Alcohol in Moderation

Alcohol in moderation can have positive health benefits, but when it is drank in excess it can negatively influence the body. (1) Alcohol can have an altering affect on the liver cell structure. When these cells are permanently changed it affects the livers ability to metabolize fat which can lead to the development of a fatty liver. (2) The brain cells are also influenced when alcohol is introduced into the body. Brain cells are killed with excessive drinking and it is not easy to replace these brain cells which leads to permanent cognitive consequences .

Alcohol can be extremely damaging to the body. Dehydration is a major concern for those who drink alcohol in excess. Alcohol depresses the production of a hormone called ADH, which is responsible for water retention. When ADH levels drop there is loss of body water which also leads to loss of vital minerals which help balance the fluids in our body. Another way that alcohol damages our bodies by malnutrition, more specifically nutrient deficiencies. Alcohol effects the way that that body can use its nutrients to function properly. The cells within the intestines have trouble absorbing B vitamins and liver cells find it hard to activate Vitamin D. Alcohol completely disrupts the nutrient processing system which is very harmful for the body. One short term effects of alcohol is behavior changes.

People are completely different when they are under the influence of alcohol. Some people are more outgoing and social while others become violent and angry. Alcohol makes people behave in certain ways and do certain things that they would never do sober. One long term effects of alcohol would be chronic disease. Long term alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease because alcohol causes a fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Kidney disease and is a risk because alcohol enlarges the kidneys and alters hormone function. Heart disease is also a concern because alcohol raises blood pressure and blood lipids.

My personal view on alcohol is that it is not needed. If we must rely on a mood altering substance to have a good time when we are aware of all of the potential risks involved, then we need to take a step back and look at what we view as fun. Addiction to alcohol is a serious thing and we are playing with fire every time we take a sip of alcohol.

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