What Does Alcohol Really Do to Us?

Unfortunately, some people don't wait for Purim to have a drink. But what exactly does alcohol do to us?

Alcohol, which is scientifically known as ethanol, may be a simple molecule, but it leads to complex behavioral reactions. The response to alcohol varies from person to person, depending on one's health state, regular consumption levels, and whether it is consumed with a meal or on an empty stomach. Absorption rates are also influenced by genetics and drinking speed.

Alcohol moves from the stomach to the small intestine, where it enters the bloodstream. It affects the nervous system and significant brain areas, making the body respond more slowly—it decreases the communication and message transmission speed between nerve cells. As a result, reactions become slower and heavier.

The alcohol molecule is very small, which is why it easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. This barrier is meant to protect the brain and filter what enters it.

In the brain, alcohol suppresses the emotional system, thus causing people to open up more and say things they might not during a state of consciousness and sanity.

It heightens our emotions, so it is not recommended to drink while feeling down or sad, as it can amplify those feelings.

One significant issue is the decline in comprehension and judgment ability. This leads to a lack of awareness regarding one's level of intoxication and its effect on the body, causing people to drink excessively at times. Often, a person cannot discern when their drinking crosses the line.

The cerebellum, responsible for coordination, also gets impaired, affecting motor skills—causing instability and dizziness in those who are intoxicated.

Following consumption, a phenomenon known as "hangover" occurs—headaches, nausea, vomiting, concentration difficulties, thirst, fatigue, and more. All are dehydration symptoms, since alcohol also causes fluid loss through increased urine production.

Therefore, it is important to drink water along with alcohol. Eating close to alcohol consumption can also reduce its absorption in the blood.

The liver suffers the most from alcohol consumption, working hard to clear the blood of toxins. Some alcohol, however, evaporates through the lungs via breathing. This process is the basis of the police breathalyzer test—the breath analyzer.

Zohara Sharvit is a naturopath N.D and diagnostic expert based on the iris, with extensive years of experience in treatment, counseling, and workshop facilitation. To schedule a free workshop, call 073-2221290