Alcohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a legal drug found in found in beer, wine, and liquor, as well as in some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils. Indeed, most people act and behave differently when under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is a rather simple molecule—but has profound effects on the mind and body. Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, because it sedates brain activities. This is surprising to many people, because consuming small amounts of alcohol is often associated with feelings of euphoria. These pleasant feelings arise when alcohol selectively depresses certain parts of the brain that normally “censor” thoughts and behaviors. Alcohol can cause a temporary loss of inhibition, also known as disinhibition, making people feel relaxed and more outgoing. However, disinhibition also impairs judgment and reasoning. As blood alcohol content increases, areas of the brain that control speech, vision, and voluntary muscular movement become depressed as well. When consumed in excess, alcohol is clearly hazardous to health. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to inflammation, impaired nutritional status, cognitive deficits, depression, liver damage, gout, various types of cancer, heart problems, pancreatitis, and potentially death (McGuire & Beerman, 2012).
Influence on Health
Researchers have observed that the blood alcohol achieved by just one drink is enough to inhibit cell-cell adhesion, causing permanent memory loss, weakening the brain's capacity to learn, and leading to various other memory disorders. Higher-order functions such as reasoning, planning, and prioritizing are also damaged, as a result of documented damage in the prefrontal cortex, the seat of higher reasoning (Ramanathan et al., 1996). And that's just one drink.
Researchers have observed that alcohol use is associated with reduced right hippocampal volume in a dose dependent manner (the more you drink alcohol, the more brain volume lost); even moderate drinkers were three times more likely to have hippocampal atrophy than those who don't drink alcohol. Higher alcohol consumption is also associated with reduced white matter integrity and faster decline in executive function (Welch, 2017).
Alcohol is toxic to the body and especially hard on the liver. The free radicals in alcohol cause the liver to become inflamed, and this in itself leads to the production of scar tissue on the liver. The liver works like a sponge, hard and dense scar tissue coats and prevents the liver from functioning properly. When your liver doesn't function properly, the toxins it's trying to filter out of your bloodstream simply don't get filtered out. Those toxins can then wreak havoc on the rest of the body and brain.
The liver does its best to break down alcohol into acetaldehyde, then into acetic acid, , and then ideally into glucose, which enters the blood stream, causing sugar levels to spike. But both acetaldehyde and acetic acid are challenging for the liver to process, and it's not uncommon for the liver to be unable to deal with them right away. As a result, the liver will either release these chemicals back into the bloodstream, causing more toxic damage to the entire body than pure alcohol would, or it will self-destructively hold on to the unprocessed acetic acid and/or acetaldehyde by producing fatty tissues for storage. This leads to a less effective liver, and to liver damage.
Over time — even over as short a period as one month — alcohol:
Based on extensive reviews of scientific literature, there is a strong consensus of an direct association between alcohol drinking and several types of cancer (IARC, 2010). The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services lists consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen (National Toxicology Program, 2010). The evidence indicates that the more alcohol a person drinks—particularly the more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time—the higher his or her risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer.
Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of the following types of cancer:
Researchers have observed that alcohol use is associated with reduced right hippocampal volume in a dose dependent manner (the more you drink alcohol, the more brain volume lost); even moderate drinkers were three times more likely to have hippocampal atrophy than those who don't drink alcohol. Higher alcohol consumption is also associated with reduced white matter integrity and faster decline in executive function (Welch, 2017).
Alcohol is toxic to the body and especially hard on the liver. The free radicals in alcohol cause the liver to become inflamed, and this in itself leads to the production of scar tissue on the liver. The liver works like a sponge, hard and dense scar tissue coats and prevents the liver from functioning properly. When your liver doesn't function properly, the toxins it's trying to filter out of your bloodstream simply don't get filtered out. Those toxins can then wreak havoc on the rest of the body and brain.
The liver does its best to break down alcohol into acetaldehyde, then into acetic acid, , and then ideally into glucose, which enters the blood stream, causing sugar levels to spike. But both acetaldehyde and acetic acid are challenging for the liver to process, and it's not uncommon for the liver to be unable to deal with them right away. As a result, the liver will either release these chemicals back into the bloodstream, causing more toxic damage to the entire body than pure alcohol would, or it will self-destructively hold on to the unprocessed acetic acid and/or acetaldehyde by producing fatty tissues for storage. This leads to a less effective liver, and to liver damage.
Over time — even over as short a period as one month — alcohol:
- Increases liver stiffness, which increases your risk of liver cirrhosis (liver failure).
