On the one hand, moderate amounts have been linked to health benefits in conjunction.
On the other hand, addictive and highly toxic if we too much of it.
The truth is that the health effects of alcohol are actually quite complex.
Varies between individuals, and depend on the amount consumed and the type of alcoholic drink.
So, how alcohol affects your health?
Let us take a look ...
What drink alcohol and why people?
The active ingredient in alcoholic beverages is as ethanol.
Also known as "alcohol", ethanol is the substance that makes drunk.
Ethanol by yeast, sugar when digested in some carbohydrates [1] rich foods such as grapes (wine) or cereals (beer).
Alcohol is the "drug" most popular recreation of the world. You can have strong effects on mood and mental state.
Alcohol can reduce the self-confidence and shyness, making it easier for people to act without inhibitions. At the same time, it can judgment and people do things you end up regretting ( 1 , 2 ).
Some people drink small amounts at a time, while others tend to binge drinking. Binge drinking is drinking large quantities at a time to get drunk.
[2]
Conclusion: Ethanol is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, commonly known as they strong impact on your mental state "of alcohol.".
Alcohol is neutralized by the liver
The liver is a remarkable organ with hundreds of functions in the body.
One of its main tasks is to neutralize all the toxins we consume. For this reason, the liver is particularly susceptible to damage caused by the consumption of alcohol (caused 3 ).
Liver disease caused by alcohol consumption collectively referred to alcoholic liver disease [3] .
The first of these is displayed fatty liver [4] , characterized by increasing the fat within the liver cells.
Fatty liver develops in 90% of those over 16 grams (about half an ounce) drink alcohol per day and usually asymptomatic and fully reversible ( 4 , 5 ).
In heavy drinkers, heavy drinking can cause the liver become inflamed. In the worst case die from liver cells and scar tissue, which (replaced leads to a disease, known as severe liver cirrhosis 3 , 6 , 7 ).
Cirrhosis [5] is irreversible and is associated with many serious health problems. In advanced cirrhosis, get a new liver (liver transplantation) may be the only option.
Conclusion: The alcohol is metabolized in the liver and cause frequent use to increased fatty liver cells. Alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis, a very serious disease.
Alcohol and the Brain
Excessive alcohol consumption can have many harmful effects on the brain.
Ethanol reduces substantially communication between the cells of the brain that is responsible for a short time effect for many of the symptoms of poisoning.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to the failure of [6] , a phenomenon of memory loss (amnesia) (indicated during an episode of heavy drinking 8 ).
These effects are only temporary, but chronic alcohol abuse can lead to permanent changes in the brain, which often leads to impaired function of the brain (causing 9 , 10 , 11 ).
The brain is actually very sensitive to damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse (caused 12 ), which may increase the risk of dementia [7] ( 13 ) and brain shrinkage in middle-aged men and higher ( 14 , 15 ).
In the worst case, the severity of the damage to the brain affect people's ability to live independently.
In contrast, moderate consumption to a lower risk of dementia has been associated, particularly in the elderly ( 16 , 17 , 18 ).
Conclusion: Although alcohol poisoning is only temporary, can affect brain function in the long term chronic alcohol abuse. However, moderate alcohol consumption benefits for the health of the brain, especially in the elderly.
Alcohol and Depression
The combination of alcohol and depression [8] is near, but complex ( 19 ).
Although alcohol and depression seem the risk of a further increase, while alcohol abuse, the strong causal be ( 20 , 21 , 22 ).
Many people who suffer from anxiety and depression drink, on purpose, to reduce stress and mood ( 23 , 24 ). This may work for a few hours, but worsen the overall mental health and a vicious circle.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown that it is actually one of the main causes of depression in some people, and treatment of alcohol abuse led to major improvements ( 25 , 26 , 27 ).
Conclusion: Alcohol abuse and depression related. People can begin to abuse alcohol because of depression, depressed, or abusing alcohol.
