When it comes to drinking and smoking, doctors all across the world are united – smoking is terrible for you, and can cause cancer. However, when it comes to alcohol, the consensus is faint – while we all know that excessive alcohol is bad for us, is occasional drinking likely to cause any harm? Well, it turns out, just like smoking, alcohol too, must be avoided at all times, and no amount is safe. Yes, that is true!Dr. Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical & Precision Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, recently spoke to journalist Faye D’Souza, and spoke about the effects of alcohol in our body. Here’s what she said…
How alcohol harms the bodyAccording to Dr Limaye, the human body transforms alcohol into dangerous substances through its breakdown process, which produces acetaldehyde as a toxic byproduct. Acetaldehyde creates DNA damage, while disrupting cell operations in the body. The disrupted cellular processes from alcohol consumption create higher cancer risks, because the body loses its ability to fight abnormal cells. The body becomes less capable of detecting cancer cells and fighting them when alcohol consumption affects nutrient absorption and weakens immune system function, according to Dr. Limaye.
Long term useThe prolonged consumption of alcohol creates damage to three essential body systems, which include the liver, pancreas and brain. The combination of liver disease and chronic drinking inflammation, results in cirrhosis which permanently damages liver tissue. The pancreas develops inflammation that results in pancreatitis while disrupting blood sugar control, which can lead to diabetes development. The consumption of alcohol leads to brain damage, which results in mood changes, memory problems, coordination issues, and neurological disorder development.Cancer risksThe consumption of alcohol creates cancer risks that exist at every drinking level, according to Dr. Limaye, who emphasises the link between alcohol and breast cancer development. Research indicates that any level of breast cancer risk increases when women drink alcohol even at moderate levels, and no amount of drinking has been proven to be risk-free. The American Cancer Society together with worldwide research confirms that no amount of drinking will eliminate cancer risks.
What studies sayThe 2023 research published in The Lancet demonstrated that drinking any amount of alcohol leads to higher disease risks and shorter life expectancy, according to worldwide health professionals. The 2016 statistics show that 3 million deaths worldwide resulted from alcohol consumption. The research demonstrates that health dangers emerge right after the first alcoholic beverage consumption, which makes complete alcohol abstinence the most protective health choice.Busting mythsSome people think that drinking a single glass of wine provides heart benefits and life extension. Dr. The scientific community, including WHO researchers, have dismissed this idea. Experts state that any potential advantages from drinking do not compensate for the existing dangers. The research evidence showing protective effects contains methodological flaws and selection biases that prevent its application to cancer prevention and complete health protection.The 2023 WHO report established that every amount of alcohol consumption leads to increased health dangers, which include cancer development. The research includes all alcoholic beverages and every quantity of consumption. The first drink of alcohol triggers damage which continues to build up with each subsequent consumption.More than CancerThe consumption of alcohol creates two main effects on human health by raising cancer risk and damaging all body systems. The immune system becomes weaker when people drink alcohol, which makes their bodies more susceptible to infections and diseases. The brain suffers the most damage from alcohol because it disrupts neural pathways, which results in impaired decision-making, delayed responses, mood instability and permanent mental deterioration.Heart damageHeart damage is another serious effect. The heart muscle weakens through prolonged heavy drinking, which results in higher chances of heart failure and stroke. The pancreas damage from alcohol consumption leads to worse diabetes control and metabolic problems. The extensive range of negative effects from alcohol consumption establishes it as a major health risk that shortens human lifespan.Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
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