- Diminishes the formation of memories due to ethanol buildup in the brain. This is why you may not remember what you did while you were drunk. Alcohol also causes your hippocampus to shrink, which affects memory and learning.
- Promotes systemic inflammation. Studies have shown even a single binge causes a dramatic rise in inflammation. In other words, your body reacts to alcohol in the same way as it reacts to injury or infection.
- Increases stress on your heart, raising your risk for cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, high blood pressure and stroke.
- Significantly increases endotoxin levels. In other words, alcohol causes gut damage allowing bacteria to escape from your gut into your blood stream.
Based on extensive reviews of scientific literature, there is a strong consensus of an direct association between alcohol drinking and several types of cancer (IARC, 2010). The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services lists consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen (National Toxicology Program, 2010). The evidence indicates that the more alcohol a person drinks—particularly the more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time—the higher his or her risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer.
Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of the following types of cancer:
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Influence on Spirit
Truth be told, alcohol is poison. The effects of alcohol consumption are deleterious to the body, mind, and spirit. The word "alcohol" stems from the Arabic word "al-ghul" which, in English, translates to ghoul, that is an evil spirit or phantom, especially one supposed to rob graves and feed on dead bodies.
The function of alcohol is extraction. If one, for example, places any herb, such as vanilla bean, in an alcohol solution, the end product would be known as vanilla extract. In alchemy, alcohol is used to extract the soul essence of an entity. Hence its’ use in extracting essences for essential oils, and the sterilization of medical instruments. By consuming alcohol, it in effect extracts the very essence of the soul, allowing the body to be more susceptible to neighboring entities most of which are of low frequencies. Is it simply a coincidence that alcoholic beverages are also referred to as "spirits"?
This is why you’ll see intoxicated people acting like a completely different person. It is as if they’re not fully in their bodies when peering into their eyes. It is believed that when one is intoxicated, the soul leaves the body, leaving the vessel open for other beings to come through. Hence, why it was called “al-ghul.”
Even pondering on the word "intoxication" implies that one is pouring toxins into the body. This does not support the spirit, let alone overall health. What alcohol is good at is creating a mask between the internal and external selves. While some think it's helps people become themselves in reality it's only creating further disillusion.
True healing would involve getting to the root of why people believe they need to drink in the first place. What is it that a drinker is really craving? Is it comfort or connection after a long day? Is it less awkwardness in conversations? Perhaps the drinker is seeking to let loose without acknowledging judgements. True healing always involves honesty, and it often requires less financial obligations.
The function of alcohol is extraction. If one, for example, places any herb, such as vanilla bean, in an alcohol solution, the end product would be known as vanilla extract. In alchemy, alcohol is used to extract the soul essence of an entity. Hence its’ use in extracting essences for essential oils, and the sterilization of medical instruments. By consuming alcohol, it in effect extracts the very essence of the soul, allowing the body to be more susceptible to neighboring entities most of which are of low frequencies. Is it simply a coincidence that alcoholic beverages are also referred to as "spirits"?
This is why you’ll see intoxicated people acting like a completely different person. It is as if they’re not fully in their bodies when peering into their eyes. It is believed that when one is intoxicated, the soul leaves the body, leaving the vessel open for other beings to come through. Hence, why it was called “al-ghul.”
Even pondering on the word "intoxication" implies that one is pouring toxins into the body. This does not support the spirit, let alone overall health. What alcohol is good at is creating a mask between the internal and external selves. While some think it's helps people become themselves in reality it's only creating further disillusion.
True healing would involve getting to the root of why people believe they need to drink in the first place. What is it that a drinker is really craving? Is it comfort or connection after a long day? Is it less awkwardness in conversations? Perhaps the drinker is seeking to let loose without acknowledging judgements. True healing always involves honesty, and it often requires less financial obligations.
What About Wine?
Researchers have observed the possible beneficial health effects of both red and white wine. While the antioxidants, namely resveratrol, present in these wines may benefit the heart and lungs, the most profound benefit lies in the calming effect alcohol has on the entire nervous system. This calm affects the entire body in a healthful way, possibly prolonging life. This is a valid benefit, but know that this clam can be achieved through other means (like deep-breathing and meditation).
