Alcohol Combat Day: Know 8 dangers of drinking for the body

Experts explain how excessive intake of this substance can cause serious damage to the body

With the aim of making the population aware of the damage caused to the body by the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, ‘National Day against alcohol’ is celebrated on 18 February. Considering that Brazil is among the 10 countries with the highest alcohol consumption in the world, according to data from the Ministry of Health, the date underlines the importance of limiting the consumption of this drink for the health and well-being of the body.

“Alcohol is a toxic substance for the human body and can cause mental illness, cancer, liver problems such as cirrhosis, cardiovascular alterations, with the risk of heart attack and stroke, and a decrease in the immune system; in addition to promoting dehydration, the ‘inflammation and fluid accumulation,” explains nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez, director and professor at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).

If you’re still not convinced of the dangers of alcohol, check out 8 Reasons You Should Avoid Drinking Alcohol below. I wait!

1. Decreased metabolic capacity

The liver is responsible for digesting alcoholic beverages. However, this same body is responsible for the metabolism of fat. “The liver works every day to break down the fats in your diet and eliminate toxins. When you drink alcohol, you end up adding another task to the organ’s function. This way, your liver can’t process the fat quickly and efficient as it would be.” , also working to expel the alcohol. As a result, the metabolism slows down, which also leads to the accumulation of fat,” explains Dr. Marcella.

Therefore, since the liver will already be overworked trying to metabolize the alcohol, it is recommended that you avoid heavy foods, such as red meat, after consuming alcoholic beverages. Give preference to boiled and grilled white meats, as well as plenty of salad and fruit.

two. Dehydrated skin

Water loss caused by alcohol affects skin health. “The skin is also one of the peripheral tissues from which the body draws water to metabolize alcohol. As a result, the skin tissue can suffer from dehydration, peeling and loss of vigor and shine,” says dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Besides dehydrating you, alcohol can also cause a inflammatory process of the skin. To keep the skin healthy it is interesting, in addition to drinking plenty of water and avoiding the consumption of alcohol, to focus on the use of moisturizing creams with antioxidants to promote the recovery of the skin tissue.

3. Inflammation and spots on the skin

The sugar present in alcoholic beverages has a very high glycemic index and, in excess, can cause a phenomenon called glycation. “Linked to highly inflammatory processes in the body, sugar (when ingested in excess) is bad for collagen and elastin fibers, which harden, losing malleability, flexibility, and sustaining ability, when a process called glycation occurs,” says dr. Valéria Campos, Laser and Dermatology graduate from Harvard Medical School.

Apart from these, the doctor points out that blood sugar can also promote excessive skin pigmentation. “Sugar is also linked to the appearance of blemishes. This constant inflammation from excess sugar, common in the Western diet, leads to a buildup of free radicals or AGEs (Advanced Glycation Species). They are highly inflammatory and prematurely age the system, being topical and oral products necessary for the antiglycant and deglycant action”, explains the professional.

4. Difficulty getting pregnant

Even moderate alcohol consumption can have several harmful effects on the body, including impaired fertility. According to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Fernando Prado, a specialist in human reproduction, a study last year showed that women who want to get pregnant should avoid excessive alcohol consumption. “In the second half of the menstrual cycle, even moderate alcohol consumption is related to reduced chances of pregnancy, according to the work,” explains the expert.

According to the doctor, the possible biological mechanisms that may explain the association between drinking and reduced chances of getting pregnant it may be related to the disruption of the processes involved in ovulation due to the ingestion of alcohol, so that no eggs are released during the ovulatory part of the cycle. Furthermore, the expert explains that alcohol can also affect the ability of a fertilized egg to implant itself in the uterus.

5. articolar pains

Alcohol is also a risk factor for joint pain. “It can cause an increase in uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia, which leads to inflammation of the joints and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the articular cartilage, which progresses to osteoarthritis,” explains Dr. Marcos Cortelazo, orthopedic specialist in knee and sports traumatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).

6. circulation problems

By promoting dehydration, alcohol, in addition to increasing the incidence of cramps and muscle aches, can also cause the body to retain more fluids. “As a result, we become swollen and the pressure on the veins and arteries increases, which can contribute to the onset of vascular problems such as varicose veins and thrombosis,” emphasizes vascular surgeon Dr. Aline Lamaita, a member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular surgery.

7. Slow healing

Alcohol consumption is also particularly harmful for people who have just had invasive surgery. «This is because the inflammatory process caused by alcohol makes the healing process difficult and favors the appearance of unsightly scars. In addition, the substance thins the blood, increasing the risk that the patient suffers from bleeding and prolonging recovery times,” explains plastic surgeon Dr. Beatriz Lassance, member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery.

8. oral diseases

Another structure affected by water loss caused by alcohol is the mouth (and teeth). “The dehydration process caused by alcohol causes a decrease in saliva production. As a result, we are more susceptible disease development such as caries, gingivitis and dental erosion, since one of the main functions of saliva is precisely to protect the teeth and oral mucosa,” says Dr. Hugo Lewgoy, dental surgeon and doctor of dentistry at USP.

Therefore, in addition to drinking plenty of water, it is interesting that you carry a portable kit consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste and interdental brushes with you to carry out oral hygiene during any appointments where you go to drink.

Measures to prevent harm caused by alcohol

The best advice is to bet on moderation and not turn the sporadic act of drinking into a routine habit. “In general, it is recommended to limit daily consumption to a maximum of one glass of up to 150 ml and always opt for varieties that have functionality, such as red and dry wine. Healthier alcoholic beverages, as they are fermented and rich in polyphenols, such as resveratrol, which are substances with great antioxidant power”, clarifies Dr. Marcella.

The doctor says that avoiding the consumption of distilled beverages is essential for maintenance the health of the body. “Spirits, in turn, are not sources of polyphenols and have a higher concentration of alcohol in their composition, which reduces their health benefits. Also, drinks such as cachaça, vodka, whiskey and tequila tend to be absorbed more quickly and, in general, are more aggressive for the liver, i.e. they should be avoided or limited to quantities lower than a daily dose”, concludes the specialist.

By Pedro Del Claro

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.