How the Body Processes Alcohol
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What IS Alcohol?
Alcohol, or ethanol, is a small molecule that easily enters cells and can be processed by various organs. Women get drunk faster than men due to factors like smaller size, higher body fat percentage, and less overall body water. Women also produce fewer enzymes that break down alcohol, leading to slower alcohol clearance and increased medical issues.
About 20% of alcohol is absorbed by the stomach lining, reaching the brain quickly. The remaining 80% enters the bloodstream through the small intestine. Alcohol travels through organs like the heart and liver, which metabolizes approximately one standard drink per hour.
How Does Our Body Break Alcohol Down?
Alcohol is broken down via enzymes Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). This process requires a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). ADH converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance broken down by ALDH into acetate, then into water and carbon dioxide. Acetaldehyde can cause significant damage to proteins, fats, and DNA.
How are Our Bodies Affected?
Chronic alcohol consumption can activate the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS), producing free radicals that increase cancer risk. Alcohol metabolism can lead to liver damage, fatty liver, and disrupted cholesterol processing. Acetaldehyde adducts contribute to liver damage by triggering an immune response against liver cells containing these adducts.
Alcohol's impact on the body is complex, affecting multiple organs and processes. Even moderate drinking can have negative effects, and while some studies suggest minor heart benefits, these are outweighed by negative impacts beyond moderation. It's essential to prioritize overall health and not start drinking for perceived benefits.
Alcohol's metabolic complexity underscores the importance of understanding its effects on the body.
Listen to episode 6 to learn more about your metabolism and alcohol:
Cite this article:
Tietz, G. How the Body Processes Alcohol. Sober Powered. 2020
