Stanford experts discuss the health implications of moderate alcohol consumption and how the guidelines have changed. The connection between alcohol consumption and your digestive system might not seem immediately clear. The side effects often only appear after the damage has happened. But more recent research suggests there’s really no “safe” amount of alcohol since even moderate drinking can negatively impact brain health. Past guidance around alcohol use generally suggests a daily drink poses little risk of negative health effects — and might even offer a few health benefits.
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If one has a higher socioeconomic status, their income is higher, they are able to support their living needs and have better access to healthcare. However, those with a lower socioeconomic status majority of minorities are less fortunate. They are faced with poverty, low income, unemployment, and lack of access to healthier food options, which then contributes to poor health and higher AUD risk. The correlation between levels of socioeconomic status is prominent in alcohol-related health illnesses between cultures. The long term effects of drinking refer to the effects of alcohol on the body ways in which prolonged alcohol consumption alters our wellbeing over an extended period of time. These changes can be harder to recognize since they often develop gradually over the years, and include increased risk of various diseases and cancers.
- As alcohol enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, it binds to certain neurotransmitters (substances that facilitate communication between nerve cells) like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
- But experts caution that even within these guidelines, individual risk varies.
Brain Damage
Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, contributing to approximately 178,000 deaths annually. Over time, alcohol use takes a toll on your body and increases your risk of over 200 health conditions. Alcohol can also negatively impact fertility in both men and women. In women, alcohol may increase the risk of miscarriage and pre-term birth. If a woman drinks during pregnancy, it can cause lifelong disabilities from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Vitamin B12 and folate are both important for reproductive health.
Excessive alcohol use
This can lead to conditions like stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The pancreas is essential for breaking down enzymes and starches (like those in alcohol). When the pancreas becomes irritated and inflamed, you can develop pancreatitis.
- This condition affects blood circulation, which can lead to other health problems.
- Once in the bloodstream, alcohol affects every organ in the body, including your brain.
- Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows the body’s ability to ward off infections–even up to 24 hours later.
- Any amount of alcohol can diminish your judgment and functioning, and even low or moderate alcohol use can have harmful effects on different organs.
Whether you’re considering Sober October, Dry January or are ready to go booze-free without the help of a themed month, there are amazing benefits to breaking up with alcohol. Dr. Hannah Hildahl, UnityPoint Health, explains what alcohol does to your mind and body from top to bottom. Whether it’s a glass of red wine with dinner or a celebratory cocktail on the weekend, drinking in moderation has long been considered not only socially acceptable but also perhaps even healthy. “A lot of people with this genetic variant are aware of some of the visible symptoms, but they don’t know that it means alcohol really puts them at more risk than other people,” Chen said. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can also lead to dependence, which means your body and brain have grown used to alcohol’s effects.
- Alcohol may also cause death indirectly, by asphyxiation from vomit.
- Research has not found a correlation between the extent of electrolyte disruptions and the severity of hangovers, or the impact of added electrolytes on hangover severity.
- And finally, there’s a release of beta-endorphins, our natural painkillers, for both physical and emotional woes.
Calls to any general helpline will be received by The Healing Place or Refine Recovery, both paid advertisers. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and alcoholism treatment recovery. Submit your number to receive a call today from a treatment provider. Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time. Alcohol use disorder requires treatment from a healthcare professional to support you through alcohol detoxification. If you, or a loved one, may have alcohol use disorder, help is available.