I hear from patients all the time, “Doc, it’s just a few drinks. I get it. Alcohol affects the body in so many ways; however, the liver is not the only organ that is impacted. Your brain, heart, gut, and even bones feel it. Let me explain to you what’s actually happening.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body Begin in the Brain
When you drink alcohol, your brain’s messaging system is affected. Words slur, and balance slips; that’s why. It can alter your mood over time and make it difficult to think clearly. It also increases your risk of stroke.
You’re not spared from the damage to your nerves either. Some people see numbness in the hands, a pins-and-needles sensation in the feet, or a burning sensation in the soles of the feet.
Your Liver Works Overtime
When you drink, it’s the liver that does the hard work. It metabolizes alcohol and costs you money. Typically, the damage occurs in stages:
- Fatty liver: fat piles up in liver cells
- Hepatitis: swelling and inflammation of the liver.
- Transitions to fibrosis: scar tissue begins to grow in place of healthy tissue.
- Cirrhosis: excessive scarring which may result in liver cancer.
The scary part? It will typically remain silent initially. See what years of drinking can do in my post on the liver of an alcoholic. Or check the early signs of liver fibrosis.
Heart, Gut and Pancreas Feel It Too
- Heart: Long-term drinking can lead to a weak heart muscle, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms
- Lining: may be irritated by it, cause bleeding, and induce reflux
- Pancreas: chronic alcohol consumption may cause pain and inflammation.
One of the most frequent complaints that I get is reflux. If you are one of these, there are ways to help you get relief from GERD without medication.
More Effects of Alcohol on the Body You Might Not Expect
- Immunity: After a bad night’s sleep, your body becomes less able to fight infection for up to a day.
- Hormones can all go out of control, including thyroid, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Bones and muscles: bone density drops and muscle can waste away
- Lungs: increased risk of pneumonia and other infections
What I Suggest to My Patients
It’s not as though you know the effects of alcohol and have to give it up tomorrow. Keep it small and accept your truth.
- For a week, count beverages for 1 week.
- Choose a couple of days where you don’t drink any alcohol.
- Never drink on an empty stomach
- Drink water in between drinks
- Don’t ignore tiredness, yellow eyes, or a swollen belly
If you aren’t certain whether your symptoms are serious? Now read my list of the 7 signs that your liver is dying!
The Good News
Your body can heal. When you cut back, you often see improvement in early fatty liver. Blood pressure reduces, and sleep improves. Little things add up quickly.
Let’s Talk
The first step is to know how alcohol affects the body. The second step is to take action. I discuss the liver and gut health in my podcast in simple, easy-to-understand terms, free of jargon. When you next take a walk or ride to work, take some time to listen. Perhaps you will get something useful now.
If something here resonated with you a bit too much, then don’t delay any longer. Schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Kash Gupta. Together we will review your health and create a plan that works for you. There’s only one body you have. Let’s take good care of it. Your body is working for you all day long! It deserves the same treatment in return.
