Alcohol is widely consumed all around the world. It is rightly said that 'alcohol can be a food, a drug or a poison depending on the dose.' Unfortunately, consumption of alcohol seldom ends with small doses, hence beneficial effects are overshadowed by harmful effects. So let's discuss the multiple effects of alcohol on our body !



BRAIN:- It acts as a neuronal depressant. Effect of alcohol on brain varies as per concentration like:
30-60 ml/dl - excitation, euphoria ( feeling of well being ).

50-100 ml/dl - A person is said to be 'high', anxiety is diminished.

100-150 ml/dl - Disorganization of thought, impairment of attention, memory, gait (posture) changes, drowsiness occurs.

150-200 ml/dl - Person becomes careless, casual and looses control.

200-300 ml/dl - The person is unconscious and death may occur.

Chronic alcohol abuse damages brain neurones causing shrinkage of brain.



CARDIO VASCULAR SYSTEM:-

Small doses:- Skin becomes warm due to vasodilation.

Moderate doses:- Heart rate increases, mild increase in Blood pressure.

Large doses:- Fall in Blood pressure is observed.

Chonic alcoholism causes HYPERTENSION and weakened condition of heart muscles called CARDIOMYOPATHY.



BLOOD:- Regular intake of small to moderate amount (1-2 drinks) causes increased HDL Cholesterol (Good cholesterol).

However, protection is lost if more than 3 drinks are consumed daily.

Chronic alcoholism leads to MEGALOBLASTIC ANAEMIA (Due to deficiency of Vitamin B12).

TEMPERATURE:- Alcohol produces a sense of warmth due to vasodilation. But drinking before going out is inadvisable.

High doses depress temperature regulating centre of our body.

RESPIRATION:-
Brandy or whiskey are believed to increase the respiratory rate during collapse. They irritate the tissues of pharynx which causes reflex increase in respiration.
But direct action of alcohol leads to depression of respiratory rate.

GIT:-
In small to moderate doses, alcohol causes increase in gastric acid secretion. This fastens the gastric emptying and hence digestion.

High doses inhibits the gastric secretions leading to vomitting and ACUTE PANCREATITIS.



LIVER:-
Alcohol mobilizes peripheral fat and increases fat synthesis in Liver. This leads to a condition called FATTY LIVER leading to disruption of liver function.



MUSCLES:- Fatigue is relieved by small doses. Muscle work is increased. Chronic alcoholism leads to weakness of muscles called MYOPATHY.

KIDNEY:- Alcohol causes diuresis i.e. Increased urination.

SEX:- Alcohol is reputed as Aphrodisiac. It is believed to provoke sexual behaviour and desire.
 Chronic Alcoholism leads to impotency, gynaecomastia and infertility in men and women.





METABOLISM:- Moderate amount increases Adrenaline in body which causes increase in blood glucose.
Acute intoxication leads to decrease in glucose level due to inhibition of gluconeogenesis.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFE DRINKING:-

- On an average 1-2 drinks per day is safe.

- Not more than 3 drinks on any occasion. Consumption of more than 3 drinks results in adverse health effects.

- Safe limits are somewhat lower for women than for men, because metabolism of alcohol is slower in women.

NOTE :-
1 DRINK =
50 ml of Rum/ Whiskey/ Brandy/ Vodka/ Gin.
150 ml of Wine.
400 ml of beer.

Take care.
Stay healthy
Stay safe !