It is no secret that consuming alcohol in excess is dangerous. Studies have shown that alcohol has been linked to at least 60 different medical conditions. Below are five of the health risks that are associated with consuming alcohol in excess:
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when there are not enough red blood cells inside of the body. Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to anemia because it reduces the number of red blood cells. Anemia can cause a number of symptoms, such as fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath. Severe anemia can lead to a heart attack.
Heart Disease
Heavy drinking makes it easier for the platelets to clump together. This can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. There was a study done by a team of researchers at Harvard University that showed people who drink heavily are twice as likely to die from a heart attack.
Heavy drinking can also lead to other heart problems, such as cardiomyopathy. This is a problem that causes the heart muscle to weaken, and it can eventually lead to heart failure. Atrial fibrillation, which is a condition that causes the atria contract irregularly, is another heart problem that has been linked to excessive drinking. It can cause heart problems and may trigger a stroke.
Cancer
When alcohol enters the body, it is converted into acetaldehyde. This is a carcinogen. Liver, breast, colorectal and mouth are some of the different forms of cancer that have been linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
Cirrhosis
The liver is an organ that helps to detoxify the body. Excess alcohol consumption destroys the liver cells. This is a condition that causes the liver to scar. Cirrhosis also interferes with the liver’s ability to function normally.
Depression
Many people drink when they are depressed. However, alcohol can actually make this problem worse. Studies have shown that alcohol can activate a gene that causes depression. Furthermore, many people are depressed because of the problems that alcohol causes. For example, some people end up losing their license, going to jail and paying a fine because they were caught driving under the influence. While firms such as the Law Office of Eric Harron can defend DWI charges, excess alcohol can lead to serious consequences that can only make depression worse.
If you consume alcohol, then it is best to do so in moderation. Anemia, heart disease, depression, cirrhosis and cancer are just a few of the many conditions that have been linked to consuming alcohol in excess.
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