Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds for alcohol to rush through to your brain to slow down essential chemicals and pathways that are important for the functioning of your brain cells? While studies suggest that an occasional glass of wine after a long day may not be a cause for concern to send you to the nearest drug and alcohol rehab center, you may need to consider what the cumulative impact of binging on copious amounts of alcohol can do to your body. We have put together a detailed list of some of the most significant effects that consuming alcohol in large quantities can have on you. Keep on reading to find out more.
Inflammatory Damage
The liver has to work excessively to ensure that harmful substances such as alcohol are removed from your body. However, when you drink alcohol in large amounts over time, you may interfere with this detoxifying process in the body. As a result, you may be at higher risk of chronic liver inflammation that can lead to severe liver disease.
Cirrhosis causes scarring due to inflammation which damages the liver. You would be surprised to find out that women are at a higher risk of alcohol-related liver disease because their bodies absorb alcohol for longer periods than men.
Low or High Blood Sugar Levels
The effects of alcohol on your liver can cause issues with your pancreatic glands. These glands play an essential role in the regulation of insulin and responding to the body’s glucose needs. When there is malfunctioning in your liver and pancreas you may be at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
When this imbalance of blood sugar levels occurs, you may be at high risk of experiencing complications that are related to diabetes. If there is a history of diabetes in your family, it is important to minimize or avoid the intake of alcohol.
Central Nervous System
You know when you have had a bit too much to drink and your speech starts to slur? This is one of the simplest ways to understand the impact of alcohol on the central nervous system. When alcohol interferes with the chemicals and pathways that your brain cells use to communicate, it causes difficulties with coordination in your brain. As a result, you may find yourself struggling to stand up straight or to walk in a straight line. Moreover, you may have difficulty remembering things or making rational decisions. This is why driving after drinking should be prohibited by the law even by friends and family.
The Bottom Line
Drinking alcohol affects many major parts of the body. This can result in a weakened immune system over time. It is important to ensure that you understand your medical history and that you take good care of yourself. Having one drink can be okay but not when you have one drink every single day. This increases your risks of dependency, and it compromises your health.
