Effects of Alcohol on our Nervous System

almost 2 years ago

December is always a month of excesses in most countries, at least that is what many people of different nationalities express, food, parties, sweets, and alcohol are part of the substances that usually star in these holidays. Beyond the sharing with family and friends, where these substances and activities that I have mentioned are always (or almost always present).

This time I want to talk about the effects that alcohol has on our brain and nervous system in general. It is not that alcohol should not be ingested, because in a certain way it is regulated, it is even known that drinking a glass of wine a day can have positive effects on health, but the problem comes when it is in excess, like everything else.

So in this publication I will share the effects that alcohol has on our health in general, but above all, on our nervous system. If you want to know more about it continue reading, I know that what I have to tell you will interest you.

Pixabay/ Author: Pexels

Alcohol is a substance that can affect the brain in several ways, such as:

When consumed in small amounts, alcohol can have relaxing and disinhibiting effects, which can make people feel calmer and more sociable.

When consumed in small amounts, alcohol can have relaxing and disinhibiting effects, which can make people feel calmer and more sociable. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the brain and body.

Alcohol affects the brain's ability to function normally and can interfere with communication between brain cells. This can lead to short- and long-term memory problems, problems with balance and coordination, and impaired thinking and behavior.

Long-term heavy drinking can also damage the brain and lead to mental disorders and behavioral changes. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. In addition, long-term heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

It is important to keep in mind that excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to overall health and can increase the risk of developing diseases such as liver disease, heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is important to moderate alcohol consumption and not to overdo it.

Pixabay/ Author: bridgesward

Alcohol can affect several areas of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

In the specific case of the brain, the areas most affected by alcohol are *(and that is the reason for the effect we can see in people):

Limbic system: this area of the brain is involved in emotions, behavior and memory. Alcohol can affect the limbic system and lead to changes in mood and behavior.
Cerebellum: this area of the brain is involved in balance and coordination. Alcohol can affect the cerebellum and lead to balance and coordination problems.
Prefrontal cortex: this area of the brain is involved in judgment, planning and decision making. Alcohol can affect the prefrontal cortex and lead to problems with judgment and decision making.
Hypothalamus: this area of the brain is involved in the regulation of sleep and appetite. Alcohol can affect the hypothalamus and lead to sleep disturbances and changes in appetite.

In addition, alcohol can affect the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, which can lead to problems with sensation and movement. It is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to health and can affect the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Pixabay/ Author: Monoar_CGI_Artist

Excessive alcohol consumption can damage brain cells and affect normal brain function. Alcohol can damage brain cells directly or through inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the brain's ability to produce new brain cells, which can lead to long-term brain cell loss.

However, it is important to note that it is not necessary to consume large amounts of alcohol to damage the brain. Moderate alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on the brain, especially if consumed on a regular basis. Therefore, it is important to moderate alcohol consumption and not to exceed the recommended amounts.

In view of this, certain doubts arise, such as: Can the Nervous System recover the Neurons it loses in the process of alcohol intoxication?

The brain is capable of regenerating certain brain cells, although to a lesser extent than other parts of the body. This regenerative capacity is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and change as we age and experience new experiences.

However, neuroplasticity has limits and it is not possible to regenerate all brain cells that die. When brain cells die due to disease or injury, it is possible for the brain to adapt by using other brain cells or by changing the connection between existing brain cells. However, this does not mean that the lost brain cells have completely regenerated.

It is important to keep in mind that neuroplasticity may decrease with age and that certain diseases or injuries may have a greater impact on the brain's ability to regenerate brain cells. Therefore, it is important to take care of the brain and avoid factors that can damage brain cells, such as excessive alcohol consumption or smoking.

Pixabay/ Author: IMGMIDI

In this context it is important to always consider that our body is unique, that the ideal is to avoid excesses and even more if we consider that there are those who do it on a regular basis, especially with alcohol, and that it is not only about the damage it produces in our nervous system but in the whole organism.

It is likely that today, January 1st, there are many people with the effects of excessive alcohol consumption, it is normal in many countries, and I am not really criticizing it, but I do think it is good to be aware of it.

I hope you all have a great year 2023, and that you can stay healthy to keep building and working for your goals. Happy New Year 2023.