Do you ever sip too many of your favorite adult beverages only to regret it hours later? Unfortunately, the effects of alcohol on the body can go beyond just a hangover. In excess drinking is linked to serious organ damage, as well as various diseases. Alcohol abuse regularly is particularly detrimental to your pancreas. Our pancreases produce hormones and enzymes like insulin that reduce sugar into energy. But, when we consume alcohol, our pancreases get stressed which can put us at risk of health problems.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1244465895-05a61a057b004a2799dfe72b8e1b6725.jpg)
Alcohol is a popular substance in our culture and a lot of people enjoy one or two drinks after work or at weekends. While moderate alcohol consumption might not be harmful to most people, excessive drinking could cause serious health issues that can affect the pancreas.
The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a key function in metabolism and digestion. It makes enzymes that break down food in the small intestine as well as hormones which regulate blood sugar levels. If the pancreas has a healthy condition it performs its job efficiently to maintain the body’s functioning. But, if alcohol is consumed in excess the body can suffer harm to the pancreas which can lead to a variety of health issues.
One of the most dangerous conditions associated with alcohol consumption and the pancreas is called pancreatitis. It is a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas which may cause abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. Chronic pancreatitis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas can also occur due to an excessive consumption of alcohol. The condition may cause permanent damage to the pancreas and can result in problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The consumption of alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer which is a fatal cancer of the pancreas. A high level of alcohol consumption is believed to be a significant risk factor for developing pancreatic carcinoma. Anyone who drinks more than three drinks a day are at a higher risk.
How does alcohol impact the pancreas? When you drink alcohol, it is metabolized primarily through the liver. But, if the liver becomes overwhelmed by excessive alcohol consumption certain alcohol is metabolized by the pancreas instead. This can lead both to pancreatic inflammation and damage, as well the formation of scar tissue. In time chronic pancreatitis could develop and pancreatic cancer may be more likely.
It’s important to know that not everyone who drinks frequently will develop pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer. The risk of developing these conditions developing is greater in those who drink large quantities of alcohol regularly. Good news! Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can help prevent any damage to the pancreas and also reduce the chance of developing serious health issues.
You can protect your health by taking various steps if you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol on your pancreas. It’s essential to keep your alcohol intake in a controlled manner. Women must limit their consumption of alcohol to one drink a every day, and men not more than two. You should avoid drinking alcohol if you’ve had pancreatitis, or any other pancreatic problem.
Other actions you can take to protect your pancreas include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. These lifestyle factors play a part in pancreatic health. Making positive changes to your lifestyle can decrease your risk.
Alcohol consumption can lead to serious pancreas issues like pancreatitis. It is recommended to limit your alcohol consumption to moderate amounts if you are concerned about alcohol’s effects on your pancreas. Also, maintain your lifestyle in a healthy way. This will help to protect your pancreas as well as decrease the risk of developing serious health issues.
For more information, click what does alcohol do to the pancreas
