Baijiu, as a traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage, has a long history and is deeply loved by people. Many people have the habit of having a drink in the evening, believing that it can relax and even help with sleep. So, what changes will happen to the body when you drink liquor in moderation every night for a long time? This article will analyze 123 knowledge points from a medical perspective to reveal this problem for you.1. Changes in liver functionIncreased burden on the liver
The main ingredient in liquor is alcohol, and long-term intake of alcohol will increase the metabolic burden on the liver. The liver needs to break down and metabolize alcohol, convert it into acetaldehyde and acetic acid, and eventually excrete it from the body. When drunk in moderation, the liver can still cope; However, over time, liver function may be impaired.
Increased risk of fatty liver disease
Alcohol intake promotes the deposition of fat in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease in the long run. Fatty liver can be reversible in the early stage, but if not controlled in time, it may progress to serious diseases such as cirrhosis.
Abnormal liver function
Long-term alcohol consumption may lead to elevated liver function markers such as aminotransferases, which are signals of liver cell damage. In severe cases, symptoms such as jaundice and ascites may occur.
2. Changes in the cardiovascular system
Increased blood pressure
Moderate alcohol consumption may have little effect on blood pressure in the short term, but long-term consumption of liquor can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Arrhythmias
Alcohol can irritate the heart and can cause arrhythmias, especially for people with a history of heart disease.
Arteriosclerosis accelerates
Long-term alcohol consumption will promote the occurrence and development of arteriosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
3. Changes in the digestive system
Gastric mucosal injury
Alcohol can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, and long-term consumption may lead to gastritis, gastric ulcers and other diseases.
Increased risk of pancreatitis
Alcohol is one of the important causes of pancreatitis, and long-term alcohol consumption may cause acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis.
Nutritional malabsorption
Long-term alcohol consumption can affect the absorption of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, in the intestines and can lead to malnutrition.
4. Changes in the nervous system
Nervous system damage
Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system, and long-term consumption may damage nerve cells in the brain, affecting memory and thinking ability.
Peripheral neuropathy
Long-term alcohol consumption can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, which manifests as numbness, weakness and other symptoms in the limbs.
Psychiatric and psychological problems
Long-term alcohol consumption may cause or aggravate mental and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and affect the quality of life.
5. Changes in the immune system
Weakened immunity
Long-term alcohol consumption weakens the function of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
Chronic inflammation
Alcohol intake promotes the release of inflammatory factors, which can lead to chronic inflammation in the body and increase the risk of various diseases in the long run.
Increased risk of tumors
Weakened immunity and chronic inflammation are both important triggers of tumorigenesis, so long-term alcohol consumption may increase the risk of cancer.
To sum up, the effects of long-term moderate consumption of baijiu every night on the body are multifaceted, not only involving multiple vital organs and systems such as the liver, cardiovascular, digestive system, nervous system and immune system, but also may lead to a series of serious health problems. Therefore, doctors suggest that the general public should treat the problem of drinking rationally and avoid the health risks caused by long-term excessive drinking.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that the "moderation" of alcohol consumption discussed in this article refers to the amount of alcohol that is consumed without harming health. However, due to individual differences and the complexity of the effects of alcohol on the human body, it is difficult to give an exact "moderate" standard. Therefore, the safest course of action is to avoid long-term alcohol consumption or minimize the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed. For people who have already developed the habit of drinking, regular physical check-ups should be done to identify and deal with potential health problems in a timely manner. List of high-quality authors