Least harmful type of alcohol
Alcohol is by no means healthy. Alcohol does not support any physiological process. However, if one is seeking to search for the least harmful type of alcohol, there are actually some that are better than others. Given that the individual consuming alcohol does not have candida overgrowth, SIBO, any other gut-based issues, acid reflux, histamine sensitivity, or autoimmune issues, consuming one glass of a dry, red, organic, biodynamic wine would perhaps be one of the healthier choices to make. A white wine meeting the same previously mentioned criteria would not have as many benefits, but would still not be as deleterious for your health. An non-aged (preferably organic) tequila would also be a better selection due to the alcohol being gluten-free, and a lower tendency to produce histamines. A clear (gluten-free) vodka, or gin would not be as bad for one's health, in comparison to other alcohol selections. A general rule of thumb is the clearer the cleaner, although there are variations to this generalization. If alcohol is a part of one's lifestyle it is advised to consumed alcohol no more than once a week.
The more detrimental alcoholic selections include sugar, such as spiced rum, mixed drinks with sour mixers. In addition, beer is not an ideal alcoholic selection.
The more detrimental alcoholic selections include sugar, such as spiced rum, mixed drinks with sour mixers. In addition, beer is not an ideal alcoholic selection.
Fasting From Alcohol
Once consumed, alcohol is converted into glucose, or blood sugar, and causes many of the same physical problems as sugar consumption - in fact, alcohol and sugar are almost identical molecules. There are many reasons to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Namely, alcohol depletes the brain of its natural mood-enhancing chemicals, can cause brain damage in large amounts, and can overload the liver with toxicity. Remarkably, nearly all these negative effects are remedied by fasting from alcohol.
The brain manufactures its own warehouse of mood-altering chemicals, including natural pain relievers, stimulants, and sedatives, which work in perfect harmony with the body and its chemistry. These naturally produced chemicals keep you feeling well-adjusted to your changing life and environment. Stress, especially extended periods of stress, uses up these homemade chemicals rapidly. If your brain's warehouse of chemicals can't keep up with your need for them, it will rely on its backup storage. And once that's used up, you may find yourself turning to the drug-like effects of alcohol to help you feel okay.
When you drink alcohol, the important production centers in your brain get out of shape - just as a person would lose the ability to walk or lift heavy weights if the body never practiced doing so. The receptors that normally receive mood-altering chemicals produced by the brain, called neurotransmitters, instead receive the chemicals in the alcohol that you're consuming. Because these alcohol chemicals plug into your receptors the way your natural brain neurotransmitters would, the production centers in your brain are sent the message that its receptors are full, and it should produce even less of its own neurotransmitters.
This leads to a vicious cycle. With a decline in the production of neurotransmitters, the desire for higher quantities of alcohol will increase. Certainly everyone remembers the powerful effect of their first drink, but as one matures, more and more alcohol is usually required to achieve that same effect. Because the brain's naturally-produced neurotransmitters are so powerful, no matter how much one can drink, the alcohol loses its effectiveness. Unfortunately, by this time, the brain has significantly slowed its natural production of neurotransmitters. So you may still crave a drink, but get less feeling from its consumption. Taking a break from alcohol allows the receptors and producers in your brain to return to their natural call-and-response. Empty receptors send the message to production center to produce greater volume. The need for neurotransmitters stimulates their production, and you'll begin to return to that natural-high place seen in healthy, happy people.
When you drink alcohol, the important production centers in your brain get out of shape - just as a person would lose the ability to walk or lift heavy weights if the body never practiced doing so. The receptors that normally receive mood-altering chemicals produced by the brain, called neurotransmitters, instead receive the chemicals in the alcohol that you're consuming. Because these alcohol chemicals plug into your receptors the way your natural brain neurotransmitters would, the production centers in your brain are sent the message that its receptors are full, and it should produce even less of its own neurotransmitters.
This leads to a vicious cycle. With a decline in the production of neurotransmitters, the desire for higher quantities of alcohol will increase. Certainly everyone remembers the powerful effect of their first drink, but as one matures, more and more alcohol is usually required to achieve that same effect. Because the brain's naturally-produced neurotransmitters are so powerful, no matter how much one can drink, the alcohol loses its effectiveness. Unfortunately, by this time, the brain has significantly slowed its natural production of neurotransmitters. So you may still crave a drink, but get less feeling from its consumption. Taking a break from alcohol allows the receptors and producers in your brain to return to their natural call-and-response. Empty receptors send the message to production center to produce greater volume. The need for neurotransmitters stimulates their production, and you'll begin to return to that natural-high place seen in healthy, happy people.
Minimize the Damage of Alcohol
While drinking alcohol is not beneficial whatsoever, if you know you'll be having a few drinks, taking this supplemental protocol beforehand can help "pre-tox" your body, thereby minimizing the damage associated with alcohol consumption. This protocol will not make you less susceptible to alcohol poisoning or other acute adverse events associated with binge drinking. Always use common sense and drink responsibly.
