Humans consume alcohol from relatively recent times: our cells have not “learned” to manage it efficiently and our body does not metabolize it.
Ethanol has been introduced in our diet in relatively recent times: for this reason, the presence of alcohol in the human body disturbed the cellular metabolism and damages the body in various ways.
Liver at work. Once ingested, the ethanol reaches the stomach and intestine and, through the bloodstream, reaches the liverwhich can inactivate about 90% over a few hours (time depends on the ingested quantity and individual factors); the rest It is eliminated with urine, feces, breath and sweat. Until the liver cells have completed the work, the alcohol continues to circulate in the blood, resulting particularly toxicas well as for the liver itself, also for brain, pancreas, cardiac muscle and other fabrics.
The chemistry of our body. In cells, ethanol is mainly oxidized by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase and, to a lesser extent, by Catalasi. However, if it is present in massive quantities, a third enzyme also intervenes in this process: the cytochrome P450-2e1.
All these reactions produce acetaldehyde, which is one highly toxic and carcinogenic substance. To get rid of it, then another enzyme intervenes, the aldehyde dehydrogenase, which transforms it into acetate. Finally, this is converted into a molecule called acetilcoenzima-a, which enters various biochemical processes.
Why is it so harmful? The harmful alcohol depends on several factors. In fact, its presence – and that of the molecules that derive from its degradation – monopolizes the entire cell and interferes on energy metabolism and that of proteins and fats. However, many of the toxic effects are given by Acetaldehyde: since the liver cannot dispose of it all, it releases a part in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to reach numerous other organs. In the end, Ethanol ease in the brain easily Changing the nervous activity of important circuits, such as those that preside over movement, balance and emotions. From here, in fact, those we perceive as the symptoms of drunkenness.
The science of drunk. Alongside the alterations of the behavior, the hangover can cause ailments like nausea, diarrhea, headache, tiredness And more, which last in the 24 hours following the drink. In spite of what you read online, there are no effective remedies to “make it pass”. Drinking water can give relief (because ethanol stimulates diuresis, causing dehydration), but otherwise you just have to wait. The doctors instead they strongly advise against taking paracetamolwhich combined with alcohol can further damage the liver.
