Surprising Ways Alcohol Can Affect Your Body

Believe it or not there are negative and positive effects that alcohol can have on your body. The key differences are what you drink and how much you drink.

Here are some of the negative effects drinking can have on your health when drinking excessively:

• High blood pressure

• Weakening of the immune system

• Learning and memory issues

• Liver disease

• Pancreatitis

• Ulcers and gastrointestinal problems

• Heart disease

• Pancreatitis

• Immune system dysfunction

• Stroke

• Brain damage

• Malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies

• Liver disease

• Osteoporosis

• Digestive problems

• Certain cancers, including breast cancer and cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum

• It can even cause sudden death if you already have cardiovascular disease

Short term negative effects include:

• Headaches

• Severe dehydration

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

Here are some positive effects drinking can have on your health when drinking moderately:

• Can reduce risk of heart disease

• Can reduce risk of ischemic stroke

• Possibility of reducing diabetes

• Can prevent kidney stones by using the restroom more (although drinking too much can cause dehydration which would increase the risk of kidney stones)

• Can make you more social and effect mental health

• A few drinks a week may make you less likely to get Alzheimer's

• Can balance your blood sugar

The key, as with most things, is moderation. If you consume alcohol already in a moderate amount, you can more than likely continue your consumption. If you excessively consume alcohol, you may need to cut back. As always, talk to your doctor to see what is right for you and your health & safety.