Alcohol and body weight
Obesity is a serious health problem.
Alcohol is actually the second high-energy nutrients for fat provides about 7 calories [9] per gram.
Beer contains a similar amount of calories from sugary soft drinks [10] , gram for gram, while red wine contains twice ( 28 , 29 , 30 ).
However, conflicting results are studies on the relationship between alcohol and weight specified ( 31 ).
It seems that consumer habits and preferences play a role.
For example, moderate alcohol consumption with reduced weight gain (associated 32 , 33 ), while alcohol abuse is associated with increased weight gain (associates 34 ).
Also drink beer regularly can gain weight (cause 35 , 36 ), while the consumption of wine can (to reduce 31 , 35 ).
Conclusion: The evidence of the weight gain is alcohol and mixed. Excessive consumption of alcohol and beer is associated with increased weight gain, while moderate wine consumption and reduced weight gain relate.
Alcohol and cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular diseases [11] are the main causes of death in modern society.
Actually, there is a broad class of diseases that are most common heart attacks and strokes.
The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease are complex and seems to depend on several factors.
Mild to moderate alcohol consumption with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, while alcohol abuse seems risk (increase 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ).
There are several possible reasons for the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption.
Excessive alcohol consumption can:
- Raise HDL [12] ("good") cholesterol in the blood ( 41 ).
- Low blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease ( 42 ).
- Reducing the concentration of fibrinogen in the blood, a substance that inhibits the formation of blood clots (contributes 43 ).
- Cut the risk of diabetes ( 44 ), another risk factor for heart disease.
- Reduce stress and anxiety temporarily ( 41 , 45 ).
Conclusion: Moderate alcohol consumption with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, but alcohol abuse appears to increase the risk.
Alcohol and diabetes mellitus type 2
Type 2 diabetes [13] is a common metabolic disease that currently affects about 8% of the world population ( 46 ).
Characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels type 2 diabetes by a decreased uptake of glucose (blood sugar) is caused in the cells, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance [14] .
Drink alcohol in moderation seems insulin resistance, which in the fight against the main symptoms of diabetes (helps reduce 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ).
Consequently, the use of alcohol with food the blood sugar levels by 16-37% compared with the water (lower 51 ). Blood sugar levels between meals (fasting blood sugar) can go down ( 52 ).
In fact, the overall risk of diabetes tends to decrease with excessive alcohol consumption. However, when it comes to alcohol and excessive alcohol consumption, the risk (increased 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ).
Conclusion: excessive consumption of alcohol may exacerbate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes to reduce by improving the absorption of blood sugar by cells.
Alcohol and cancer
Cancer [15] is a serious disease that, by an abnormal growth of cells
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for cancer of the mouth, throat, colon, breast and liver ( 57 , 58 , 59 ).
The cells of the mouth and throat are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. It is not surprising, since it is directly exposed to the substance.
Also, the low consumption of alcohol drinking, one day is with a higher risk of mouth and throat cancer (associated 20% 59 , 60 ).
The risk increases with the amount consumed daily. About 4 glasses per day, an increase of five times seems to increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer, and the risk of breast, colon and liver cancer (increase 58 , 59 , 61 , 62 ).
Conclusion: The consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of certain cancers, including cancer of the mouth and throat to increase.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects
The abuse of alcohol during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects in the United States ( 63 ).
Excessive alcohol in early pregnancy is especially risky for the developing baby ( 64 ).
In fact, it can have a negative impact on the development, growth, intelligence and behavior, (may affect the child for the rest of his life 63 ).
Conclusion: The abuse of alcohol is one of the most common causes in the world of birth defects. The fetus is particularly vulnerable in early pregnancy.
Alcohol and risk of death
Abraham Lincoln said: "It has long been recognized that alcohol problems are not related to the use of a bad thing, but the abuse of a good thing."
Interestingly, it seems that there is some truth in his words. Studies suggest that consumption of light and moderate drinking may reduce the risk of premature death, especially in Western societies ( 65 , 66 ).
