A recent survey conducted by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reveals that alcohol consumption in the country has risen from 41 percent in 2013 to 48 percent in 2022. ALSO READ: New campaign seeks to curb rise in alcohol consumption While various definitions exist for heavy and risky drinking, most sources consider moderate drinking as consuming one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. Consuming two to four standard drinks per day on average (14-28 drinks throughout the week) is classified as heavy drinking, and surpassing four standard drinks on a single occasion is deemed risky for one's health. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights in one of its publications that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe for one's well-being. The latest data also indicates that half of all alcohol-related cancers in the WHO European Region are attributed to light and moderate alcohol consumption, which amounts to less than 1.5 liters of wine, less than 3.5 liters of beer, or less than 450 milliliters of spirits per week. When people contemplate the effects of alcohol on the body, they often mention common issues such as headaches and nausea. However, alcohol can inflict far more damage than that. Here, we explore five lesser-known ways in which alcohol can affect your body. Alcohol Diminishes Brain Volume According to a study published in March 2022, the consumption of just one pint of beer or an average glass of wine per day may gradually reduce the overall volume of the brain. As the number of daily drinks increases, the damage to the brain worsens. The study found that non-drinkers who began consuming an average of one alcohol unit per day displayed brain volume equivalent to half a year of aging. Consequently, a 50-year-old who consumes a daily pint of beer or glass of wine effectively ages their brain by two years, based on the study's findings. Local psychologist Dr. Jean-Pierre Ndagijimana emphasizes the potential harm alcohol can inflict on the brain, particularly when consumed at a young age when the brain is undergoing crucial growth and reconstruction processes. Alcohol consumption can lead to various impairments, including difficulties in cognitive functions such as thinking, planning, decision-making, learning, and memory retention. Ndagijimana also expresses concern over the memory loss experienced by young alcohol consumers, which can significantly impact their future prospects, including educational and career opportunities. ALSO READ: Alcohol consumption: Effects on the body and brain Alcohol Contributes to Depression Numerous studies suggest that alcohol acts as a depressant, disrupting the delicate balance of chemicals in the brain. This connection implies a link between frequent and excessive alcohol consumption and depression. An article published on drinkware.co.uk states, If you rely on alcohol to mask feelings of depression, you may find you become reliant on it – putting you at risk of alcohol dependence. For some people, alcohol can also trigger suicidal thoughts. Dr. Ndagijimana also observes that excessive alcohol consumers tend to make impulsive decisions. He adds, When people around you constantly criticize you, and you find it challenging to overcome the problem, it can lead to depression. This becomes even more worrisome because impaired decision-making abilities can cause you to do wrong things while believing they are right. ALSO READ: The impact of alcohol on mental health Alcohol Impairs the Reproductive System Several studies indicate that heavy drinking can reduce testosterone production, diminish libido, impede erectile function, and lower sperm quality. A study conducted on over 1,200 Danish men aged 18-28 discovered that those who consumed five alcohol units per week (equivalent to approximately three beers or three glasses of wine) had lower sperm counts and poorer sperm quality compared to nondrinkers. In women, heavy drinking (defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or more than three drinks on a single occasion) is linked to heavy or irregular periods and infertility. Studies reveal that alcohol can also affect hormones and ovulation, making it more challenging to time sexual intercourse for conception. Furthermore, even light drinking can prolong the time required to achieve pregnancy. Alcohol Adversely Affects Bone Health According to a study, long-term alcohol consumption can disrupt the growth and regeneration of bone tissue, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. These effects can occur through direct or indirect interactions with various cell types, hormones, and growth factors involved in bone metabolism. The study further reveals that consuming alcohol during adolescence hinders the attainment of peak bone mass, potentially resulting in weaker adult bones that are more susceptible to fractures. In adults, alcohol consumption can disturb the delicate balance between bone tissue erosion and remodeling, contributing to alcoholic bone disease. Alcohol Causes Serious Digestive Issues According to conehealth.com, alcohol interferes with the intestines' ability to control bacteria and absorb nutrients, potentially leading to malnutrition. Alcohol is also known to cause damage to the salivary glands, gum disease, tooth decay, esophageal ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers, gastritis, and internal bleeding. Scientists explain that alcohol consumption triggers an increase in stomach acid production, which explains the feelings of nausea experienced after excessive drinking. However, if one becomes violently ill, there is a genuine risk of causing physical damage to the throat. Repeated instances of inflammation can also contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disorders.
