Alcohol consumption has become a common habit for many people around the world, but it can have serious consequences for your body and mind. The consumption of alcohol can result in a range of physical and mental health issues that may range from mild to severe. Understanding these alcohol side effects is essential to reduce the risk of harm associated with alcohol.
Alcohol can cause numerous physical impacts on the body, including liver damage, pancreatitis, heart problems, digestive issues, cancer, weakened immune system, infertility, accelerated aging process and more.
One of the most common alcohol-related illnesses is cirrhosis of the liver. This develops due to long-term alcohol abuse which causes scarring and weakening of the organ over time. It can be fatal if left untreated. Other alcohol-related illnesses include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Prolonged alcohol use also increases risk for several types of cancer including colon cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer.
Furthermore, alcohol impairs your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients such as vitamins A D E K B6 B12 as well as affecting its ability to break down fat for energy which can lead to weight gain. In addition to this alcohol interferes with muscle growth due to it decreasing testosterone levels which could lead to weaker muscles making bodybuilding more difficult or impossible depending on alcohol consumption levels.
Alcohol also has serious impacts on our mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that short-term alcohol use leads to impairments in memory formation and coordination while long-term use is linked with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia suicide attempts, substance abuse disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) aggression, antisocial behavior, dementia, personality changes, psychosis and paranoia among other conditions (National Institutes Of Health 2018).
In addition even drinking in moderation has been found to increase risks for developing mood disorders, cognitive decline, hearing loss, vision problems, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, seizures, strokes, insomnia, headaches, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) asthma, allergies, gout, eczema, psoriasis fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ulcers, poor dental health, sexual dysfunction, impotence, increased risk for injury, infection or death (Reference, American Addiction Centers 2020).
Overall it is important to understand that alcohol carries significant health risks both physically and mentally regardless if consumed in moderation or heavily over time. These risks are compounded when combined with other drugs or medications, so it is best advised not to drink at all when possible, however, if you choose too, make sure you limit intake size understand the many potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, seek help immediately if problems arise or consult with a medical professional.
By understanding the potentially harmful side effects associated with alcohol consumption in this article, you can be more mindful of any potential negative outcomes that usually arise from regular alcohol use, we as individuals can start making more informed logical choices, that will help only benefit our health and future endeavors, whether that be fitness, travel or live a long happy fruitful life! As I always say, health is the greatest wealth. Thanks for reading. Article written by; Gurkan Gurgur
References:
American Addiction Centers . “Side Effects Of Alcohol On Your Body & Mental Health – AAC” . 2020 . https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/side-effects-of-alcohol#:~:text=When%20people%20drink%20alcohol%2C%20it’s , accessed April 22 2021
National Institutes Of Health . “Long Term Effects Of Alcohol” . 2018 . https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/long-term-effects-alcohol , accessed April 22 2021
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