At the same time, alcohol abuse is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States ( 67 ), one of the main causes of chronic diseases, accidents, traffic accidents, and social problems.
Conclusion: Moderate consumption of alcohol can increase life expectancy, while alcohol abuse is a risk factor for premature death.
Alcohol is addictive and leads to alcoholism in sensitive individuals
Some people are addicted to the effects of alcohol, a condition known as alcohol dependence [16] (alcoholism).
It is estimated that 12% of Americans are believed to have been dependent on alcohol at some point in their lives ( 68 ).
Alcohol dependence is one of the main causes of alcohol abuse and disability in the United States and a major risk factor for various diseases ( 69 ).
There are many factors that can make people susceptible to an alcohol problem, such as family history, social environment, mental health, and genes.
Many different subtypes of alcohol dependence is defined, which is characterized by the need for alcohol, to the inability of drinking or loss of self (dispense 70 ).
Generally, if alcohol is causing problems in your life, then you may have a problem with alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
Conclusion: The consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol dependence or alcoholism, in susceptible individuals.
Alcohol abuse can be absolutely devastating to the health
Alcohol abuse is the most common form of drug abuse.
Chronic alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on health, the entire body and cause a variety of health problems.
For example, it can cause liver damage (including cirrhosis), brain damage, heart failure, diabetes, cancer and infections cause, to name a few ( 9 , 54 , 58 , 71 , 72 , 73 ).
Enter all the terrible effects of alcohol abuse is beyond the scope of this article.
But let's say that if you are a heavy drinker, diet and exercise should be the least of your worries.
Get to renounce your consumption under control, or in the case of alcoholism, the priority should be.
Conclusion: Chronic alcohol abuse can have serious negative effects on your body and brain, increasing the risk for all kinds of diseases.
What kind of alcohol is the best (or least bad)?
What do you drink less important than the amount you drink.
However, some alcoholic drinks are better than others.
Red wine appears to be particularly advantageous because it is very high in healthy antioxidants [17] .
In fact, it is more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverages (link 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ).
That is, consume large amounts much greater health benefits. Excessive consumption leads to health problems, regardless of the type of drink.
Conclusion: Red wine is probably the healthiest alcoholic drink, probably due to its high concentration of antioxidants.
What is too much?
Recommendations for the use of alcohol is usually based on the number of standard drinks per day.
The problem is that most people have no idea what the term "standard drink" really means. To make matters worse, the official definition of a standard drink varies between countries.
In the United States, a standard drink is any drink with 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol (ethanol).
This image shows the number of "standard drink" for some popular drinks: 
Moderate drinking is considered defined as a standard drink per day for women and two drinks for men.
In addition, alcohol abuse, as more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day for women and four glasses for men (defined 79 ).
Consumption habits are also important. Excessive alcohol consumption is a form of alcohol and may cause damage.
Conclusion: Moderate drinking is defined as "standard drink" a day for women and two drinks for men.
Message Home
At the end of the day, the health effects of alcohol field "probably good" to "absolutely catastrophic."
Drinking small amounts, especially red wine is associated with several health benefits.
In addition, alcohol abuse and alcoholism with serious negative effects on physical and mental health are.
If you like alcohol and can be maintained, then by all means continue moderated do what you do.
However, if you tend to drink too much alcohol or causing problems in your life, then consider avoiding possible.
Alcohol is one of those things that totally depends on the person. This is good for some, bad for others.
Hopefully this article examines the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.
Credentials
- ^ carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ binge drinking (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ alcoholic liver disease (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ foie gras (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ cirrhosis (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ failure (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ dementia (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ depression (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ calories (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ sugary sodas (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ Cardiovascular disease (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ HDL (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ type 2 diabetes (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ insulin resistance (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ cancer (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ alcohol dependence (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ antioxidants (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (www.niaaa.nih.gov)
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