioxide which are harmless to our body. It is able to oxidize a beverage unit / hour. Long-term and systematic alcohol consumption: Neutralizes liver cells Leads to serious liver diseases (Liver steatosis, Alcoholic hepatitis, Alcoholic cirrhosis).It can also lead to liver cancer or other types of cancer.

Brain

Alcohol once it reaches the brain affects its ability to control behavior and body movements.As the concentration of alcohol (BAC, Blood alcohol content) increases, the loss of control increases.

Kidneys

Alcohol acts as a diuretic. May increase urine output even 20 minutes after ingestion. High consumption: It leads to a feeling of thirst and possible dehydration. It can increase the excretion of calcium from the bones, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Other negative effects of high alcohol consumption

Increase SB Pancreatitis Decreased immune function Anxiety Sleep Disorders Depression

Positive effects of alcohol consumption

Moderate alcohol consumption can: Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, especially in men over 40 and postmenopausal women (red wine)Reduce stress Contribute positively to heart health (red wine)To increase appetite To give longevity .