Harmful Effects Of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Many people consider alcohol to be part of the culture and way of life. But drinking doesn’t always equate to a good time. There are harmful effects associated with drinking too much both on a single occasion and over a lifetime. These can be serious and even life-threatening.
Here are some of the harmful effects of alcohol:
Damages liver

Alcohol is mostly metabolized in the liver, which is why the liver is particularly at risk of damage. The body metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, a substance that is both toxic and carcinogenic. Drinking heavily significantly increases the risk of alcoholic fatty liver, an early and reversible consequence of excessive alcohol intake. Chronic drinking alters the liver’s metabolism of fats, and excess fat accumulates in the liver. Other effects on the liver include long-term inflammation, called alcoholic hepatitis. This can lead to scar tissue.
Affects heart

The heart is extremely vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Over time, heavy drinking can weaken the heart, impacting how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to other vital organs in your body. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels — a type of fat in your blood. High levels of triglycerides contribute to the risk of developing dangerous health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Shrinks brain

If you drink heavily for a long time, booze can affect how your brain looks and works. Its cells start to change and even get smaller. Too much alcohol can actually shrink your brain. And that’ll have big effects on your ability to think, learn, and remember things. It can also make it harder to keep a steady body temperature and control your movements.
Increases your diabetes risk

Heavy drinking can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can trigger type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is also a common side effect of chronic pancreatitis, which is overwhelmingly caused by heavy drinking. Alcoholic drinks often contain a lot of calories. For instance, one pint of beer can be equivalent to a slice of pizza. Hence, drinking can also increase your chance of becoming overweight, which raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Click here to check out the other dangerous effects of alcohol