January is the month of good resolutions and not drinking for a month is one of them. But what happens in your body outside of the dry january when you ingest alcohol?
The practice of the sober month comes to us from across the Channel. Usually launched in January, hence its name dry january, the initiative aims to raise awareness of his drinking. It can allow you to be in relation to the recommended limit, which is a maximum of two drinks during the day for a woman, and not every day.
We know that alcohol increases the risk of many diseases, including cancer. However, with reasonable consumption, what happens to our body when we drink?
The effects of alcohol on the body
When we drink, the first part of the body that comes into contact with alcoholic liquids is our digestive system. First useful reminder: alcohol is not digested, so contrary to some popular belief, its elimination time cannot be reduced by "sponging", with fatty foods for example. "Alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach and increases the production of gastric, pancreatic and intestinal juice", warns Professor Mickael Naassila, director of the research group on alcohol and drug dependencies at Inserm, interviewed by Doctissimo.
Alcohol also works on our heart and venous systems, first by increasing the heart rate. In the long run, however, it decreases it.
Finally, alcohol reaches our liver, which eliminates its molecules. When you drink too much, the effects on the liver and the body in general are similar to those of poisoning. Hangover discomfort comes from the breakdown of alcohol molecules. Without going that far, the liver, as a filter organ, is responsible for transforming and breaking down alcohol molecules in our bodies. In order not to damage it, it is important to respect this maximum alcohol dose, which depends in particular on your gender and your fat mass.
When you drink too much, alcohol is also responsible for dehydration in the body, acting on a molecule that increases the urge to urinate. This dehydration explains the headaches associated with hangovers, a sign that the body is lacking water. This also acts on the quality of the skin. Finally, remember that alcohol represents empty calories for nutritionists, without really any nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Hence the weight gain during regular and excessive consumption.
Rational consumption is important to keep it fun!
The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain and Morale
Drinking therefore affects our body in a physiological way. And these effects then trickle down to morale, via the psychoactive effect of alcohol. This is also what makes it so addicting for some. First, the body releases dopamine, a molecule that acts on the reward system. This is responsible for the disinhibiting, euphoric and stimulating effects of alcohol.
However, when the blood alcohol level rises, the sedative action of alcohol takes over. At this time, reflexes are reduced, we are drowsy, and sometimes we have trouble expressing ourselves.
Alcohol acts on the ability to pay attention, to concentrate (we all remember the inability to drive when we have been drinking). The action of alcohol can also be seen on our nights: consumed in too much quantity, it disrupts the most restorative phases of sleep.
The effects of alcohol on the wallet
Yep, alcohol has effects there too! While closing bars inevitably saves money during a pandemic, alcoholic beverages are often more expensive than others. Nothing like a good glass of fruit juice or sparkling water, with a little syrup if you want bubbles, to spend less! In a University of Sussex study of 800 participants, 88% of them said they saw savings for a month without alcohol.
While drinking can remain a pleasure, knowing its effects is important. Going a month without a drop of alcohol also sometimes helps to realize why you are drinking and to determine if you really want to.
Cheers (or not)!