Though it’s generally safe to consume alcohol in small amounts, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) contends that current research points to health risks and bodily effects even when alcohol is consumed in low amounts. The NIAA explains the various effects on our body systems. 

  •  Brain/neurological system. Alcohol can affect the way the brain looks and works because it interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, which can affect mood and behavior. Alcohol can adversely affect a person’s ability to think clearly and move with coordination. Effects on the nervous system can contribute to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness in the limbs and a burning sensation in the feet. Alcohol may also cause nerve damage, which can affect the heart and even contribute to sexual dysfunction.

  • Endocrine system. Disturbances in the endocrine system affect every organ and tissue in the body, including the thyroid, heart, and reproductive system.

  • Immune system. Overconsumption of alcohol can weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to disease. Even acute overconsumption can leave the body vulnerable to infection for up to 24 hours after the last drink is consumed. Overconsumption of alcohol can also make it harder for damaged tissue to recover.

  • Heart/circulatory system. According to the NIAA, research has found that long-term overconsumption of alcohol weakens the heart muscle, which results in cardiomyopathy. Overconsumption also contributes to arrhythmia and increases the risk of heart attack and ischaemic heart disease, which the World Health Organization reports is the leading cause of death around the globe. Additionally, heavy alcohol consumption causes deficiencies in the blood, including anemia and leukopenia, among other conditions. 

 

It is important for adults who choose to consume alcohol to be aware of its wide-ranging effects on the body.