A Brief History of Alcohol
Alcohol has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans, used alcoholic beverages for social, medicinal, and religious purposes. The discovery of fermentation likely occurred by accident, with natural sugars in fruits or grains converting into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Over the centuries, alcohol production became more sophisticated, leading to the wide variety of alcoholic beverages we have today.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a psychoactive substance found in beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits, it is created through the fermentation of sugars by yeast. Ethanol affects the central nervous system, leading to the typical effects associated with drinking, such as euphoria, lowered inhibitions, and impaired coordination.
How the Body Metabolises Alcohol
When consumed, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolising alcohol, primarily through two enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Ethanol Conversion: ADH converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound.
Detoxification: ALDH then converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a less harmful substance, which is eventually broken down into water and carbon dioxide and eliminated from the body.
Genetic Factors in Alcohol
Genetics play a significant role in how individuals metabolise alcohol. Variation in the genes encoding ADH and ALDH can influence the efficiency of alcohol metabolism. For instance, some people of East Asian descent possess a variant of the ALDH gene that results in slower acetaldehyde breakdown, leading to the “Asian Flush” reaction when they consume alcohol.
Dopamine and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine release contributes to the reinforcing effects of alcohol, making it enjoyable but also potentially habit-forming. Variation in dopamine receptor genes can affect individual responses to alcohol, influencing susceptibility to alcohol disorders.
Alcohol and Health
Cardiomyopathy: Chronic heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy, where the heart becomes enlarged and inefficient at pumping blood.
Arrhythmias: Alcohol can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which can be life-threatening.
Hypertension: Drinking too much can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Depleting the Immune System
Alcohol has a profound impact on the immune system:
Immune suppression: It reduces the effectiveness of the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Inflammation: Chronic alcohol use can cause inflammation throughout the body, further impairing immune function.
Disrupting Calcium and Vitamin D Metabolism
Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to metabolise essential nutrients:
Calcium Absorption: Alcohol disrupts the absorption of calcium, a vital mineral for bone health.
Vitamin D Metabolism: It also impairs the activation of vitamin D, which is necessary for the calcium absorption. This disruption can result in brittle bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Hormonal Imbalance
Alcohol affects hormone levels, which can lead to various health issues:
Oestrogen Levels: These can be increased, linked to a higher risk of cancer.
Testosterone: In men, excessive drinking can lower testosterone levels, leading to decreased libido and other health problems.
Memory Problems:
Alcohol can have a significant impact on brain health and cognitive function:
Short-term Memory: Acute intoxication impairs short-term memory, leading to blackouts.
Long-term Cognitive Decline: Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with long-term cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.
Poor Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, and alcohol can disrupt this delicate balance:
Gut Barrier Function: Alcohol can damage the gut lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability, commonly known as “leaky gut”
Microbiome Imbalance: It can alter the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to digestive issues and inflammation.
Skin Aging
Alcohol contributes to premature aging of skin:
Dehydration: Alcohol dehydrates the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.
Nutrient Depletion: It depletes essential vitamins and antioxidants that are necessary for maintaining healthy skin.
Increased Cancer Risk:
Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of several types of cancer:
Mouth and Oesophagus: Alcohol is a major risk factor for cancer of the mouth and oesophagus.
Liver: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Colon: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Breast: Alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer.
DNA Damage: Acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism, can damage DNA and proteins, leading to mutations and cancer development.
Alcohol as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular habit:
For those who choose to drink, selecting healthier options and consuming alcohol mindfully can mitigate some risks:
Red Wine: Known for its heart health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Gluten-Free Tequila: a good option for people with gluten sensitivity
Dry Cider: A choice of alcohol with fewer added sugars
Gin or Vodka: When combined with mixers like kombucha or coconut kefir, in moderation this is a healthier option
As a Naturopathic Nutritionist I can provide support and guidance for individuals struggling with saying no to alcohol I can help alleviate cravings and enhance natural dopamine production.
If you would like to chat regarding your health and future, feel free to book a complimentary discovery call, I would love to hear from you.
References:
American Heart Association (2024). Alcohol and Heart Health. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/alcohol-and-heart-health (Accessed: 19 May 2024).
Mayo Clinic (2024). Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 (Accessed: 19 May 2024).
National Cancer Institute (2024). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet (Accessed: 19 May 2024).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2023). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. Available at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body (Accessed: 19 May 2024).
World Health Organization (2023). Alcohol. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol (Accessed: 19 May 2024).
Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 (Accessed: 19 May 2024). National Cancer Institute (2024). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet (Accessed: 19 May 2024). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2023). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. Available at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body (Accessed: 19 May 2024). World Health Organization (2023). Alcohol. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol (Accessed: 19 May 2024).