Top 10 Worst Things Alcohol Does to Your Body

The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, so it's pretty important to take care of it. This crucial system is also very sensitive to alcohol consumption. If you've ever had too much to drink and started losing your balance and having trouble seeing straight, that was the alcohol messing with your central nervous system. As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol slows down brain activity and reduces coordination. And this is why drinking and driving is so dangerous. Avoiding alcohol isn’t just good for your health; it can also save the lives of others.

Your pancreas is an essential organ, producing digestive enzymes and hormones. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause the pancreas to become inflamed, resulting in a condition known as "pancreatitis." A sudden feeling of nausea and intense stomach discomfort could be a sign of acute pancreatitis. Other symptoms include vomiting, fever, and feeling pain in your abdomen after a meal. Long-term damage to the pancreas could result in chronic pancreatitis. And pancreatitis often causes problems with other organs, such as the kidneys and the lungs. While there are other causes of pancreatitis, such as smoking and hereditary factors, alcohol certainly doesn't help. To avoid pain in your pancreas, watch your alcohol consumption.

Your bones and muscles can both be adversely affected by frequent alcohol consumption. Alcohol can throw your body's calcium levels, important for strong bones, out of balance. Women especially can be at increased risk for osteoporosis, a condition that increases risk of bone fractures, due to heavy drinking. Alcohol can also interfere with your muscles by hurting your body's muscle protein synthesis, the process that allows your muscles to recover after a workout. Your muscles are also at increased risk for cramp, and even worse, atrophy. If you want to keep moving comfortably, walk right past the bar.

Like many bodily functions, digestion is something you take for granted when it’s going well. But experiencing any complications can be absolute agony. Alcohol inhibits your ability to comfortably digest food, as well as to take in the associated nutrients. This isn't just the stomach we're talking about, either. The digestive system also includes your pancreas, esophagus, liver, and mouth. Alcohol can take a toll on these and the rest of your digestive system. A night of heavy drinking can lead to vomiting, constipation, and overall unease in this area. Doesn’t hearing that make you just want to grab a ginger ale instead?

Some like to loosen up with a few drinks before getting intimate, but they might be better off skipping the drinks entirely. Too much alcohol is like kryptonite for a bedroom encounter. It can lead to erectile dysfunction, lower libido, and reduced stimulation and overall enjoyment. There's also the uncomfortable truth of how alcohol impairs one's ability to make sound judgments, which can lead to some serious consequences. Plus, it can put a strain on the overall happiness levels in a relationship. For healthy, consensual, and more enjoyable relationships, keep the alcohol under control. Trust us: you don’t look hotter when you’ve been drinking more.

Expecting or trying for a baby? Alcohol definitely isn’t your friend. It can lower a man’s ability to produce testosterone, which can then lower his fertility. It can also impede ovulation, making it even more difficult to conceive. And consuming alcohol should be completely out of the question during pregnancy, no matter how small the amount might seem. Fetuses are developing their brains at this time, and alcohol can have devastating effects on their minds and bodies. This can lead to low birth weights, birth defects, and problems with behavior and learning. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder comes in many forms, and the only way to avoid it is by avoiding alcohol entirely while pregnant.

Your heart is a crucial part of your circulatory system, but it's not the only part. It pumps the blood, which is then sent to the rest of your body to ensure all essential functions can occur. However, consuming too much alcohol can be very detrimental to your circulatory system. While some research indicates moderate drinking can be helpful in preventing blood clots and artery blockage, too much keeps your heart and the rest of your circulatory system from working properly. You could also develop serious problems, such as high blood pressure, heart damage, and stroke. For a happy and healthy heart, go for more broccoli, less beer.

#3: Liver Damage

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You’re probably familiar with alcohol being bad for your liver, even if you don’t know exactly why. Your liver's function is to get rid of harmful toxins from your body. And since alcohol definitely qualifies as a harmful toxin, your liver has its work cut out for it. The more you drink, the more difficulty your liver has getting rid of the alcohol itself. So, it sends - or should we say - delivers it to the rest of your body, causing intoxication. Over time, too much alcohol can cause liver inflammation, fat buildup, and cirrhosis. This can be scary to hear about, but by giving up alcohol, you can restore your liver’s functionality.

Given all of the negative effects of alcohol on your organs, is it any wonder it can also affect your body’s ability to stave off illness? Alcohol damages the cells of your immune system, which makes it harder to get rid of or prevent infections. Your body won't be able to fight against infection as quickly as it would without alcohol. And it's not just heavy drinkers who should be worried. Even one night of drinking can negatively affect your immune system for a period of time. Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Try cutting out alcohol and see how you feel.

Have you ever known someone who can’t get through a social encounter or even a workday without at least one drink? Alcohol addiction is real, and it can ruin your life. People turn to alcohol as a means of coping with difficult circumstances, but it typically ends up causing more problems along the way. But quitting cold turkey can also be dangerous, as the shock of withdrawal is potentially fatal. If you believe you are physically addicted to alcohol, consult with a professional like a doctor to help ensure safe detoxification and comfortable sobriety. This is one of the biggest decisions you can ever make, and it’s one that can save your life.