That said, consuming high amounts does not provide greater health benefits. Heavy drinking causes health problems — regardless of the type of beverage. In fact, red wine may be linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage (75, 76, 77, 78, 79). For example, it can cause liver damage — including cirrhosis — brain damage, heart failure, diabetes, cancer and susceptibility to infections (9, 54, 58, 72, 73, 74). Alcohol dependence is one of the main causes of alcohol abuse and disability in the US and a strong risk factor for various diseases (70). Some people become addicted to the effects of alcohol, a condition known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
After just one week, you should notice a difference in your physical and mental health–and this will improve as the month goes on. Nevertheless, cutting out booze isn’t guaranteed to make you happier. “Bear in mind that many of us feel a bit low anyway in January, the excitement of Christmas is over but it’s still cold, dark and miserable,” she adds. «In addition, lots of people stop drinking which can mean that we socialise less. If you choose to do dry January, try to stay connected with other people and remember, spring is around the corner.» Plus, alcohol is famously dehydrating—and the skin loves being hydrated.
Alcohol’s physical effects on the body
You can reduce your risk of alcohol injuries by choosing not to consume alcohol. If you do choose to drink, take the necessary precautions to stay safe. If you or someone you love has an issue with alcohol, contact your medical effects of alcohol on the body professional to get the proper help. There are also studies that show light to moderate consumption of red wine may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), so-called «good cholesterol,» and reduce cholesterol buildup.
- Another aspect of your body that’s affected by your alcohol consumption is your appearance.
- Your immune system works to keep you as healthy as possible by fighting off foreign invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins.
- In fact, one study found that quitting alcohol can actually reverse damage done to the liver by drinking, including liver disease.
- Over time, drinking can also damage your frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions, like abstract reasoning, decision making, social behavior, and performance.
People who binge drink or drink heavily may notice more health effects sooner, but alcohol also poses some risks for people who drink in moderation. “This combination of cravings and withdrawal symptoms is quite unpleasant,” Yammine says. Many people https://ecosoberhouse.com/ report experiencing excess hunger after quitting, along with general feelings of irritability. In order to help reduce these symptoms, there are a number of tools available, including nicotine patches and gum, or medications such as bupropion.
Examine your current relationship with alcohol
Along with the hormone changes that alcohol triggers, that can keep your body from building new bone. Your bones get thinner and more fragile, a condition called osteoporosis. Alcohol also limits blood flow to your muscles and gets in the way of the proteins that build them up. You might not link a cold to a night of drinking, but there might be a connection. Alcohol puts the brakes on your body’s defenses, or immune system. Your body can’t make the numbers of white blood cells it needs to fight germs.