Health Care

Describe at least one effect of alcohol on each of the following: the brain and nervous system; the liver and kidneys; the digestive system; the blood; the cardiovascular system; the reproductive system, and the endocrine system. Of all the effects listed, which do you think is the most serious? Explain your answer.

ANSWER

Effects of Alcohol

Brain and Nervous System

Alcohol is grouped as a central nervous system depressant when taken in small quantities. It enhances the number of neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for decreasing neuron-to-neuron communications (Shokri-Kojori et al., 2017). Under the effect of this change, brain operations are reduced significantly. When this happens, information is transmitted slowly or less often to parts of the body managed by the peripheral nervous system.

Liver and Kidneys

Alcohol causes alteration in the kidney’s normal functioning, making it less able to filter the blood. It also affects the ability to control electrolytes and fluid in the body. When alcohol dehydrates from the body, there is a drying effect that interferes with cells and organs’ general functioning, including the kidney. Heavy drinkers have an increased risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and several other conditions.

Digestive System and Blood

A single sip or heavy episode of drinking can harm the mucous cells in the stomach; therefore, inducing inflammation and lesions. Still, high alcohol content beverages exceeding 15 percent of alcohol are likely to delay stomach emptying, which results in bacterial degradation of food and causes abdominal discomfort. To the blood, alcohol lowers the number of platelets because it interferes with the blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Cardiovascular and Reproductive Systems

During the intake of alcohol, there is a temporary increase in the heart rate and blood pressure. Consuming excess alcoholic substances will cause a constant heart rate, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and loose heart muscle in the long run. Alcohol also affects the reproductive system by interfering with sperm count, size, and motility. It also affects fertility by reducing testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormones.

Endocrine System

Consumption of alcohol will affect the endocrine system by introducing stress abnormalities, body growth defects, immune dysfunction, and thyroid issues (Rachdaoui & Sarkar, 2017). In summary, the brain and nervous systems are greatly affected and serious by all the effects mentioned. These two are the primary functioning parts of the human body that should be protected from harmful substances.

References

Rachdaoui, N., & Sarkar, D. K. (2017). Pathophysiology of the effects of alcohol abuse on the endocrine system. Alcohol research: current reviews, 38(2), 255.

Shokri-Kojori, E., Tomasi, D., Wiers, C. E., Wang, G. J., & Volkow, N. D. (2017). Alcohol affects brain functional connectivity and its coupling with behavior: greater effects in male heavy drinkers. Molecular psychiatry, 22(8), 1185-1195.