For moderate drinkers, alcoholic beverages have astonishing health benefits. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Numerous well-designed studies have concluded that moderate drinking is associated with improved cardiovascular health." Potsdam State University's website states that moderate drinkers are also less likely to suffer dementia, arthritis, enlarged prostate, strokes, diabetes and some forms of cancer. However, because of the way it interacts with your body glucose, alcohol can be ruinous to your health if you consume it excessively.
Body Glucose
All the tissues in your body depend on sugar glucose for the energy to function properly. Your blood supplies this glucose, and your body doesn't manufacture all the glucose needed to keep your blood sugar level consistent. Food is a vital source. To regulate body glucose levels, your pancreas secretes two hormones: insulin, which lowers your blood's glucose concentration, and glucagon, which raises it. Your liver and kidneys also regulate your body glucose levels. If glucose-regulating hormones can't function properly, you develop hypoglycemia -- too little body glucose -- or hypoglycemia -- too much body glucose.
Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
Your body stores glucose for occasions when it doesn't get enough from your diet. If glucose-regulating hormones can't function properly, you develop hypoglycemia -- too little body glucose -- or hypoglycemia -- too much body glucose. If you're not diabetic, an alcohol-induced increase in body glucose "is usually temporary and without consequence," according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. However, even temporary shortages of body glucose can have serious consequences, especially to your brain, which needs a steady supply.
Alcohol Metabolism
Your body metabolizes the calories in alcohol differently than it does the calories in other food. The more you drink, the more you interfere with the natural processes your body uses to break down food to convert it to energy. Chronic alcoholics often develop such an inefficient system for metabolizing alcohol that much of the energy is wasted, turning into heat rather than energy your body can use to support its functions.
Alcohol and Overall Nutrition
Chronic alcoholics are more likely to suffer body glucose deficiencies because they often don't eat properly. But even if you eat well, excessive alcohol interferes with your body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, making you more susceptible to chronic disease.
References
- Potsdam State University: Alcohol Problems and Solutions
- Montana State University: Alcohol Messes With Your Blood Sugar Levels
- Alcohol and Alcoholism: Chronic Alcohol Consumption Yields Sex Differences in Whole-Body Glucose Production in Rats; Ken D. Sumida, et al.; July 2004
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Alert; Oct. 1993
