8 Dangers of Long-term Excessive Drinking

Many people have the habit of drinking. Going for a few drinks with friends will help people to relax. Occasionally drinking alcohol can play a relaxing role, but excessive drinking can affect blood circulation and cause great damage to the body. Alcohol can affect health and even increase the risk of cancer.

1. It may affect the brain

Chronic drinking can damage the brain, and can alter the structure and function of the brain. Excessive drinking can also cause severe damage to the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Alcohol may cause mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.

2. It may damage the liver

Excessive drinking is very harmful to the liver and can cause serious liver disease. Alcohol is metabolized by liver enzymes and converted into digestible substances, but the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, and excess alcohol circulates in the body. Too much alcohol can cause liver inflammation, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

3. It may cause heart disease

Excessive drinking can lead to many heart problems, whether it's prolonged or occasional drinking. The heart is responsible for receiving blood from the liver and sending blood to the whole body. When the liver sends alcohol-contaminated blood to the heart, it can cause many health problems. Long-term drinking is the main cause of heart disease. Alcohol consumption may also lead to cardiomyopathy, irregular heartbeat, stroke and high blood pressure.

4. It may damage the pancreas

The pancreas is responsible for producing hormones necessary for the body, which affect the amount of sugar in the blood and help the body digest food. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce chemicals that are harmful to the body, and long-term drinking may cause the blood vessels around the pancreas to swell, leading to pancreatitis. The symptoms of pancreatitis are generally not obvious, and many people cannot get timely treatment.

5. It may damage the kidneys

The kidneys are responsible for filtering harmful substances from the blood. Excessive drinking is the cause of high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease. In addition, if a person gets liver disease due to alcohol consumption, it can also cause a heavier burden on the kidneys. Long-term excessive drinking can worsen kidney disease, and moderate drinking has no serious effect on the kidneys.

6. It may increase the risk of stomach disease

Alcohol can damage the digestive system, even in small amounts. Alcohol causes the stomach to produce more acid, which can lead to acid reflux and gastritis. Other digestive problems caused by alcohol include nausea, vomiting, ulcers and diarrhea, and long-term heavy drinking may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

7. It may lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies

Alcohol consumption can lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, which may be due in part to a poor diet or because nutrients are not broken down properly. Nutrients are not adequately absorbed and cannot be used effectively by the body's cells.

8. It may affect the immune system

Drinking too much alcohol can reduce immunity and make the body more susceptible to disease. Alcohol can cause effects immune cells, it will not only reduce the number of white blood cells, but also affect the function of white blood cells.