The 5 Physical Dangers of Alcohol We Don’t Talk Enough About.
We don’t talk enough about the physical dangers of drinking. That’s because alcohol is a part of our societal fabric, emotionally linked with celebrating, relaxing, and getting people together. Big Alcohol would like you to believe that all our big life moments come with a glass of bubbles…
But the physical dangers of alcohol are undeniable. Why don’t we talk about them more? It’s because not many people want to know their beloved daily tipple is a level one carcinogen… Or the reassuring myth that drinking in moderation was good for your heart has been officially debunked. And the World Health Organisation has declared there is no safe amount of alcohol that doesn’t affect our health.…
Let’s take a closer look....
The 5 physical dangers of alcohol we don’t talk enough about…
1. Alcohol is a Level 1 Carcinogen
Alcohol is classified as a Level 1 carcinogen. This means there's strong evidence linking alcohol with various types of cancer. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing cancers in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer.
Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer goes up another 10% for each additional drink women regularly have each day. The ethanol in alcohol damages DNA, disrupts cell replication, and interferes with our body's ability to repair damaged cells.
2. Heart Health
Big Alcohol marketing would like us to (still) believe in the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, but the truth is drinking harms our hearts. Alcohol elevates blood pressure, leading to hypertension—a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Prolonged heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle, causing a condition called cardiomyopathy that hampers the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
3. Liver Disease
Conditions like fatty liver, and cirrhosis are common among heavy drinkers. These are attributed to alcohol-induced inflammation and damaged liver cells, impairing their proper function. Over time, this can lead to liver failure and life-threatening complications. Did you know women’s livers shrink by up to 40% as we age? That means we are less and less able to effectively break down alcohol.
4. Stress Hormones
While it may initially provide relaxation, booze disrupts our body's stress response system. Regular drinking throws our stress hormones, like cortisol, out of balance. This dysregulation can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Long-term drinking can alter the brain’s chemistry, resetting what is ‘normal’. It causes the release of higher amounts of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone.
5. Alcohol is a Depressant
Here's something many people overlook… Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It slows down brain activity, affecting our cognition and physical abilities. Although it may momentarily relieve stress or anxiety, drinking can exacerbate mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Alcohol messes with the neurotransmitters in our brain, which impact our mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing. It's crucial to understand the depressant effects of alcohol and seek healthier alternatives f or relaxation and stress management.
P.S. If you’re curious about taking a break from drinking, join my 30-day alcohol-free challenge in July. It’s 30 days of support, community, daily accountability and friendship, expert talks and loads of information. You can sign up HERE.
Pss; if you need help giving up alcohol, I’m always here to provide support. Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s see if I can help.