Under the Influence

Continued...

There are many other effects on the body. In the stomach, alcohol causes oversecretion of acid and histamine leading to inflammation (gastritis) and ulcer formation. It has a direct toxic effect on brain cells, causing a few to die each time alcohol is ingested.

Alcohol also causes inflammation of the liver cells, even in occasional users, which can be detected in blood tests that show an increase in release of enzymes from the liver. In some people, long-term drinking leads to cirrhosis, irreversible scarring of the liver.

Other serious consequences include alcoholism and drunk-driving accidents, and it is a major cofactor in date rape and unprotected sexual activity.

If you want to drink without experiencing the unpleasant effects of overconsumption, moderate your drinking or intersperse your drinks with nonalcoholic beverages to lessen dehydration.

Depending upon body size, it can take one to two hours to metabolize one drink. A 12-ounce beer; 4 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor each contain about .5 ounce of alcohol, approximately the amount your body is capable of processing in one hour.

Decide on a limit and stick to it. Inability to stick to your limit may be a sign that you are not able to control your drinking. Make a commitment to drive and ride sober. If you are a member of a team, set team limits for alcohol consumption, such as no alcohol for 48 hours before competition.

Speak out if someone else's drinking is worrying you. If your life is affected by a personal or family drinking problem, seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar organization.

A Few Myths About Alcohol

1. Alcohol is a good source of calories.
False. Alcohol is a highly concentrated source of calories containing 7 calories per gram (compared to 4 cals/g for protein and carbohydrates and 9 cal/g for fat). These calories are utilized by the body mainly for heat production and are not converted to glycogen, the main fuel for muscle activity.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention