Alcoholic beverages are deeply rooted in many cultures and social practices, and their consumption is widespread. Despite this social acceptance, alcohol consumption is associated with significant health disadvantages that can affect almost every organ system. This blog post examines the health disadvantages of alcohol consumption and explains how alcohol works in the body. It also takes a closer look at the development of the so-called "hangover" after alcohol consumption.
How alcohol works in the body
Alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. From there, it travels to various tissues of the body and affects numerous physiological processes.
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Central nervous system : Ethanol acts as a depressant of the central nervous system. It affects neurotransmitter activity, particularly that of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, resulting in a calming effect. At the same time, it inhibits the glutamate system, which reduces excitatory neurotransmission. These combined effects lead to reduced reaction time, impaired coordination and impaired judgment.
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Liver : The liver metabolizes most of the ethanol consumed through the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). This produces acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite that is further broken down to acetate. High levels of acetaldehyde can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
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Kidneys and fluid balance : Alcohol has a diuretic effect because it inhibits the release of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). This leads to increased urine production and can cause dehydration.
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Magnesium and other electrolytes : Alcohol affects electrolyte balance, especially magnesium levels. Ethanol can increase the excretion of magnesium in the urine, leading to magnesium deficiency. Magnesium plays an important role in many biological processes, including muscle and nerve function and energy production.
Health Disadvantages and Consequences of Alcohol
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Liver diseases : Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. These conditions are progressive and can ultimately be fatal.
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Cancer risk : Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breast cancer. The association between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is dose-dependent.
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Cardiovascular disease : Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and cardiomyopathy. These conditions increase the risk of stroke and sudden cardiac death.
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Mental health : Alcohol can worsen or cause depression and anxiety. Chronic alcohol use is also associated with an increased risk of alcohol dependence and other mental disorders.
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Accidents and injuries : Due to its effect on the central nervous system, alcohol significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries. This applies to both road traffic accidents and domestic accidents.
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Immune system : Alcohol weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections.
The "hangover" after alcohol consumption
The "hangover" is a common phenomenon that occurs after excessive alcohol consumption. It is characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, thirst and general malaise. The exact mechanisms that lead to the hangover are complex and involve several factors:
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Dehydration : The diuretic effect of alcohol causes significant fluid loss, resulting in dehydration and associated symptoms such as headaches and thirst.
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Electrolyte imbalance : Increased loss of electrolytes, especially magnesium, can contribute to muscle cramps, fatigue, and general malaise. Low magnesium levels can also worsen the neurological symptoms of a hangover.
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Acetaldehyde : The toxic metabolite of ethanol, acetaldehyde can cause nausea, vomiting, and general physical discomfort. Studies have shown that high levels of acetaldehyde can correlate with the severity of hangovers.
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Immune system and inflammation : Recent research has shown that inflammatory responses play a significant role in the development of hangovers. Increased production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators may explain many of the hangover symptoms. Studies have shown a significant relationship between immunological factors and the severity of hangovers. In particular, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, highlighting the role of inflammation.
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Other factors : Other factors that can affect the severity of a hangover include lack of sleep, smoking, the presence of congeners (chemical contaminants in alcoholic beverages), general health, and genetic and individual differences.
Alcohol consumption therefore brings with it numerous health disadvantages that can affect almost every organ system. From liver disease and cancer to cardiovascular problems, mental disorders and a weakened immune system - the list of potential damage is long and serious. The hangover after alcohol consumption is another unpleasant phenomenon caused by a combination of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, toxic metabolites and inflammatory reactions.
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