Why does ALCOHOL affect some people more than others?
Bioindividual Factors that Impact how Alcohol Affects the Body
sex & body composition
ethnicity & genetics
gut health & absorption rate
blood sugar health (can exacerbate hypoglycemia)
Alcohol is…
A TOXIN
the liver can usually handle small, occasional amounts but will become stressed if consumption is chronic
IMMEDIATE ENERGY
because alcohol energy cannot be stored like fats & carbs, it has to be burned first (excess food energy is stored)
NEGATIVE NET NUTRIENTS
besides being an empty source of micronutrients, alcohol also blocks mineral absorption and requires use of B vitamin stores
AN ADDICTIVE DEPRESSANT
alcohol triggers brain reward centers & blocks feelings of anxiety
GUT IRRITANT
consider eliminating if experiencing gut symptoms, food allergies, or autoimmune issues
POSSIBLY PROTECTIVE
1-2 drinks per day (if tolerated) seems to support cardiovascular health
RARELY ALONE
alcoholic drinks can also contain sugar, gluten, silicon, yeast, histamine, sulfites, artificial colors & flavors, etc
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References
Barve, S., Chen, S. Y., Kirpich, I., Watson, W. H., & Mcclain, C. (2017). Development, Prevention, and Treatment of Alcohol-Induced Organ Injury: The Role of Nutrition. Alcohol research : current reviews, 38(2), 289–302. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513692/
Edenberg H. J. (2007). The genetics of alcohol metabolism: role of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase variants. Alcohol research & health : the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 30(1), 5–13. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860432/
Gaby, A. R. (2017). Nutritional Medicine (2nd ed.). Fritz Perlberg Publishing.Wilson, D. F., & Matschinsky, F. M. (2020). Ethanol metabolism: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Medical Hypotheses, 140. https://doi-org.uws.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109638 Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720300797