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Booze & Your Body Pt II

alcohol health

Welcome back! This is the 2nd part of this mini-series. As promised, we’re discussing the effects of alcohol on the brain and body. They include:

  • Immune system suppression, including impaired antimicrobial activity, mobility of immune cells, function of Natural Killer (NK) cells, etc. 

  • Depletion of Thiamin (B1), Vitamin B12, Folate and Zinc. We need these for SO many things including making stomach acid, endurance, carbohydrate metabolism, detoxification, fertility, nerve and cellular health and other functions.

  • Liver burden, leading to a COMPLETE stop in fat burning and detox. This causes fat, estrogen and other old hormones to recirculate and accumulate. It’s estrogenic (hello man boobs)!

  • Increase in cortisol production, creating further hormonal imbalances, low testosterone.

  • Alteration of gut bacteria and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), allowing pathogens and endotoxin (future post) into the bloodstream, opening up autoimmunity and driving inflammation.

  • Acidic blood, stimulating the breakdown of bone to release neutralizing calcium into the blood.

  • Depletion of energy via alteration of water balance in muscle cells and elevation of NADH, interfering with energy (ATP) production. 

  • Circadian Rhythm disruption, reducing restful sleep, ability to learn and retain information and therefore, inhibiting memory creation. Alcohol can also decrease the secretion of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is critical for muscle recovery, by up to 70%.

  • Dehydration, which is integral to almost all bodily functions, especially athletic performance.

  • Irritation and other issues from ingredients like sulphates, tannins, pesticides, herbicides, etc.

  • Exacerbation of existing comorbidities (diseases).

  • The above added together = oxidative stress = aging.

Remember, alcohol is a toxin. And the longer-term abuse, the higher increased risk of cancer, acid reflux, ulcers and more.

DESPITE all of this, I will have a drink once in a blue moon when I really feel like it. Learn what I do to minimize damage in my next post!

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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Badrick, E. Bobak, M. Britton, A. Kirschbaum, C. Marmot, M. Kumari, M. The Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Cortisol Secretion in an Aging Cohort. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2266962/.

Bishehsari, F. Magno, E. Swanson, G. Desai, V. Voigt, R.M. Forsyth, C.B. Keshavarzian, A. (2017). Alcohol and Gut-Derived Inflammation. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513683/. 

Boston Medical Group. (2017). Alcohol and Low Testosterone: Excessive Drinking Can Lower Testosterone. Retrieved from: https://www.bostonmedicalgroup.com/alcohol-and-low-testosterone-excessive-drinking-can-lower-testosterone/.

CDC. (2019). Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm.

Chari, S. Teyssen, S. Singer, M.V. (1993). Alcohol and gastric acid secretion in humans. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1374273/.

Emanuele, M.A. Emanuele, N. Alcohol and the Male Reproductive System. Retrieved from: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-4/282-287.htm. 

Firth, G. How Alcohol Affects Nutrition and Endurance. Retrieved from: https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/resources/health-topics/alcohol-drugs/Pages/alcohol-nutrition-endurance.aspx.

Neupane, S.D. (2016). Neuroimmune Interface in the Comorbidity between Alcohol Use Disorder and Major Depression. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5186784/.

Purohit, V. Bode, J.C. Bode, C. Brenner, D.A. Mashkoor, A.C. Hamilton, F. Kang, Y.J. Keshavarzian, A. Rao, R. Balfour, S.R. Swanson. C. Turnerk, J.R. (2008). Alcohol, Intestinal Bacterial Growth, Intestinal Permeability to Endotoxin, and Medical Consequences. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2614138/.

Tremblay, A. St-Pierre, A. (1996). The hyperphagic effect of a high-fat diet and alcohol intake persists after control for energy density. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8599309.

Wright, J.V. Lenard, L. (2001). Why Stomach Acid is Good for You. Lanham, MD: M. Evans.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.