You probably know that alcohol consumption can impact your body and overall health. While there’s ongoing debate about whether moderate drinking is acceptable, everyone agrees that excessive drinking can disrupt blood sugar levels and reduce insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to diabetes. 

Some side effects of alcohol are easy to recognize, such as difficulty sleeping, poor decision-making, or feeling unwell. However, other effects may be less obvious. Drinking excessively—regardless of whether it’s in one sitting or over time—can alter how your body functions. Research indicates that both the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption are associated with long-term health issues. 

Blood Sugar Levels  

Alcohol can significantly affect your blood sugar levels, causing them to spike or drop. When you drink, your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol, temporarily pausing other essential functions, such as releasing glucose into your bloodstream when needed. This can be particularly problematic for those taking diabetes medications, as your liver is unable to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. 

Initially, consuming alcohol—especially sugary drinks—may cause your blood sugar to rise. However, as your body focuses on processing the alcohol, your blood sugar can subsequently drop. This fluctuation is particularly dangerous for individuals taking insulin, as it can lead to hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL). While not everyone who drinks will experience this issue, the risk increases if you take insulin or certain diabetes medications, especially on an empty stomach. 

The rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream varies based on whether you drink on an empty stomach. Consuming alcohol without food allows it to pass quickly into your small intestine, where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This rapid absorption can intensify the effects of alcohol. Blood alcohol concentrations typically peak about one hour after drinking on an empty stomach and can remain detectable for up to three hours. However, this depends on the amount, type, and timing of alcohol consumed. 

Liver Impact 

Most tissues in the body are exposed to the same concentration of alcohol, but the liver is an exception. The liver receives blood directly from the stomach and is therefore exposed to higher alcohol concentrations. It also metabolizes more than 90% of the alcohol consumed, which is why it is significantly affected by alcohol consumption. When the liver encounters alcohol, a toxic substance, it works diligently to break it down, but it can only do so at a limited rate. 

As you continue to drink, your liver must work harder to process the alcohol, which can result in the production of harmful byproducts, fatty acids, and triglycerides. Over time, these substances can accumulate in the liver, potentially leading to a condition known as Alcohol-Related Liver Disease, which has three levels of severity: 

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver (Steatosis): This condition occurs when fat begins to accumulate in the functioning tissue of the liver. It can be reversed with alcohol cessation and dietary changes. 

1. Alcoholic Hepatitis: This condition involves steatosis accompanied by inflammation of the liver cells. It can also be treated, and the damage reversed, starting with abstaining from alcohol. 

1. Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is characterized by severe scarring of the liver, resulting from repeated damage and the liver’s attempts to repair itself. This condition is irreversible and often leads to further complications. 

It’s important to understand that these stages are not fixed or always occur in a sequential order. Someone with a history of long-term alcohol abuse may exhibit signs of all three stages simultaneously. However, if they stop drinking, it is possible to improve the damage associated with these stages. 

Kidney Impact 

Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering harmful substances from your body through urine. Since alcohol is a toxin, when you drink, your kidneys prioritize filtering it out, which may reduce their efficiency in filtering your blood. This can disrupt the balance of important substances like electrolytes and hormones, ultimately affecting your body’s overall function. 

Additionally, your kidneys help regulate your body’s fluid levels and blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, a major risk factor for kidney disease, along with diabetes. Even if your blood pressure remains normal, alcohol can still directly damage your kidneys, leading to inflammation and impairing their ability to function properly. 

Alcohol Consumption Leads to Weight Gain in General 

Alcoholic beverages provide energy but little else. They are often referred to as “empty calories” because they lack essential nutrients and can interfere with the absorption of important vitamins, such as vitamin B12. One gram of alcohol contains nearly twice as many calories as one gram of protein or carbohydrates. For instance, a glass of wine has about 14 grams of alcohol, equating to approximately 98 “empty” calories. 

While this might not seem significant, drinking one glass a day (the maximum recommended limit for women) or two glasses a day (for men) can add up. This results in an extra 686 calories per week for women and 1,372 calories per week for men. Over a month, this could lead to a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 pounds, and over the course of a year, it could amount to 6 to 19 pounds! It’s surprising how much just one drink a day can impact your weight. 

Understanding the impact of alcohol on our bodies, particularly on organs like the kidneys and liver, is crucial for overall health. Being aware of how alcohol affects blood pressure, blood sugar, and even weight can help us make more informed choices about our drinking habits. Remember, taking steps to reduce alcohol intake can lead to significant health benefits. 

Sending Health Your Way!

The Tula Clinical Team

Austin MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, CD
Aubree RN, BSN