Skip to main content
The World Health Organization published a report in The Lancet recently about the impact of drinking alcohol on our health. The report confirms what many don’t want to hear. There’s simply no safe amount of alcohol consumption that will not affect our health.

Why does alcohol cause so much harm to your longevity?

This recent WHO report clarifies just how toxic your tipple is to human health.

“Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco.”

Alcohol consumption is responsible for nearly 3 million fatalities each year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This figure accounts for 5.3% of all deaths worldwide.

It’s the alcohol that causes harm, not the beverage

Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types. These include bowel cancer and female breast cancer.

Ethanol (alcohol) causes cancer through biological mechanisms as the compound breaks down in the body, which means that any beverage containing alcohol, regardless of its price and quality, poses a risk of developing cancer.

The build-up over time

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.

Aside from the immediate dangers of alcohol intake, such as impaired judgement and an increased chance of accidents, the long-term consequences of alcohol on the body are severe and can be lethal.

What drinking alcohol does to your body

Here are just a few of the devastating consequences alcohol can have on your body: 

Liver Damage

When you consume alcohol, it is absorbed into your bloodstream through the walls of your stomach and small intestine. From there, it travels to your liver, which works to break down alcohol into less toxic substances and remove it from your body.

As alcohol is metabolised in the liver, it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which can cause damage to the liver and lead to illnesses such as cirrhosis, a potentially fatal disease that can result in liver failure.

Cancers

Alcohol intake increases the risk of getting liver, breast, and colon cancers. Even moderate alcohol intake, according to the American Cancer Society, can raise a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. 

Cardiovascular Illness

Heavy alcohol use is also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, excessive alcohol intake can result in high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.

Diabetes

Alcohol intake might raise the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. This chronic illness can cause a variety of health concerns.

Reduced Brain Activity

Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. It can slow down brain activity and affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Initially, alcohol can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. 

As you continue to drink, it can lead to impaired judgment, slurred speech, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Impact on mental health

Heavy drinking can increase the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety and intensify symptoms in people with these problems. Drinking alcohol is also frequently associated with domestic violence and interpersonal aggression. 

Alcohol Addiction Symptoms

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a complex disease that can develop over time and be difficult to recognize. Many people with alcohol addiction may try to hide or deny their symptoms. 

Understanding the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction is crucial for seeking help and beginning the road to recovery

Five signs you may be alcohol dependent

1. Drinking despite negative consequences: If someone continues to drink even though they know that it is causing issues in their personal or professional life, such as relationship difficulties, work issues, or legal troubles, this can be a sign of alcohol addiction.

2. Cravings and loss of control: A strong desire or urge to drink, or feeling like you cannot stop drinking once you start, can be a sign of alcohol addiction. This can lead to binge drinking or drinking to the point of blacking out.

3. Withdrawal symptoms: When someone stops drinking or reduces their alcohol consumption, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety. This can be a sign of physical alcohol dependence.

4. Tolerance: Over time, someone with an alcohol addiction may need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effects as before. This can lead to an increased risk of health problems and more severe withdrawal symptoms.

5. Loss of interest in other activities: Someone with alcohol addiction may begin to prioritize drinking over other activities that they used to enjoy, such as hobbies, socializing with friends, or spending time with family. This can signify a more significant difficulty and may indicate the need for professional help.

How To Reduce Alcohol Consumption

There are many strategies that individuals can use to reduce their alcohol consumption. These include setting limits on the amount of alcohol consumed, avoiding binge drinking, and seeking help if necessary.

Alcohol abuse and addiction are significant issues in South Africa, with several factors contributing to the problem. These include a high poverty level, high stress and trauma, and the easy availability of alcohol.

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction or abuse, it is important to seek professional help before alcohol negatively affects your health.”

References

The World Health Organization: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health
Murray Hewlett

Murray Hewlett

Murray Hewlett is the founding CEO of Affinity Enterprises. His vision is to make South Africans healthier and enhance the quality of their lives. Affinity Enterprises exists in response to an ever-growing need for affordable health services. He serves on the Executive Committees and Board of Directors of many for-profit and non-profit organisations.  He obtained his MBA from Charles Sturt University in Australia in 2008. He is currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Liverpool and earned a B.Sc. degree from Wits University in 1996. Murray lives in Johannesburg and is a father to two daughters and two sons. He enjoys travelling, the ocean, motorsports, technology and wellness.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.

error: Content is protected !!