What are alcohol's effects discussed?
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Alcohol has several significant effects on the body and brain, as discussed by in the . Here are some key points:
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Hormonal Effects: Alcohol increases the conversion of testosterone to estrogen through aromatization. This can affect both men and women, leading to issues like gynecomastia in men and heightened risk of estrogen-related cancers in women. Chronic alcohol intake is typically associated with increased estrogen levels 1.
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Brain and Neurotransmitters: Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier and impacts areas of the brain involved in impulse control and decision-making, like the prefrontal cortex. This results in reduced inhibition and altered behavior, such as increased sociability and impaired judgment 2 3.
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Cancer Risk: Regular consumption is linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to effects like DNA methylation changes. The risk increases significantly with higher alcohol intake 4.
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Mood and Mental State: Initially, alcohol boosts mood by affecting serotonin neurotransmission, but as consumption continues, it leads to a depression of mood and cognitive functions. This can result in behaviors associated with impulsivity and memory impairment 5.
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Skin and Gut Health: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, potentially leading to skin issues over time. It also impacts the gut microbiome, which can be exacerbated by higher concentrations of alcohol 6.
These insights underscore the complex effects of alcohol on various physiological and psychological aspects, highlighting both short-term and long-term impacts. It's important to be aware of these when considering alcohol consumption patterns.
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