By Saumya Rastogi | March 24, 2025 | Images: Freepik
Alcohol suppresses immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even COVID-19. Chronic drinkers often experience slower recovery times from illnesses
Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen and has been linked to cancers of the breast, liver, esophagus, mouth, throat, colon, and rectum
Alcohol alters gut bacteria, leading to digestive problems like bloating, acid reflux, and leaky gut syndrome
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), weakened heart muscles (cardiomyopathy), and increased stroke risk
Even small amounts of alcohol can shrink brain volume, impair memory, and speed up cognitive decline, increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease over time
Alcohol may make you feel drowsy, but it disrupts REM sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, frequent wake-ups, and daytime fatigue
Alcohol interferes with calcium absorption and bone formation, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in postmenopausal women
Alcohol disrupts brain chemistry, worsening anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Long-term use is linked to a higher risk of suicide and self-harm
Heavy alcohol use inflames the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening condition that impairs digestion and increases the risk of diabetes