Alcoholic beverages
consist mostly of water, and the remainder of ethyl alcohol (or ethanol ).
Ethanol is a toxic substance for the body. Ethanol is then metabolized by the
human body not according to the real organic needs, as happens for nutrients,
but with the sole purpose of being neutralized and eliminated. The human body
is in fact mostly able to withstand ethanol without obvious damage as long as
it remains within the limits of moderate consumption.
Although not a
nutrient, ethanol provides a large amount of calories.
Ethanol is absorbed already in the first portions of the
gastrointestinal tract and, in modest proportions, even in the mouth.
Absorption is slower in the presence of food, faster in the presence of carbon
dioxide (soda, sparkling wines and other fizzy drinks). Once absorbed, ethanol
enters the bloodstream.
Metabolization of ethanol occurs both in the stomach and in
the liver. The enzyme present in the stomach ( alcohol dehydrogenase )
metabolizes ethanol before it is absorbed and reaches the blood, and therefore
the whole body. The enzymes present in the liver instead act only after the
ethanol has entered the bloodstream and has therefore had the opportunity to
exert its effects.
It can be inferred that drinking alcohol on a full stomach
is better because it causes the ethanol to be absorbed more slowly and
decreases the amount that enters the bloodstream. techwadia
The concentration of ethanol in the blood depends on various
factors: amount ingested, method of intake (fasting or with a meal), body
composition, weight, sex, genetic factors, amount of body water, individual
ability to metabolize alcohol, habits 'alcohol. Women, having a lower weight,
lower amounts of body water and lower efficiency of the mechanisms of
metabolization of alcohol, are more vulnerable to its effects and, for the same
consumption, have a higher alcohol level (alcohol present in the blood).
So, how to
behave?
• If you wish to consume alcoholic beverages, do so in
moderation, with meals or, in any case, immediately before or after eating.
• Of all alcoholic beverages, give preference to those with
a low alcohol content (wine and beer).
• Avoid alcohol intake altogether during childhood,
adolescence, pregnancy and breastfeeding, reduce it if you are elderly.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages if you have to drive
cars or use delicate or dangerous equipment for yourself or others, and
therefore you need to keep intact attention, self-criticism and motor
coordination.
• If you take any medications (including non-prescription
medications), avoid or reduce alcohol consumption unless you have obtained
explicit permission from your doctor.
• Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages if you are
overweight or obese or if you have a family history of diabetes, obesity,
hypertriglyceridemia.
