Alcohol is commonly used as a socially acceptable way to unwind after a difficult day, to accompany a nice dinner or to celebrate a special event. Ethyl alcohol is the intoxicating agent found in wine, beer and other alcohols. The ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is produced when yeast, sugars and starches are fermented. One standard alcoholic beverage per day is known to have some positive health benefits, but more than one drink can quickly lead to adverse health effects.
One Standard Drink
In the United States, one standard drink is the equivalent of 13.7 g or 0.6 oz. of pure alcohol. A drink of 12 oz. of beer, 8 oz. of malt liquor, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of distilled liquor such as vodka, rye or rum has the equivalent amount of pure alcohol. When you drink 12 oz. of beer, you are getting the same amount of pure alcohol as you would when you have a 5-oz. glass of wine.
Alcohol and the Central Nervous System
Alcohol passes directly from the digestive system into the bloodstream, which, in turn, carries the alcohol throughout your body within minutes. Alcohol, even in small doses, depresses your central nervous system, similar to barbiturates, sedatives, and anesthetics. Your central nervous system is comprised of your brain, your spinal cord and the nerves that originate from it. Alcohol depresses this important system, affecting your emotions and senses, judgment, memory and even your ability to learn. Even one drink can impact your central nervous system.
Alcohol and Heart Health
Alcohol relaxes you. In addition to leaving you feeling relaxed, alcohol has a relaxing effect on your circulation as well. Both red wine and other alcohols carry the same health benefits. After one drink of either red wine or alcohol, blood vessels are more "relaxed" or dilated. The heart, once dilated, does not have to work as hard to get its job done. Alcohol in small doses can help protect against heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The health benefits you realize after one drink quickly disappear when you consume more than one serving of alcohol. More than one glass of alcohol raises blood pressure.
Alcohol and your GI Tract
Alcohol causes a spike in your blood sugar. The pancreas responds by increasing its insulin response, which leads to very low blood sugar. This rapid spike in blood sugar is a concern for diabetics, as well as for those trying to lose weight. Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients. One drink increases your calorie intake by 7 calories per gram of alcohol. This goes up significantly if your mix of choice is a sugary beverage. Alcohol also increases the acid in the stomach, which, over time, may lead to ulcers or gastritis.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alcohol and Public Health
- Science Daily; One Drink Of Red Wine Or Alcohol Is Relaxing To Circulation, But Two Drinks Are Stressful; 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Ways to Avoid Blood Pressure Increase at Menopause; 2008
- Bodybuilding; Alcohol's Effects On Body Fat. Can We Have It Both Ways?; David Robson
- Oregon Counseling; Biological Impacts Of Alcohol Use: An Overview; Michaele P. Dunlap, Psy.D
- The Brain From Top to Bottom; How Drugs Affect Neurotransmitters; Bruno Dubuc
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