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine. It is known to help increase glutathione and reduce acetaldehyde toxicity that causes many hangover symptoms (Jaya, Augustine & Menon, 1994). Try taking NAC (at least 200 milligrams) 30 minutes before you drink to help lessen the alcohol's toxic effects.
- B Vitamins: NAC is thought to work even better when combined with vitamin B1 (thiamine) (Sprince, Parker, Smith & Gonzales, 1974). Vitamin B6 may also help to lessen hangover symptoms. Since alcohol depletes B vitamin in your body, and the B vitamins are required to help eliminate alcohol from your body, a B-vitamin supplement taken beforehand, as well as the next day, may help.
- Milk Thistle: Milk thistle contains silymarin and silybin, antioxidants known to help protect your liver from toxins, including the effects of alcohol. Not only has silymarin been found to increase glutathione, but it also may help to regenerate liver cells (Das & Vasudevan, 2006). A milk thistle supplement may be most useful when taken regularly, especially if you know you'll be having cocktails on more than one occasion.
- Vitamin C: Alcohol may deplete your body of vitamin C, which is important for reducing alcohol-induced oxidative stress in your liver. Interestingly, one animal study showed vitamin C was even more protective to the liver than silymarin (milk thistle) after exposure to alcohol (Das & Vasudevan, 2006).
- Magnesium: Magnesium is another nutrient depleted by alcohol, and it's one that many are already deficient in. Plus, magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce some hangover symptoms. If you don't eat a lot of magnesium-rich foods, taking a magnesium supplement before an evening involving drinking may be helpful.
References
Das, S. and Vasudevan, D. (2006). Biochemical and Immunological Basis of Silymarin, a Milk Thistle (Silybium Marianum) Against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 43(5), pp.306-11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17133738
Freston, K. (2008). Quantum Wellness. New York: Weinstein Books
IARC. (2010). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans - Alcohol Consumption and Ethyl Carbamate. [online] Available at: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol96/mono96.pdf [Accessed 31 Dec. 2017].
Jaya, D., Augustine, J. and Menon, V. (1994). Protective role of N-acetylcysteine against alcohol and paracetamol induced toxicity. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 9(2), pp.64-71. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02869573
McGuire, M., & Beerman, K. (2012). Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food (3rd ed.). Brooks Cole.
National Toxiciology Program. (2010). Alcoholic Beverage Consumption. [online] Available at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/alcoholicbeverageconsumption.pdf [Accessed 31 Dec. 2017].
Ramanathan, R., Wilkemeyer, M., Mittal, B., Perides, G. and Charness, M. (1996). Alcohol inhibits cell-cell adhesion mediated by human L1 [published erratum appears in J Cell Biol 1996 Jun;133(5):1139-40]. The Journal of Cell Biology, 133(2), pp.381-390. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.133.2.381
Sprince, H., Parker, C., Smith, G. and Gonzales, L. (1974). Protection against Acetaldehyde Toxicity in the rat byl-cysteine, thiamin andl-2-Methylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. Agents and Actions, 4(2), pp.125-130. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01966822
Welch, K. (2017). Alcohol consumption and brain health. BMJ, p.j2645. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j2645
Freston, K. (2008). Quantum Wellness. New York: Weinstein Books
IARC. (2010). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans - Alcohol Consumption and Ethyl Carbamate. [online] Available at: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol96/mono96.pdf [Accessed 31 Dec. 2017].
Jaya, D., Augustine, J. and Menon, V. (1994). Protective role of N-acetylcysteine against alcohol and paracetamol induced toxicity. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 9(2), pp.64-71. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02869573
McGuire, M., & Beerman, K. (2012). Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food (3rd ed.). Brooks Cole.
National Toxiciology Program. (2010). Alcoholic Beverage Consumption. [online] Available at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/alcoholicbeverageconsumption.pdf [Accessed 31 Dec. 2017].
Ramanathan, R., Wilkemeyer, M., Mittal, B., Perides, G. and Charness, M. (1996). Alcohol inhibits cell-cell adhesion mediated by human L1 [published erratum appears in J Cell Biol 1996 Jun;133(5):1139-40]. The Journal of Cell Biology, 133(2), pp.381-390. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.133.2.381
Sprince, H., Parker, C., Smith, G. and Gonzales, L. (1974). Protection against Acetaldehyde Toxicity in the rat byl-cysteine, thiamin andl-2-Methylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. Agents and Actions, 4(2), pp.125-130. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01966822
Welch, K. (2017). Alcohol consumption and brain health. BMJ, p.j2645. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j2645
