Some people do not think much of it but the truth is, even a small amount of alcohol has an effect on our bodies. When we drink alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and gets distributed throughout the body. If you eat food high in fat, you will absorb alcohol more slowly. If you drink more than your body can process, however, you will get drunk.
Here are some of the effects of alcohol on the different parts of the body:
Excretory System
The excretory system is the one responsible for processing and eliminating waste products such as alcohol from the body. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that combine with bile from the gallbladder to help in digesting food. The pancreas also helps regulate glucose and insulin. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause the pancreas to produce toxic substances that might inhibit it from functioning properly.
The liver is responsible for breaking down harmful substances. Excessive drinking of alcohol can cause alcoholic hepatitis – this can lead to the development of jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). Excessive drinking can also cause a severe scarring known as cirrhosis. This is a life-threatening liver disease because when the liver fails to function, toxic substances remain in the body and this can lead to death. Alcohol abuse also increases your risk of liver cancer.
Digestive System
Alcohol can cause problems to your digestive system – from the mouth, all the way to the colon. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the salivary glands, mouth and tongue – this might lead to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Heavy drinking can also cause heartburn or acid reflux and even cancer of the mouth or esophagus. Alcohol can block the absorption of essential vitamins in the stomach and intestines. Colon cancer can also be a risk.
Immune System
When the immune system is weakened by excessive alcohol intake, it will have a difficult time fighting off germs, viruses and other types of illnesses. Heavy drinkers are more likely to get tuberculosis or pneumonia than the general population.
Musculoskeletal Systems
Alcohol abuse makes it harder for the body to produce new bones. Drinking alcohol puts a person at an increased risk of osteoporosis (thinning bones) as well as bone fractures. Muscles become more prone to weakness, cramps, and even atrophy with alcohol abuse.
Central Nervous System
Alcohol travels through the body easily and can reach many parts of the body quickly. Once it reaches your brain and other parts of your central nervous system, you will find it difficult to talk and think properly. Long-term drinking can actually shrink the frontal lobes of the brain. A heavy drinker can become emotionally and physically dependent on alcohol over time. Unlike other common addictions, acute alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
