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Alcohol And The Skin
One easily noticed effect of alcohol
is the dilation of the small blood vessels of the skin. As a result, the face and
neck appears flush, and the person feels warm. In some alcohol miss users, small
blood vessels on the nose, cheeks, neck, and chest may remain dilated, even in the
absence of alcohol. The dilated vessels may provide the first evidence of potential
alcoholism.
Mouth And Esophagus
Alcohol is an irritant
to the delicate linings of the throat and food pipe. It burns as it goes down.
Stomach
Alcohol has an irritating
effect on the stomach's protective lining, resulting in gastric or duodenal ulcers.
This condition, if it becomes acute, can peritonitis of the stomach wall.
Intestines
In the small intestine,
alcohol blocks, absorption of such substances as thiamin, folic acid, xylose, fat,
vitamin B, vitamin B12, and amino acids.
Bloodstream
Ninety-five percent
of the alcohol taken into the body is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining
of the stomach and duodenum. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol quickly moves to every
cell and tissue in the body. Alcohol causes red blood cells to clamp together in
sticky wads, slowing circulation and depriving the tissues of oxygen. It also causes
anemia by reducing the production of red blood cells. Alcohol slows the ability of
white cells to engulf and destroy bacteria and degenerates the clotting ability of
blood platelets.
Pancreas
Alcohol irritates
the cells of the pancreas, causing them to swell, thus blocking the flow of digestive
enzymes. The chemicals, unable to enter the small intestine, begin to digest the
pancreas, leading to acute hemorrhagic pancreatis. One out of five patients who develop
this disease, dies during the first attack. Pancreatis can destroy the pancreas and
create a lack of insulin, thus resulting in diabetes.
Liver
Alcohol inflames the
cells of the liver, causing them to swell and block the tiny canal to the small intestines.
This prevents the bile from being filtered properly through the liver. Jaundice develops,
turning the skin and the whites of the eyes yellow. Each drink of alcohol increases
the number of liver cells destroyed, eventually causing cirrhosis of the liver. This
is eight times more frequent among alcoholics than among non-alcoholics.
Heart
Alcohol causes inflammation
of the heart muscle. It has a toxic effect on the heart and causes increased amounts
of fat to collect, thus disrupting the heart's normal metabolism.
Bladder and Kidneys
(Urinary Tract)
Alcohol inflames the
lining of the bladder, making it unable to stretch properly. In the kidney, alcohol
causes an increased loss of fluids through its irritating effect.
Brain
Alcohol depresses
the brain centers, producing progressively: lack of coordination, confusion, disorientation,
stupor, anesthesia, coma, and death. Alcohol abuse over a period of time may cause
loss of memory judgment, and learning ability.
Sexual Effects Of
Alcohol
Many people report
that the pleasure they derive from sexual intercourse is increased by alcohol. Thus,
it is surprising to learn that alcohol is not an aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant).
Alcohol is, however, a great "disinhibitor." Since many people are usually
sexually inhibited, alcohol has gained a reputation as a sexual stimulant simply
by contributing to the loss of inhibitions. However, large amounts of alcohol can
have a disastrous effect on sexual performance. Excessive drinking, particularly
on a chronic basis, is a common contributor to impotence (erectile dysfunction) among
males.
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