Summer holidays and their festive moments are often conducive to the consumption of alcohol and, sometimes, to excess. Yet such habits can have serious consequences and carry health risks.
- France remains one of the most alcohol-consuming countries in the world.
- Public Health France and the National Cancer Institute have developed new benchmarks for lower-risk consumption: maximum 10 glasses per week, maximum 2 glasses per day, and days in the week without consumption.
In summer, reunions with friends or family are often synonymous with relaxation, celebration and aperitifs! But alcohol remains dangerous: its consumption is responsible for 41,000 deaths and nearly 30,000 cancers per year, according to Public Health France.
Excessive alcohol consumption (from 8 glasses per week for women and from 15 for men) can have very harmful consequences on health that are often overlooked.
Of course, the liver is particularly exposed to damage linked to the consumption of alcohol since it is the liver that metabolizes it into acetaldehyde, a substance a very toxic substance that has effects on the whole body.
Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption also causes excess fat in the liver, but also inflammation that can lead to cirrhosis… Two phenomena that can be fatal.
Damage
Like liver damage, pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, is one of the main complications of alcohol abuse. It appears, most of the time, after excessive alcohol consumption for 6 to 12 years which damages the pancreas and leads to other disorders such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies or even jaundice.
But that’s not all. The digestive system can also suffer from excessive alcohol consumption: ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn or even gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach wall).
The immune system is also weakened. Indeed, because it causes a drop in the number of white blood cells, which play a key role in the body’s defense against viruses and bacteria, alcohol consumption makes the body more vulnerable to infections.
Other destructive effects include the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Indeed, alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and increases the risk of hypertension, promotes the risk of cerebral hemorrhage and can lead to heart rhythm disorders.
Cognitive disorders
Regular and excessive alcohol consumption can also have an impact on the brain and lead to cognitive disorders such as impaired memory, planning, attention and decision-making abilities.
The front part of the brain – the frontal cortex – which controls self-control and behavior in society, as well as targeted actions, reasoning and problem solving, can in particular be permanently altered.
This damage can lead to a decrease in mental abilities, ability to assess situations and control impulses.
So, even on vacation, be careful…Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation!