How Does Alcohol Affect Your Body?

The effects of alcohol vary according to the individual, consumption, and pattern of drinking. Just like everything, alcohol also comes with both pros and cons. Abuse use of alcohol can increase the risk of problems related to body size, composition, age, social factors, genetics, and metabolism. Whereas, if consumed in an optimum way, it even reduces the risk of heart disease, ischemic stroke, and diabetes, and improves skin glow. 

Alcohol consumption has many short and long-term effects, the dangers can differ significantly based on the type and quantity of alcohol consumed. Read on to know more about how alcohol affects a person.

Long Term Effects of Alcohol

The long-term effects of alcohol are numerous. They may include damage to almost every system and organ in your body. The liver is very vulnerable to alcohol abuse.

In addition to damaging your liver, alcohol can affect your pancreas. It can lead to a condition known as pancreatitis, characterized by painful abdominal pain and other symptoms. There is no known cure for this disease. 

In fact,  studies show that 60 to 70% of men dependent on alcohol are at risk of developing sensual problems. In such cases, females may face a variety of menstrual and reproductive disorders. While in case males, it can lead to erection issues.

Some men try self medications in such situations through commonly known pills like Tadalafil (Cialis), Sildenafil (Cenforce 100 ), Vardenafil (Levitra), etc. 

NOTE: Drugs like Cenforce 100 are effective and can lead to complications if consumed carelessly. It is always safe to consult the doctor before consuming any such medicine. 

Alcohol dehydrates the body and impairs kidney function. Alcohol consumption can also cause cardiomyopathy, making it harder to pump blood. 

Moreover, it can cause heart rhythm problems, leading to an irregular heartbeat.

The main culprit in long-term alcohol abuse is alcoholic liver disease. ALD, a progressive disease, begins with fatty liver disease and worsens with continued alcohol use. There are many medicines available that are recommended by doctors in case of Alcoholic liver disease, like Himalaya Liv. 52.

Himalaya Liv. 52 Tablet includes natural components with effective hepatoprotective properties against hepatotoxicity, which is induced chemically. It makes the liver efficient by protecting the hepatic parenchyma and promoting hepatocellular regeneration.

Remember to take this drug as prescribed by your doctor.

Short-term Effects of Alcohol

While it takes just a few minutes for alcohol to enter the bloodstream, the effects on the brain can be disastrous. After one drink, alcohol can affect the brain and impair coordination. Your brain can feel the alcohol effects around 15 minutes after consuming, limiting your drinking to one drink per hour.

Consuming more alcohol will only increase the risk of getting intoxicated and increase the amount of alcohol in your blood.

Alcohol dehydrates the body, compromising its kidneys’ ability to perform their function. It also relaxes the muscle that keeps acid out of the intestines. Alcohol consumption can also lead to diarrhea and bloating.

If you are suffering from diarrhea, try consulting a doctor first. There are a lot of over-the-counter remedies like Loperamide (Imodium A-D) or Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

You can also try consuming probiotics available in liquid or pill form. Always discuss the dosage with your physician before taking them.

You should always take medical help if you suspect alcohol poisoning or experiencing sudden symptoms of a hangover. Your physician will be able to prescribe the best course of action.

Physical Effects 

There are many effects of alcohol, but the most notable is its adverse physiological reactions. Alcohol slows the body’s metabolism and makes white blood cells less efficient.

This decreases the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses, making heavy drinkers more likely to suffer from illnesses. 

Alcohol impairs nerve endings, slowing reflexes and lowering the balance. It can also damage the brain’s pathways and cause problems with learning and memory.

Continuous heavy drinking can also negatively impact an individual’s sexual and reproductive health. Abuse use of alcohol affects sex hormone production in men. It hinders their libido and may lead to erection issues, in men

It also interferes with maintaining a firm erection making it difficult for them to perform in bed.

If you face any problems in the bedroom, you should consult your doctor immediately. Depending on the severity, you may be prescribed a PDE5 inhibitor drug like Cenforce 100. 

Sildenafil is the main ingredient in Cenforce 100. It is commonly referred to as the blue pill.

The male sexual organ contains phosphodiesterase type 5(PDE5) enzymes responsible for the erection. Cenforce 100 directly inhibits the  PDE5 enzyme, providing a firm erection.

This drug is only available with a doctor’s prescription. There are multiple forms and strengths of Cenforce 100 available for the patient’s convenience.

Cenforce 100 has no side effects if you consume it under doctor’s guidelines. Hence it is always recommended to consume Cenforce 100 as directed. 

The possible unwanted side effects are as follows:-

  • Muscle pain 
  • Bleeding nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Headache

Please remember, if you are suffering from some other condition, let your doctor know as Cenforce 100 may show interactions with a few diseases like: 

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Sickle cell anemia

Psychological effects

How alcohol affects your psychological effects is a question that plagues many alcoholics. Alcohol depresses your inhibitions, resulting in a relaxed feeling. Those who drink frequently may experience a lingering hangover.

Heavy drinking can cause depression and other serious mental health problems in people. People who regularly consume alcohol are more likely to suffer from depression than those who don’t.

Drinking significantly lowers serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is the hormone that helps regulate mood. When serotonin is low, negative emotional responses take over. 

Heavy drinking can lead to psychosis, a condition in which a person loses their inhibitions and commits self-harm or suicide. Heavy drinkers are also more likely to experience a period of psychosis if they suddenly stop drinking. 

Taking alcohol to reduce anxiety is a dangerous habit and should be avoided. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, seek help immediately.

Conclusion

Experts suggest that women limit alcohol intake to one drink per day and men to two. Abuse of alcohol may lead to more long-term health complications, such as liver damage and heart disease. To prevent these problems, it is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether. If you or someone you know suffers from alcohol abuse, it is best to ask for help as soon as possible for a better life.