ALCOHOL AND HEALTH

ALCOHOL:

      Alcohol is a product of yeast from carbohydrate such as Grapes, sugar cane and cereals. Actually the end product of theseis "Ethanol, after passing through several processes like maceration,imbibition, percolation, filtration and distillation. Ethanol is acive constituent whichmake us drunk.Ethanol is generally reference as Alcohol. Alcohol is most recreational and popular drug in the globe. It has a power to change the mood and mental state.Alcohol abolishes the hesitation so one can do the things that endup regretting.

        Somebody drink small amount of alcohol while others take large amount at a time. There are three "D" which effect the action of alcohol: (a) Ditution (b) Duration and (c) Diet.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON LIVER:

       Liver is the largest internal organ of the body and performs hundreds of function in the body.The main function of liver is to neutralise the toxic substance which is produced with in the body or taken out side from the body. This soft organ is more vunerable to be damaged by alcohol or such toxic substances. "Alcohol Liver Disease" is common known group of disease caused by alcohol.

       The first sign of liver disease is increase nimber of fatty cells in the liver. The size of liver enlarged which is known as "Hepatomagaly", and is palpable easily.

        This is generally due to intake more than 60 grams alcohol per day. This limit of consumption is fully reversible.

         Alcohol intake  in large amount regularily can cause inflammation in liver, causes pain at the site and also cause Liver Cirrhosis. Liver Cirrhosis is collection of scar tissues in the liver. Cirrhosis is incurable/irreversible and cause serious health problem. Only liver transplant is the option which remains.

EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON BRAIN:

          There are so many adverse effects shown on brain by consuming excessive alcohol. From very begining of the drink, Ethanol basically reduces communication between brain cells. Taking large amount of alcohol, even lead to blackout a phenomenon characterised by loss of memory alled "amnesia".

          The above effects may be of short term but chronic alcohol abusecan cause impaired brain function. The brain cells are very prone to damaged by alcohol and brain cells shrinkage in middle and elderly people which may lead "dementia".

DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL:

           The relation of depression and alcohol is very close but complex. It seems that alcohol intake and depression aggregate the risk of each other simultaneously alcohol abuse may be a stronger caused factor. People who are suffering from depression or anxiety, drink intensionally to minimise stress/anxiety/depression and elevate mood. This may work for few hours but will worsen overall mental health. The major cause of depression is heavy drinking, shown in some people but treating such people shows big improvements.

BODY WEIGHT AND ALCOHOL:

         Fat (Lipid) is most energy generating constituent in the body. Alcohol is second one which generates energy in the body with in a short term. Beer (Beverages) also provides the same calories while red wine exerts double calories than beer and sugery soft drinks. Inconsistent result is investigating by the studies the link between alcohol and body weight. It seems drinking habit plays major role between them. e.g. Ample amount of drinking alcohol reduces weight gain. Whereas drinking in large amount increases weight. Also taking beer regularily increases weight and cosuming wine may reduce the weight.

TYPE II DIABETES AND ALCOHOL:

         Type II diabetes is characterised by abnormally high blood sugar caused by reduced uptake of glucose by the cells known as insulin resistance. Insulin is produced by beta cells of iselets of Langerhans present in an endocrine gland known as pancreas.

         It is a very common metabolic disease affecting about 8% population of the world.

         To take ample amount of alcohol may reduce symptoms of type II diabetes mellitus whereas drinking in heavy amount may increase Blood Sugar.

CARCINOMA AND ALCOHOL:

           Cancer (Carcinoma) is abnormal growth of the cells. Consumption of alcohol enhances the risk factor of cancer especially mouth throat and liver. It can also affect breast and colon.

HEART AND ALCOHOL:

            Nowadays heart disease s are most common disease causes death in the society. The most common heart diseases are Heart attack and strikes. The relationship between alcohol and heart diseases are very complex and depend on many factors.

            Light to moderate drink reduces risk of Heart Diseases whereas heavy drinking increases risk.

             Moderate consumption of alcohol may leads to :

  •      increase high density lipid (HDL) in the blood stream.
  •      lower down the blood pressure.
  • decrease the concentration of Fibrinogen in blood which is a cloting factor.
  • risk of diabetes comes down.
  • temoprarily reduces the stress and activity.

 

            Pregnant mother should avoid to take alcohol as it may harm to foetus.

 

             Drinking large amount of alcohol may leads to death while moderate amount may increase life expentancy.