Do you ever sip of your favorite adult beverage only to regret it for a while? The negative effects alcohol can affect your body can go well beyond the hangover. Overdrinking has been associated with severe organ damage and various ailments. One particular organ is the one that takes the brunt of regular drinking: the pancreas. Our pancreases are responsible of producing hormones, enzymes, as well as insulin, which help break down sugar into energy. If we consume alcohol, it puts our pancreases under stress increasing the chance of serious health conditions.
Alcohol is a common substance in our society and a lot of people enjoy one or two drinks after work or at weekend. Although moderate consumption of alcohol may not cause harm to the majority of people, drinking excessively can lead to serious health problems that can affect the pancreas.
The pancreas is an essential organ that plays a crucial part in digestion and metabolism. It makes enzymes that break down food in the small intestine as well as hormones that control blood sugar levels. The pancreas, when healthy is able to function effectively and maintain the body’s functioning. But, if the consumption of alcohol is excessive this can cause damage to the pancreas creating a myriad of health issues.
The consumption of alcohol can trigger pancreatitis, an extremely serious condition. It can result in a life-threatening and painful pancreatic inflammation that can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas, could also happen because of the consumption of alcohol in excess. The condition may cause permanent damage to the pancreas, leading to problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Drinking alcohol increases the chance of developing pancreatic cancer, which is a cancer that can kill the pancreas. The consumption of alcohol in excess has been shown to be a significant risk factor in the development of pancreatic cancer. Those who drink more than three drinks per every day are at higher risk.
So, how does alcohol affect your pancreas? When alcohol is consumed it is metabolized the liver. However, when the liver is overwhelmed by alcohol consumption that is excessive, some of the alcohol is processed through the pancreas. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the pancreas, as well as the growth of scar tissue. In time, chronic pancreatitis can develop and pancreatic cancer may be more likely to occur.
Be aware that not all those who drink heavily will develop pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. The chance of these diseases being diagnosed is higher for people who consume large amounts of alcohol frequently. It’s good to know that reducing your consumption of alcohol will reduce the chance of developing these serious health issues.
If you’re worried about impact of alcohol on the pancreas there are several options you can follow to keep your health in good shape. In the beginning be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume. Women must limit their consumption of alcohol to one drink per day, and men no more two. Do not drink if your family history has pancreatitis or other pancreatic problems.
Other actions you can take to protect your pancreas include having a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise and refraining from smoking. The lifestyle factors listed above can play an important role in your pancreatic function.
In excess, alcohol consumption can result in serious issues for the pancreas. This can lead to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. If you’re concerned about consequences of alcohol consumption on the pancreas, it’s crucial to limit your drinking to moderate levels, and then take steps to maintain an active lifestyle. If you do this, you can help protect your pancreas and reduce your likelihood of developing health issues.
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