Health Effects of Alcohol

HealthEffects of Alcohol
Consumption
ƒ Arthritis: Increases the risk of inflamed joints.
ƒ Cancer: Increases the risk of cancer in the liver, pancreas, rectum, and
breast.
ƒ Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Causes physical and behavioral abnormalities
in the fetus.
ƒ Heart Disease: In heavy drinkers, raises blood pressure, lipids, and the
risk of stroke and heart disease.
ƒ Hyperglycemia: Alcohol can raise blood glucose.
ƒ Hypoglycemia: Lowers blood glucose, especially in people with
diabetes.
ƒ Kidney Disease: Enlarges the kidneys, alters hormone functions, and
increases the risk of kidney failure.
ƒ Liver disease: Causes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
ƒ Malnutrition: Increases the risk of protein-energy malnutrition.
ƒ Nervous Disorders: Causes neuropathy and dementia. It can impair
balance and memory.
ƒ Obesity: Increases energy intake, but is not a primary cause of obesity.
ƒ Psychological Disturbances: Causes depression, anxiety, and insomnia.