In our living environment, an undeniable phenomenon is that many male friends have a strong interest in fine wines. In a country with a long history of alcohol culture like ours, whether it’s a warm family gathering or a joyful friends’ get-together, alcohol is always an indispensable companion for boosting the atmosphere.
However, we must also realize soberly that excessive drinking poses potential health risks. Indulging in alcohol for a prolonged period not only damages our liver but also imposes a heavy burden on the entire body system.
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Drinking alcohol offers no benefits but is a health adversary: the harm and consequences of drinking
Alcohol’s damage to the digestive system
Drinking alcohol first harms our digestive system. Once alcohol enters the body, it mainly undergoes metabolism in the liver. Although the liver has a strong metabolic capacity, prolonged excessive drinking surpasses the liver’s load capacity, leading to serious diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis. Additionally, alcohol can erode the gastric mucosa, causing gastritis and gastric ulcers. Long-term heavy drinkers have a threefold higher incidence of gastric ulcers compared to the general population.
Alcohol’s impact on the nervous system
Alcohol also damages the nervous system. Initially, it may manifest as memory decline and lack of concentration. Prolonged excessive drinking can lead to brain atrophy and even dementia symptoms. Moreover, alcohol affects nerve conduction, resulting in decreased coordination ability and impacting fine motor skills.
Alcohol’s harm to the cardiovascular system
The effects of drinking on the cardiovascular system should not be underestimated. Moderate drinking may offer some protection to the heart, but excessive drinking leads to increased blood pressure, irregular heart rate, raising the risks of heart disease and stroke. Alcohol also causes fat deposition in blood vessel walls, leading to atherosclerosis and further escalating the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The link between alcohol and cancer
There is a close relationship between drinking alcohol and the occurrence of various cancers. Research indicates that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers such as oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, liver, breast, and colon cancers. Even minimal alcohol consumption is associated with a higher probability of developing certain cancers.
Alcohol’s effects on the reproductive system
The impact of alcohol on the reproductive system cannot be overlooked. Prolonged excessive drinking in males can affect sperm quality and even lead to infertility. In females, excessive drinking may affect menstrual cycles and egg quality, increasing fertility challenges.
The impact of alcohol on mental health
Alcohol also has negative effects on mental health. In the short term, alcohol may induce relaxation and pleasure, but prolonged excessive drinking can cause emotional instability, anxiety, and depression. Particularly after quitting alcohol, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, and tremors.
The social costs of alcohol
Alcohol incurs significant social costs. Drunk driving is a common cause of traffic accidents that threaten people’s lives and property safety. Moreover, alcohol can lead to issues such as domestic violence, workplace problems, and social conflicts.
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What changes occur in the male body when they ‘don’t drink’ for an extended period? 6 evident phenomena, don’t disbelieve!
Gradual restoration of liver function
Prolonged drinking burdens the liver, leading to diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis. When males abstain from alcohol for an extended period, there is a notable improvement in liver function. The accumulation of fat in the liver diminishes, liver cells undergo repair, and liver function indicators tend towards normalcy. Long-term abstinence can also lower the risk of liver cancer.
Enhanced cardiovascular health
Excessive drinking can cause high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and other cardiovascular diseases. Males abstaining from alcohol for an extended period see a gradual return to normal cardiovascular function. Blood pressure, heart rate, and other indicators become more stable, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, long-term abstinence can improve blood lipid levels and decrease the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
Weight loss
Alcohol contains high calories, and prolonged drinking can lead to excessive calorie intake, resulting in obesity. Males who abstain from alcohol for the long term reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss. Additionally, abstaining from alcohol avoids alcohol interfering with insulin secretion, lowering the risk of diabetes.
Improved gastrointestinal function
Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa, causing gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other diseases. When males abstain from alcohol for an extended period, gastrointestinal function gradually returns to normal. The gastric mucosa undergoes repair, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Moreover, long-term abstinence can improve the structure of intestinal flora and enhance digestive absorption capacity.
Mental well-being
Prolonged drinking can cause mental symptoms like nerve weakness, insomnia, and anxiety. Males who abstain from alcohol for an extended period experience a significant improvement in mental well-being. The nervous system gets rest, sleep quality improves, and mood becomes more cheerful. Long-term abstinence can also reduce the occurrence of depression.
Improved skin condition
Drinking alcohol can lead to skin dullness, liver spots, and other issues. Males who abstain from alcohol for an extended period see a progressive improvement in skin condition. Liver function normalizes, detoxification ability strengthens, and the skin becomes more radiant. Also, long-term abstinence can slow down skin aging.
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Forcing drinking is akin to murder, 700,000 Chinese people die from alcohol each year
In 2018, the medical journal “The Lancet” released a staggering alcohol-related survey report, spanning 27 years and covering over 190 regions globally.
The research results reveal a heartbreaking reality: China leads globally in alcohol-related deaths, with approximately 700,000 people losing their lives to alcohol annually.
This data not only places our country at the top but also surpasses second-place India by a significant margin. According to statistics, India has about 300,000 alcohol-related deaths annually, while China’s number is over twice that of India. This research outcome undoubtedly warns us of the significant threat alcohol poses to life and health.
In response, Dr. Meng Qingyi, Chief Physician of the Emergency Department at the PLA General Hospital, emphasized the serious health hazards of excessive drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to the following dangerous conditions:
1. Methanol poisoning
Methanol, a liquid with a faint ethanol aroma, is a critical component of industrial alcohol. Ingesting a large amount of industrial alcohol containing methanol or diluted “bulk liquor” with methanol can likely cause methanol poisoning. Normally, consuming 5-10 milliliters of methanol can lead to poisoning, and 30 milliliters may result in death.
2. Inducing myocardial infarction and cerebral hemorrhage
According to relevant Chinese statistics, around 110,000 people die annually due to ethanol poisoning-induced cerebral hemorrhage, accounting for 1.3% of all deaths. After drinking, excitement of the sympathetic nervous system in the body can cause blood vessel constriction, sharply raising blood pressure. For individuals with hypertension, this sudden spike in blood pressure may result in blood vessel rupture, leading to bleeding, spasms, and ultimately inducing cerebral hemorrhage.
3. Aspiration
Aspiration is a key reason for accidental deaths post-alcohol consumption. When intoxicated, vomiting may cause stomach contents to enter the airway, causing suffocation or aspiration pneumonia. Moreover, vomit can irritate the trachea, triggering reflex cardiac arrest through the vagus nerve reflex.
In addition, heavy drinking can also lead to acute conditions like pulmonary embolism, bladder rupture, rhabdomyolysis, and increase the risk of cancer over the long term. An article published in the British scientific journal “Addiction” pointed out that alcohol is associated with the occurrence of at least seven types of cancer, including oral and pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and breast cancer.
With the rise in accidents and violence incidents caused by alcohol intoxication, it is imperative for us not only to stay away from alcohol in daily life but also to avoid promoting alcohol consumption. Nowadays, advocating a healthy lifestyle and safeguarding our lives and those of our families should be our shared endeavor.
