20/02/2025
*EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON HUMAN HEALTH*
Alcohol intake can cause serious health challenges.
It is pertinent to note that according to the *WHO, there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink.* However some countries and organizations have guidelines for low risk drinking.
From current researches, the less alcohol the better.
*Here we enumerate some of the health issues of alcohol.*
*A.* *Physical health effects*
1. Brain - Alcohol can cause brain damage, stroke dementia, memory loss and blackouts.
2. Heart - Alcohol can cause hypertension, heart attacks, heart damage and heart muscle weakness.
3. Liver - Liver inflammation, Fatty liver, Alcoholic liver cirrhosis and Fibrosis
4. Pancreas - Alcohol induced pancreatitis (inflamed pancrease)
5. Immune system - Alcohol can weaken the immune system leading to susceptibility to diseases and infections.
6. Lungs - Alcohol can cause lung infections such as pneumonia, pneumonitis and lung collapse.
B. *Social and financial problems*
1. Alcohol can lead to social and societal nuisance
2. Reduced inhibitions which lead to risky or violent behavior
3. Poor self care
4. Financial insolvency
5. Interpersonal conflicts
6. Accidents both domestic and road traffic accidents.
*C. Mental health*
1. Depression and anxiety
2. Alcohol use disorder
*D. Others*
1. Alcohol use, can cause digestive problems
2. Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, cancers of the head and neck etc
*Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause problem for the fetus (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders)*
*If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should not drink alcohol*
*Dr. Mudi Pedro*
