In the environment we live in, an undeniable phenomenon is the strong interest many male friends have in fine wines and spirits. In our country with a long history of drinking culture, whether it’s a warm family dinner or a joyful gathering with friends, alcohol is always an indispensable companion for enjoyment.
However, we must also clearly acknowledge the potential health hazards of excessive drinking. Indulging in alcoholic beverages for a prolonged period not only harms our liver but also burdens the entire body system significantly.
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No Benefits in Drinking: Hazards and Consequences of Alcohol Consumption
Damage to the Digestive System by Alcohol
Alcohol primarily damages our digestive system. Once alcohol enters the body, it is primarily metabolized in the liver. While the liver has strong metabolism capabilities, prolonged excessive drinking beyond the liver’s capacity can lead to severe diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis. Additionally, alcohol can corrode the stomach lining, leading to gastritis and stomach ulcers; the rate of stomach ulcers among chronic drinkers is three times higher than average people.
Damage to the Nervous System by Alcohol
Alcohol also damages the nervous system. Initially, it may result in decreased memory and lack of concentration, and prolonged excessive drinking can lead to brain shrinkage and even dementia-like symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol can affect nerve conduction, reducing coordination ability and impacting fine motor skills.
Hazards of Alcohol to the Cardiovascular System
The impact of alcohol consumption on the cardiovascular system is equally significant. Moderate drinking may have a protective effect on the heart, but excessive drinking can elevate blood pressure, cause abnormal heart rhythms, and increase the risks of heart disease and stroke. Alcohol can also lead to the deposition of fat in blood vessel walls, leading to atherosclerosis and further increasing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Association Between Alcohol and Cancer
Alcohol consumption is closely related to the occurrence of various cancers. Studies have shown that excessive drinking increases the risks of developing cancers such as oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, liver, breast, and colon cancers. Even minimal alcohol consumption is associated with an increased probability of developing certain types of cancers.
Impact of Alcohol on the Reproductive System
The effects of alcohol on the reproductive system should not be overlooked. Prolonged excessive drinking in males can affect sperm quality, potentially leading to infertility. In females, excessive drinking may affect menstrual cycles and egg quality, posing difficulties in conception.
Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health
Alcohol also negatively impacts mental health. While alcohol may provide short-term relaxation and pleasure, prolonged excessive drinking can result in emotional instability, anxiety, and depression. Particularly after stopping alcohol consumption, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, and tremors.
Social Costs of Alcohol
Alcohol brings about serious social costs. Drunk driving is a common cause of traffic accidents, threatening people’s lives and property safety. Furthermore, alcohol may contribute to issues like domestic violence, workplace problems, and social conflicts.
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What Changes Occur in Males’ Bodies When They “Quit Drinking” for a Prolonged Period? 6 Evident Phenomena, Don’t Doubt Them!
Gradual Restoration of Liver Function
Long-term alcohol consumption can burden the liver, leading to diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis. When males abstain from drinking for an extended period, liver function noticeably improves. The accumulation of fat in the liver decreases, liver cells undergo repair, and liver function indicators tend toward normal. Long-term abstinence can also reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
Excessive drinking can result in high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and other cardiovascular diseases. Males who abstain from alcohol long-term gradually restore normal cardiovascular function. Indicators like blood pressure and heart rate become more stable, reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, long-term abstinence can improve blood lipid levels and lower the incidence of atherosclerosis.
Weight Loss
Alcohol contains high calories, and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to excessive calorie intake, resulting in obesity. Males who refrain from drinking long-term reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss. Abstaining from alcohol can also prevent alcohol-induced disruptions in insulin secretion, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Improved Intestinal Function
Alcohol consumption can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis, stomach ulcers, and other conditions. Males who refrain from drinking long-term will experience a gradual improvement in intestinal function. Gastric mucosa is repaired, lowering the risks of intestinal diseases. Additionally, long-term abstinence can enhance the gut microbiome and improve digestive absorption capacity.
Enhanced Mental State
Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to neurological complications, insomnia, anxiety, and other mental symptoms. Males who abstain from drinking long-term will experience a significant improvement in mental well-being. The nervous system gets a chance to rest, sleep quality improves, and mood becomes more pleasant. Long-term abstinence can also reduce the occurrence of depression.
Improved Skin Condition
Alcohol consumption can result in sallow skin and the appearance of liver spots. Males who abstain from drinking long-term will experience a gradual improvement in skin condition. Normal liver function is restored, detoxification abilities increase, and skin becomes more radiant. Furthermore, long-term abstinence can slow down skin aging.
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Urging Drinking Is Equivalent to Murder – 700,000 Chinese Die Annually Due to Alcohol Consumption
In 2018, “The Lancet” journal released a shocking alcohol consumption research report that spanned over 27 years and covered more than 190 regions globally.
The research findings unveiled a distressing reality: China leads the world in alcohol-related deaths, with approximately 700,000 people losing their lives to alcohol annually.
This data not only gives China the “top spot” but also places it significantly ahead of the second-place India. Statistics show that India’s annual alcohol-related deaths are around 300,000, while China’s figure exceeds that by more than double. This research outcome undoubtedly serves as a warning that the threat of alcohol to life and health cannot be underestimated.
In response to this, Dr. Meng Qingyi, the Chief Physician of the Emergency Department at the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, emphasized once again during a media interview the severe health hazards of excessive drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in the following dangerous conditions:
1. Methanol Poisoning
Methanol, a liquid with a faint ethanol taste, is an essential component of industrial alcohol. Consuming significant amounts of industrial alcohol containing methanol or adulterated “loose liquor” is highly likely to cause methanol poisoning. Usually, ingestion of 5 to 10 milliliters of methanol can cause poisoning, while 30 milliliters can lead to death.
2. Inducing Heart Attacks and Strokes
According to relevant statistics in China, approximately 110,000 people die annually due to ethanol poisoning-induced strokes, accounting for 1.3% of all deaths. After drinking alcohol, the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can cause blood vessel constriction and a sudden rise in blood pressure. For individuals with high blood pressure, this abrupt increase in blood pressure may cause blood vessel rupture, leading to bleeding and spasms, ultimately inducing strokes.
3. Aspiration
Aspiration is a key reason for accidental deaths after alcohol consumption. When intoxicated, vomiting reactions may lead to gastric contents entering the airway, causing choking or aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, vomitus might irritate the trachea, triggering reflex cardiac arrest via the vagus nerve.
In addition, consuming a large amount of alcohol at once can also trigger acute conditions like pulmonary embolism, bladder rupture, rhabdomyolysis, and increase the risk of cancer in the long run.
An article published in the British scientific journal “Addiction” points out that alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast.
With the rise in accidents and violent incidents caused by drunkenness, it is essential in our daily lives not only to steer clear of alcohol but also to avoid being the persuader of drinking. Nowadays, urging alcohol consumption can easily lead to trouble. Let’s work together to advocate for a healthy lifestyle and safeguard the lives of ourselves and our families.
