Though moderate drinking can certainly have its share of
health benefits, daily and excessive intake can have a profound effect on the
body’s immune system. In reality, most people do not realize the damage
inflicted when drinking to intoxication. The body, particularly the kidneys and
liver, must work harder to remove the toxins from the drinker’s system. In this
entry, we will discuss exactly how alcohol affects our immune systems.
Facts
Our bodies are equipped with a natural defense system; white
blood cells. Five different types of white blood cells exist, each serving
their own unique purpose. The lymphocytes, in particular, work to remove bad
cells, while combating toxins and foreign substances. When an individual abuses
alcoholic beverages, white blood cell production is hindered. When white blood
cell counts are low, our risk of disease and illness is heightened.
Consequences
When we fall under the weather, one of the first things
physicians recommend is to push plenty of fluids to help flush out the toxins.
Because alcohol dehydrates the body, drinking it while sick only serves to
negatively impact the healing process. When proper fluid amounts are lacking in
the body, vital organs become affected.
Alcohol offers no nutritional value. As such, routine
drinking only serves to wear down our immune system while adding excess numbers
to our daily calorie count. People who drink constantly are much more likely to
suffer from colds or even develop conditions such as cancer. In addition,
alcohol works to deteriorate the stomach lining, raising the risk of additional
issues, including heartburn, which can result in esophagus erosion.
Options
If you or someone you love is suffering from an alcohol
problem, our Above It All
treatment centeris the place to call. Pick up the phone and let our team of
addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy and happy
lifestyle you deserve.
I never knew the hard facts about what alcohol does to you. It's scary that we are addicted to things that really damage our body!
ReplyDeleteLike many people, at the start of the year, I made a resolution to decrease my alcohol intake.
DeleteDrink Less in Seven Days by Georgia Foster has really helped me stick to this resolution. Georgia is a clinical hypnotherapist and alongside the written version of the book, there are also 4 "Hypnosis Hub" recordings that readers are encouraged to access to help them with the program.
One of the great things about Drink Less in Seven Days is that Georgia (and I"m going to call her Georgia because she kind of feels like a friend) is totally non-judgemental about how much you drink, why you drink, why you feel you drink too much etc. I feel that this is an area where people carry a lot of shame and negative feelings and to have someone who approaches an emotional issue like this with absolute objectivity is helpful in driving the desired behaviours. She's on your side!
There are two main parts to Drink Less in Seven Days. The first is how your amygdala (the part of your brain that deals with emotions and fear/stress responses) can actually work against your efforts to quit or reduce your drinking. It shows you how to move your decision to drink away from this very instinctive part of your brain to your prefrontal cortex which is the part of your brain that is more concerned with considered decision-making.
I found this part of the book fascinating, particularly the parts where she spoke about silencing your inner critic.
However, it was the second part of the book, where Georgia broke down different personality types. what triggers them to drink and how to circumvent these triggers that I found most useful. (Also fascinating, if like me you love a good theory of behaviour and the ability to proclaim "Yes!!!! That's me!"). Because it makes total sense right? If you drink out of social anxiety (which is me a little bit) your methods to success will likely be different to someone who drinks because everyone around you is (also me a little bit).
The biggest take away for me was starting to understand what triggers my wanting to drink and learning alternative strategies should I decide not to. I think a really important thing about Drink Less in Seven Days is that it is NOT about quitting drinking altogether. It is about cutting down to a level that you are comfortable with, whatever that is for you. And this feels more manageable than quitting altogether.
The cru of this type of book though is does it work?
So here's the real deal. I started this program in January. It's now March and I can count the times I have drunk alcohol on one hand. During this time I have been to pubs, bars and restaurants, entertained at home and been entertained at other people's homes so it's not like I have been hiding myself away. I have been around alcohol and people drinking as much as I ever was.
Will I drink again? Almost definitely. For me, this experiment was never about giving up altogether. And I have far too much fun making cocktails for this to give it up completely! However, I feel that moving forward I will be able to drink in a more mindful considered way.
Thank you to Georgia Foster for a thoroughly fascinating book that does exactly what it says on the cover!
Here's a link to The 7 Days To Drink Less Online Alcohol Reduction Program.
John
Whats crazy is no matter what the "hard facts" are we will continually drink. It really takes self control and help to get you to fully stop drinking. If people SUPPORTED each other with NOT wanting to drinking/drugs more than PRESSURING I feel we would all be better off.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with norma. Even knowing statistics and facts about drugs/alcohol people will still become addicted. Anything to "numb" the pain! That is why there are sober people to help those who are in need.
ReplyDeleteIt was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks.
ReplyDeletedrug alcohol treatment center
I like how to said about Alcohol and The Immune System
ReplyDeleteMaybe, you want to check it out also---> Alanon Meeting Online
I hope it helps..
ReplyDeletetRY this also---> Alcoholism Facts