6 ways alcohol affects body – Times of India

While every other report and doctors claim it is bad for health, alcohol is a widely consumed beverage that affects the body in ways that go beyond the feeling of being instantly intoxicated. Knowing how different systems and organs are impacted by alcohol might enable people to make wise decisions regarding their alcohol use. Here are six physiological effects of alcohol:

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that it slows down brain activity and reduces cognitive ability.This may cause symptoms like poor judgment, diminished coordination, and slurred speech.

Liver damage

Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, but too much alcohol can overtax the liver’s capacity, causing damage to the liver and a host of other illnesses such cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis.

Effects on mental health

Drinking alcohol can have a serious negative impact on one’s mental health, making anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders worse. Long-term alcohol misuse is also linked to a higher chance of alcohol use disorder (AUD), a dangerous and possibly fatal illness.

Immune system suppression

Drinking alcohol excessively and over extended periods of time can impair immunity, leaving people more vulnerable to diseases and infections. Alcohol undermines the body’s defenses against infections by interfering with the production of antibodies and immunological cells.

Effects on the heart and blood vessels

Drinking too much can harm the heart and blood vessels, although drinking moderately may have some lesser cardiovascular issues. Chronic alcohol dependency is linked to cardiomyopathy, elevated blood pressure, and a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Gastrointestinal distress

Consuming Alcohol irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and causes inflammation and raises the chance of developing diseases like gastritis, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can also be brought on by alcohol abuse.