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The pharmacology of ethanol involves both pharmacodynamics (how it affects the body) and pharmacokinetics (how the body processes it). In the body, ethanol primarily affects the central nervous system, acting as a depressant and causing sedation, relaxation, and decreased anxiety.
On average, for equal body weight, women have a higher body fat percentage than men. Since alcohol is absorbed into body water content, and men have more water in their bodies than women, for women there will be a higher blood alcohol concentration from the same amount of alcohol consumption. [21]
Alcohol and cortisol have a complex relationship. While cortisol is a stress hormone, alcoholism can lead to increased cortisol levels in the body over time. This can be problematic because cortisol can temporarily shut down other bodily functions, potentially causing physical damage.
Direct alcohol tolerance is largely dependent on body size. Large-bodied people will require more alcohol to reach insobriety than lightly built people. [4] The alcohol tolerance is also connected with activity of alcohol dehydrogenases (a group of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of alcohol) in the liver, and in the bloodstream.
[51] [52] [53] Alcohol passes easily from the mother's bloodstream through the placenta and into the bloodstream of the fetus, [54] which interferes with brain and organ development. [55] Alcohol can affect the fetus at any stage during pregnancy, but the level of risk depends on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. [ 55 ]
The level of ethanol consumption that minimizes the risk of disease, injury, and death is subject to some controversy. [16] Several studies have found a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and health, [17] [18] [2] [19] meaning that risk is minimized at a certain (non-zero) consumption level, and drinking below or above this level increases risk, with the risk level of drinking a ...
Alcohol-related brain damage [1] [2] alters both the structure and function of the brain as a result of the direct neurotoxic effects of alcohol intoxication or acute alcohol withdrawal. Increased alcohol intake is associated with damage to brain regions including the frontal lobe , [ 3 ] limbic system , and cerebellum , [ 4 ] with widespread ...
Understanding the distinctions between alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy is crucial for proper alleviation of symptoms. Alcohol intolerance results from metabolic challenges related to enzyme function, while alcohol allergy involves the immune response. Recognizing these differences can help individuals avoid triggers and seek appropriate ...