Gut health doctor's warning: This is what happens to your body when you drink alcohol once a month, weekly, or daily

Health risks of drinking alcohol: Daily drinking can lead to severe liver damage or even failure, along with complete metabolic breakdown. There is also a high risk of multiple kinds of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer (Image: Pexels)

Alcohol consumption goes up significantly, especially during the festive season when there are celebrations galore. While it’s known to have many adverse effects on health, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi broke down the effects of drinking, from once a month to daily.

On his Instagram account, Dr Sethi described in detail what happens to your body when you go from having alcohol once a month to weekly or even daily. Its harmful repercussions only increase with frequent consumption, making it amply clear why it’s best to stay away from it to protect long-term health.

What happens when you drink once a month?

Dr Sethi said there’s minimal cumulative liver load when you drink once a month. However, you may experience “worse sleep that night” and “some dehydration.”

Also read | Cancer, liver damage, more: 10 health risks of drinking alcohol

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

What happens when you drink once a week?

This is where liver stress begins, and sleep quality decreases, Dr Sethi shared, citing a study. It can also lead to acute dehydration.

What happens when you drink three to five times a week?

Drinking frequently leads to cortisol spikes, according to a study quoted by the gut doctor. Early signs of insulin resistance appear, and metabolism slows down. Additionally, sleep quality also takes a hit.

Also read | Why over-drinking alcohol is more dangerous for your organs than you think

What happens when you drink daily?

Daily drinking can lead to severe liver damage or even failure, along with complete metabolic breakdown. There is also a high risk of multiple kinds of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

Can exercise help?

Besides, several experts share that regular exercise can help improve liver function, insulin sensitivity, and blood circulation, but it still cannot completely negate the harmful effects of drinking. While it can help the body manage stress better, it cannot prevent the damage that frequent drinking causes over time.

Interestingly, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who stay active have a lower risk of heart disease, liver fat accumulation, and early mortality, even if they drink moderately, than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

However, yet again, exercise can only reduce but not completely remove the risk of long-term complications.

FAQs on Health Risks of Drinking Alcohol

1. What happens when you drink once a month?

Drinking once a month results in minimal liver load but may cause worse sleep and dehydration that night.

2. What happens when you drink once a week?

Drinking weekly stresses the liver and decreases sleep quality, and can lead to acute dehydration.

3. What happens when you drink three to five times a week?

Frequent drinking causes cortisol spikes, early signs of insulin resistance, and slows metabolism, along with poor sleep quality.

4. What happens when you drink daily?

Daily alcohol consumption can result in severe liver damage or failure, complete metabolic breakdown, and a higher risk of various cancers such as liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

5. Can exercise help mitigate the health risks of drinking alcohol?

Regular exercise can improve liver function, insulin sensitivity, and blood circulation, but it cannot fully negate the harmful effects of frequent drinking. It can reduce but not eliminate long-term complications.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.