DRINKS
Alcohol and the body
Alcohol and the body
Alcohol gets into the body very fast. Unlike
most food and drink, it is absorbed into the
bloodstream within minutes. It takes the liver
about one hour to process one unit of alcohol,
forming a highly toxic compound as it breaks
it down for elimination.
Effects of alcohol on the body
As alcohol hits the stomach, around 20 percent begins to cross
into the bloodstream right away. It is quickly passed to the
liver, brain, and pancreas, where it starts to break down. The
rest is absorbed through the gut. Alcohol is first broken down
into acetaldehyde, then acetate, and is finally eliminated as
carbon dioxide and water. Acetaldehyde is highly toxic and
causes damage to cells, especially those of the liver, which
can become irreparably damaged.
Under the influence
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug.
In small doses it acts as a depressant,
but reduces inhibitions and anxiety
to produce feelings of euphoria.
At higher doses it causes intoxication,
stupor, and unconsciousness.
Taking it in
Contact with strong alcohol
can damage the cells lining the
mouth, throat, and esophagus,
promoting cancers in these areas,
especially among smokers.
Upset stomach
Alcohol stimulates the stomach
to produce large quantities of
acid that can irritate the lining
of the stomach and lead to
ulcers over time.
Warm feelings
Alcohol makes the blood vessels
widen, making you feel warm. It
also causes a temporary drop in
blood pressure and pulse rate.
Small vessels can also break.
Fatty liver
Repeated use leads to
inflammation and scarring of
liver cells. Fat becomes deposited
between the cells, making it hard
for the liver to work properly.
LIVERCIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Genes and alcohol
Some ethnic groups have genetic
variations that prolong the endurance
of acetaldehyde in the body. This can
cause unpleasant nausea and flushing,
but may also have the effect of putting
them off drinking. Genetics can also
play a part in whether someone is
predisposed to become an alcoholic.
Red flush
STOMACHMOUTH
IT TAKES ABOUT THREE
HOURS FOR YOUR BODY
TO BREAK DOWN THE
ALCOHOL IN A LARGE
(8.5 FL OZ/250 ML)
GLASS OF WINE
US_168-169_Alcohol_and_the_body.indd 168 18/01/2017 09:46
168 169
DRINKS
Alcohol and the body
Alcohol—the backlash
Hangovers only start after
all the alcohol has been
metabolized. Typical symptoms
include tiredness, dizzyness,
nausea, and headache and can
last for 24 hours. Dehydration is
often blamed for the
effects, but the real
culprits are thought
to be congeners—
by-products of
fermention that
often give the drink
its flavor and color.
Some experts also
propose a theory
that hangovers may
be due to reactions
of the immune
system.
Alcoholism
Overuse of alcohol can tip a
social drinker into becoming
an alcoholic. The body
develops a physical tolerance
to alcohol and it becomes
psychologically difficult to
stop drinking. Giving up
produces withdrawal
symptoms that can be as
bad as those of drinking.
Blood alcohol levels
As you drink, the concentration of alcohol in
your blood rises. This leads to an increasing loss
of control of physical and mental faculties.
Dehydration
Alcohol increases urine
production as soon as 20
minutes after being drunk.
Excess drinking can lead to
thirst and dehydration.
Off your head
Some alcohol is broken down
by the brain, which is instantly
affected. Control of mental and
physical functions becomes
progressively harder.
Breathing risks
Drinking increases the risk of
inhaling vomit and also affects
nitric oxide levels, both of which
make the lungs more susceptible
to infection.
KIDNEYS BRAIN LUNGS
LOW
HIGH
HANGOVER SEVERITY
BRANDY
RED WINE
RUM
WHISKEY
WHITE WINE
GIN
VODKA
BEER
0.03g/mL BLOOD
Mood picks up,
inhibitions disappear,
feel euphoric
0.12g/mL BLOOD
Bodily coordination
and judgment impaired
0.3g/mL BLOOD
May become unconscious—
hospitalization required
0.08g/mL BLOOD
Judgment, vision,
balance, and speech
start to be affected
0.2g/mL BLOOD
Loss of motor
control and mental
function
0.3+g/mL BLOOD
Acute risk of
alcohol poisoning
and death
0
0.1
0.2 0.3
Hand-eye
coordination
affected
WHY DOES
CHAMPAGNE MAKE
YOU DRUNK SO FAST?
The bubbles in champagne
helps the body absorb alcohol
into the bloodstream more
quickly, as do carbonated
mixers with spirits.
US_168-169_Alcohol_and_the_body.indd 169 03/02/2017 12:24
168 169
DRINKS
Alcohol and the body
Alcohol—the backlash
Hangovers only start after
all the alcohol has been
metabolized. Typical symptoms
include tiredness, dizzyness,
nausea, and headache and can
last for 24 hours. Dehydration is
often blamed for the
effects, but the real
culprits are thought
to be congeners—
by-products of
fermention that
often give the drink
its flavor and color.
Some experts also
propose a theory
that hangovers may
be due to reactions
of the immune
system.
Alcoholism
Overuse of alcohol can tip a
social drinker into becoming
an alcoholic. The body
develops a physical tolerance
to alcohol and it becomes
psychologically difficult to
stop drinking. Giving up
produces withdrawal
symptoms that can be as
bad as those of drinking.
Blood alcohol levels
As you drink, the concentration of alcohol in
your blood rises. This leads to an increasing loss
of control of physical and mental faculties.
Dehydration
Alcohol increases urine
production as soon as 20
minutes after being drunk.
Excess drinking can lead to
thirst and dehydration.
Off your head
Some alcohol is broken down
by the brain, which is instantly
affected. Control of mental and
physical functions becomes
progressively harder.
Breathing risks
Drinking increases the risk of
inhaling vomit and also affects
nitric oxide levels, both of which
make the lungs more susceptible
to infection.
KIDNEYS BRAIN LUNGS
LOW
HIGH
HANGOVER SEVERITY
BRANDY
RED WINE
RUM
WHISKEY
WHITE WINE
GIN
VODKA
BEER
0.03g/mL BLOOD
Mood picks up,
inhibitions disappear,
feel euphoric
0.12g/mL BLOOD
Bodily coordination
and judgment impaired
0.3g/mL BLOOD
May become unconscious—
hospitalization required
0.08g/mL BLOOD
Judgment, vision,
balance, and speech
start to be affected
0.2g/mL BLOOD
Loss of motor
control and mental
function
0.3+g/mL BLOOD
Acute risk of
alcohol poisoning
and death
0
0.1
0.2 0.3
Hand-eye
coordination
affected
WHY DOES
CHAMPAGNE MAKE
YOU DRUNK SO FAST?
The bubbles in champagne
helps the body absorb alcohol
into the bloodstream more
quickly, as do carbonated
mixers with spirits.
US_168-169_Alcohol_and_the_body.indd 169 03/02/2017 12:24
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