Alcohol Metabolism

You know the liquor goes in, but what really happens regarding your body and alcohol metabolism once you kick back a drink? The body cannot store alcohol; it has to oxidize it in order to get rid of it. The liver begins this process with enzymes that convert alcohol to acetaldehyde. Medical studies suggest that addiction to alcohol may come from acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism. A brain with acetaldehyde present reduces the efficiency of certain nerve transmitters. The transmitters then build up and react with the acetaldehyde, forming morphine-like substances. Acetaldehyde also interrupts vitamin activation in the body.

Acetaldehyde is converted to acetic acid. Acetic acid is then converted to acetate. Acetate is a kind of fat, which accumulates in the body if not used for energy. With heavy alcohol use, the amount of fatty acid in the body grows and gunk develops in the hepatic capillaries. The liver is one of your body’s filters so when it begins to malfunction serious problems begin. Issues with the liver can lead to Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, or outright liver failure.

If a majority of your calories come from alcohol you become malnourished. Alcoholic’s daily booze consumption is usually half their energy requirement and liquor lacks all the proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins needed each day. Drinking also causes many of the digestive organs to become inflamed. This tampers with digestion and the degree in which food is absorbed into the bloodstream. In short, chronic alcohol use can wreak havoc on your overall metabolic system.

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