The Truth About Alcohol
"There is a reason that the word "intoxication" was chosen to explain the effects of alcohol on the body. Intoxication is derived from a Latin word meaning "to poison". ~ News Target
Nutritional bandits gum up our body signals, confuse our internal conversation, create a toxic overload in the body, and rob us of our health when consumed regularly. Today we take a look at Nutritional Bandit #2: Alcohol.
While it is generally thought that occasional or moderate use (2-3 drinks per week) is beneficial to our health, more can lead to addiction, emotional problems, and many degenerative problems. However, the most recent research now suggests that there is no “safe” level of alcohol consumption and every glass increases cancer and heart disease risk.
First of all, alcohol is highly addictive — requiring more and more to produce the same effect. It also contains lots of calories and very few nutrients. In fact, alcohol has 7 calories per gram of carbohydrate as opposed to 4 calories per gram in all other carbohydrates. And these calories don't fill us up, but rather alcohol can trigger cravings and increase appetite causing you to eat more!
Alcohol dehydrates the body, depletes electrolytes, and is a toxic irritant due to the many chemicals used in the fermentation and bottling process. And it is a central nervous system depressant and an emotional suppressant.
Obesity, gastritis and ulcers, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hypoglycemia and diabetes, heart disease, gout, nerve and brain dysfunction, cancer, nutritional deficiencies, immune suppression, and injuries and death from falls and auto accidents are some of the common problems.
ALCOHOL AND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
With the Covid-19 virus affecting all of our lives right now, it’s especially important to keep our immune system strong and functioning optimally. With regard to alcohol, the World Health Organization says, “Alcohol consumption is associated with a range of communicable and non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders, which can make a person more vulnerable to Covid-19. In particular, alcohol compromises the body’s immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes.
While it might not always be possible (or even desirable) to avoid nutritional bandits all of the time, it’s what we do MOST of the time that counts. Armed with knowledge, we can intentionally make healthier choices! When it comes to alcohol, the best case scenario is to not drink at all as even small amounts aren’t without risk. However, if you do choose to consume alcohol, Dr. Mark Hyman recommends treating it as a "recreational drug" rather than an everyday habit.