The Good and Bad Effects of Alcohol – Part 2

The Good and Bad Effects of Alcohol – Part 2

Effects of Alcohol – The Not So Good

Dangers of Heavy DrinkingRisks of Alcohol ConsumptionDehydrationVitamin DeficiencyMuscle DevelopmentSleep

Effects of Alcohol – The Not So Good1. In general moderate consumption of alcohol has no detrimental

effects.

2. However, many people, including social drinkers, fail to drink only in moderation.

3. The recommended amount of alcohol is 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.

4. You cannot drink all of your drinks for the week on one night of the week.

5. If you have a problem drinking in moderation and think you may have a drinking problem then get help.

Dangers of Heavy Drinking

1. Heavy drinking consists of anything in excess of moderate alcohol consumption and is not necessarily “binge drinking,” but binge drinking is certainly dangerous.

2. Liver damage, known as alcoholic hepatitis, is a common result of heavy drinking and may even lead to death.

3. The dangers of heavy drinking include brain damage, as alcohol can directly damage the brain cells.

4. The risk of certain cancers is increased with heavy alcohol consumption.

Risks of Alcohol Consumption1. Alcohol should not be consumed by pregnant women as it

can have damaging effects on an unborn baby.

2. Women who are trying to conceive should also take caution when consuming alcohol as it can decrease the risk of conception.

3. While alcohol consumption can help men with erectile dysfunction, it may actually decrease testosterone levels.

4. People with a family history of alcoholism, or those with a personal history of alcoholism, should take extreme caution when drinking, or avoid drinking.

Dehydration

1. Ever wonder why consuming alcohol makes you need to use the bathroom more?

2. Alcohol is a diuretic and this causes your body to become dehydrated. Make sure to consume plenty of water in order to compensate for alcohol consumption.

3. A good rule of thumb is to drink twice as much water as the amount of alcohol you consume.

Vitamin Deficiency

1. Alcohol can also inhibit your body from absorbing necessary vitamins.

2. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common with alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol consumption. B12 is needed for healthy nerve function and this can be affected with moderate alcohol consumption.

3. Vitamin A can also become deficient with alcohol consumption. Your body needs vitamin A for vision and reproductive functions.

Muscle Development1. Think that after a hard workout you deserve a cold beer?

2. Think again, alcohol can actually cancel out any physical gains from working out.

3. The effects of alcohol consumption can actually decrease muscle growth because it effects your sleep.

4. When you sleep your body produces what is called “human growth hormone.” Human growth hormone is necessary for muscle development, but when you consume alcohol the secretion of this hormone is significantly diminished. Not to mention alcohol consumption can decrease your coordination and reaction time.

Sleep

1. You may have heard of using alcohol as a mechanism to help you fall asleep, or you may have actually tried using alcohol to help you fall asleep.

2. Indeed alcohol is an effective “nightcap” and it will trigger sleep. But, alcohol actually disrupts your sleep patterns and prevents you from getting as deep a sleep as your body needs in order to wake up well rested.

3. Alcohol may cause you to get a lighter sleep or to even wake up several times during the night, which can cause restlessness the next day.

Have you always wondered if alcohol was good for you, or if it indeed was bad for you? Education is a powerful tool and it is best that you can make an educated decision before you pour yourself a glass of wine or grab a cold beer.

Know more at :

The Good and Bad Effects of Alcohol – Part

2