Alcohols e ects on the body

When alcohol hits the body, about 20 per cent of it is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. Brain tissue is a ected within two minutes. The long-term e ects of heavy drinking are often fatal cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure and increased risk of coronary disease.
BRAIN: Immediately a ects the pre-frontal cortex, responsible for reasoning, reaction time and decision making. Also a ects the hippocampus, responsible for creating memories. STOMACH Alcohol can increase production of stomach acid and induce gastritis. KIDNEYS Alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, one of the leading causes of kidney disease. HEART: Recent studies suggest 1 or 2 drinks a day can lessen the risk of heart disease. Higher consumption increases the risk. LIVER: Long-term abuse can cause build-up of fat deposits or potentially fatal conditions such as inammation (alcoholic hepatitis), permanent scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. SMALL INTESTINE Alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestinal lining.

SOURCES: CANADIAN LIVER FOUNDATION; SUE BECKER, MCMASTER UNIVERSITY; NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH Dean Tweed // THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR