Alcohol and its effects in the body
Chronic alcohol consumption results in a range of detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, often leading to serious long-term complications and a decline in overall well-being.
There is no significant excretion or storage in the body of ethanol – a component of alcohol, therefore it must be metabolised (broken down) and used and cleared by the body. It is metabolised mainly in the liver. There are several reactions that take place in the breakdown of ethanol into other molecules that are used by the body. If ethanol is consumed with large amounts of carbohydrate the metabolites will be used for fatty acid synthesis. If consumed without carbohydrate ethanol metabolites will be mainly used as fuel. Ethanol is a significant source of energy for those who consume large amounts of alcoholic drinks – ethanol provides approximately 7kcal/g – more than glucose 4kcal/g and only slightly less than fat 9kcal/g.
Chronic consumption of alcohol increases liver enzymes, increased rate of ethanol metabolism produces excess of breakdown products which need to be further oxidised and cleared, otherwise they become harmful to the liver and pose a risk of liver damage. Metabolism of ethanol also enhances fat synthesis in the liver and chronic use of alcohol may lead to fatty liver disease. Large quantities of alcohol may cause metabolic acidosis by increasing lactate or lead to ketoacidosis accompanied with dehydration. Accumulation of alcohol breakdown product called acetaldehyde causes flushed face, increased heart rate, headache and nausea and is believed to be responsible for most of the alcohol induced liver damage known as cirrhosis. Acetaldehyde toxicity is dose-dependent. Chronic consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol is a risk factor for developing peripheral nerve disfunction and impairment of short-term memory. It is due to the underlying deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Alcohol consumption decreases thiamine absorption in the gut. Ethanol also interferes with Vitamin A and Zinc metabolism causing a deficiency manifesting as night blindness, skin problems, slow healing, decreased testicular function, impaired immune system. Alcohol also depletes glutathione in the body, a very important antioxidant. Excessive alcohol use injures health and it is a serious health problem and it can be a’’hidden’’ disease involving genetic, physiological, psychological and social factors.
Tolerance to alcohol varies between individuals due to genetics, and gender-based differences. Women have normally lower levels of gastric enzyme responsible for alcohol metabolism than men therefore a lower tolerance to alcohol relative to men. Some people aren’t able to tolerate alcohol because of genetic lack of an enzyme (ALDH2) which metabolises acetaldehyde, ethanol breakdown product. Accumulation of acetaldehyde produces toxic effects causing symptoms of nausea, headache and flushing.
Alcohol can be directly toxic producing symptoms suddenly and transiently and is dependent on the amount consumed. Physical signs and symptoms of chronic excess alcohol are flushed face, tremor, ecchymoses (under skin bleeding), high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances, dizziness, headache, visual disturbances, digestive issues, sweating, anxiety, depression, myopathy, polyneuropathy (damage or dysfunction or nerves – tingling, numbness, pain, weakness) cerebellar degeneration (area in the brain that controls balance and coordination deteriorates). And in serious cases when alcohol is withdrawn tremulousness, convulsions, delirium, hallucinations. Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption causes oxidative stress and damage , leading to a wide range of health issues.
Some medicinal plants have pharmacological actions such as antidipsotropic (antialcohol abuse), liver restoring and protecting, nervous system strengthening, antidepressant and antianxiety, that are highly beneficial to counteract the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
The principle of herbal therapy is to strengthen the person as a whole using herbs for the immune, nervous and digestive systems. Herbs are chosen based on case history, individual presenting signs and symptoms.
The most common, well known and researched herb is lat. Carduus marianus known as Milk thistle– providing safe and effective herbal medicine to people with alcohol-related liver imbalances and issues. It helps protect the liver from damage and improve its function. In combination with other herbs, formulated by a professional herbalist, it can work synergistically to enhance its effectiveness.
Kudzu or lat. Pueraria lobata has been shown to reduce the risk of alcohol overconsumption by inhibiting enzyme ALDH2. A herb for alcohol use disorder.
Hypericum perforatum usually called St. John’s wort great for alcohol withdrawal. Also a potent antioxidant and neuroprotective
Salvia miltiorrhiza , common name red sage is a classical anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic herb, protecting from alcohol induced liver damage. May help reduce alcohol intake. And it is suggested that it curbs alcohol absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Scutellaria baicalensis widely used for the treatment and prevention of liver disease, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease and cancer.
Trigonnela foenum-graecum or Fenugreek seeds offer a striking protection against alcohol toxicity by protecting the liver from pathological changes induced by alcohol. It is restorative to the liver after the injury.
Thymus vulgaris or Thyme is great to detoxify alcohol toxicity in the liver and the brain, through its potent antioxidant properties.
Zingiber officinale, ginger efficiently scavenges free radicals and modulates oxidative stress induced by alcohol. The hangover symptoms can be effectively alleviated by fresh ginger, citrus peel and honey drink. Ginger is great to use for the prevention and treatment of organ damage induced by overconsumption of alcohol though its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Panax ginseng know as Asian ginseng has protective effects against alcohol induced reproductive and gastric injuries. it also shows positive effects in alcohol metabolism and hangover relief.