The impact of alcohol addiction on your body is far-reaching. Drinking alcohol every day adversely affects almost all vital organs, ranging from tiny and non-vital organs such as the nails and hair to major organs like the heart, lungs and liver. Let’s take a look at how drinking alcohol every day affects some of the most important organs of the body.
Liver
According to healthline, The liver is perhaps the most adversely affected by regular, long-term alcohol consumption. Long-term alcohol consumption can have a wide range of effects on the liver, ranging from the mild steatosis (accumulation of fat) to severe, life-threatening cirrhosis, fibrosis and hepatitis.
Alcoholic hepatitis is a type of alcoholic liver disease that is characterised by inflammation of the liver cells. It can be mild and reversible, or it can progress to severe, life-threatening liver failure. Long-term alcohol consumption can also lead to the development of fatty liver disease (FLD). FLD can be either reversible, mild steatosis, or irreversible, severe steatohepatitis. In severe cases, it can even lead to scarring of the liver and cirrhosis.
Alcohol consumption can also damage the liver by inhibiting its ability to process certain medications, resulting in accumulation of toxic substances. This can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
Heart and Circulatory System
Alcohol consumption negatively affects the heart, leading to an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy (thinning of the heart muscle). In addition, long-term alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is characterised by a decrease in the size and function of the heart, leading to decreased blood flow to the body.
Other adverse side effects of alcohol consumption on the circulatory system include increased risk of blood clots, increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and transient ischemic attack.
Lungs
Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation of the lungs, making it more difficult for oxygen to get in. This can lead to breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and even permanent damage to the lungs. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing pneumonia and lung cancer, both of which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Nervous System
Long-term alcohol consumption can have a damaging effect on the nervous system, leading to memory difficulties, mental confusion, reduced coordination and motor skills, and ultimately, brain damage. It can also lead to a condition known as alcohol-induced neuropathy. This condition involves a progressive damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to a loss of sensation and decreased motor control.
Kidneys
The kidneys act as filters, removing waste and toxins from the body. Long-term alcohol consumption can damage the kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly.
Alcohol consumption can also cause dehydration, which can lead to an accumulation of waste products and toxins in the body. These toxins can then lead to kidney damage and even failure if left untreated.
Digestive System
Long-term alcohol consumption can damage the digestive system, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestine, ulcers, and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, and esophageal cancer.
Alcohol can also cause gastritis, which is characterised by an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This can lead to severe pain, vomiting, and even ulcers if left untreated.
Immune System
Long-term alcohol consumption can have a devastating effect on the immune system, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of diseases.
Alcohol affects the body’s ability to fight off infections, and can weaken the body’s immune response. This can lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption can have an adverse impact on almost all of the vital organs of the body. It can damage the liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, digestive system, and immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening diseases and even death.
For this reason, it is important to be aware of the effects of alcohol on your body and to be mindful of your drinking habits. If you are concerned about your drinking habits, talking to a health professional can help you make the necessary changes to maintain your health and reduce your risk of developing serious illnesses.
