The effects alcohol has on you…that you might not know!

There are some things that we know booze will do to us. We know it’ll make us a little tipsy, we know that it can cause problems with our liver if we drink too much.

We even know that alcohol and the effects it has can lead to addiction, but there are some things we often don’t know about the alcohol and the effects it can have on us. It can always be a good idea to reassess your relationship with alcohol, and it’s well worth considering the impact on the following it can have…

The Brain and Mental Health

One area we actually don’t consider is the impact alcohol has on the brain. Sure, we know it makes us a little drunk, but we perhaps don’t know how it disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can affect mood, behaviour and cognition.

Regular drinking, even in moderate amounts cna lead to long-term changes in brain function that can range from memory problems to increased anxiety and depression.

Sleep Disruption

Even in moderation, drinking can have an impact on sleep. Many of us believe it can make us sleep better, and while we are more likely to drop off quicker, the quality of sleep can be much worse. That’s because it interferes with rapid eye movement, which is essential for our cognitive functioning as well as emotional regulation.

This will make us feel groggy and tired the next day, even if you have been in bed for a good portion of time.

Hidden Calories and Weight Gain

It’s crazy how many people don’t realise the calories that alcohol often contains. And what’s more, they are empty calories with no nutritional value. Even a pint of beer can hold as many calories as a small meal and lead to significant weight gain.

We’ve all heard of a beer belly, well that’s what you can develop, particularly as alcohol lowers inhibitions and leaves us more susceptible to late night snacking, takeaways and overeating.

Effects on the Heart

Excessive alcohol consumption will have a negative impact on your heart. It will raise blood pressure, lead to irregular heart rhythms and over time increase the risk of developing serious heart conditions, including heart failure. Which, of course, can end it all for you.

Immune System Suppression

Alcohol can also take a toll on your immune system. Even a single heavy drinking session can impair your body’s ability to fend off infections for up to 24 hours. Regular consumption weakens the immune response over time, making you more susceptible to illnesses like colds, flu, and more severe infections. This effect is particularly concerning during periods when maintaining a strong immune system is crucial, such as during flu season or a pandemic.

Digestive Issues

The effects of alcohol on the digestive system are often underestimated. Drinking irritates the lining of the stomach and can lead to inflammation, a condition known as gastritis. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and long-term discomfort. Additionally, alcohol disrupts the balance of bacteria in the gut, which plays a critical role in digestion and overall health. A compromised gut microbiome can lead to bloating, irregular bowel movements, and a weakened ability to absorb nutrients.

Skin Health

Alcohol’s dehydrating effects are well known, but they can have a pronounced impact on your skin. Dehydration reduces skin elasticity and can lead to a dull, tired appearance. Furthermore, alcohol can trigger inflammation, exacerbating conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema. Over time, excessive drinking can accelerate the ageing process, contributing to wrinkles and other signs of premature ageing.

Fertility and Hormonal Balance

Alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance in both men and women. In men, excessive drinking can lower testosterone levels, potentially leading to reduced libido and fertility issues. Women may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle, which can affect fertility. These hormonal changes can also contribute to mood swings and other emotional disturbances.

Increased Cancer Risk

Few people realise that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation. Regular consumption increases the risk of several types of cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The risk is compounded when drinking is combined with other risk factors, such as smoking.

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