Inside Health
What does alcohol do to the body and brain?
May 7, 2024
James visits a pub in Liverpool with a group of alcohol researchers to explore the effects of alcohol on the body and brain. They discuss the risks of alcohol consumption, debunk myths, and emphasize moderation. The podcast also touches on exercise's impact on sleep, chocolate's effect on insomnia, and falling asleep to health podcasts. They delve into managing tinnitus at night and announce a break until summer.
27:45
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Quick takeaways
- Alcohol affects the brain by altering neurotransmitters and psychomotor functions, while long-term consumption can lead to neurotoxicity and reward pathway changes.
- Men tend to drink more than women, but both genders are advised to limit their alcohol intake to reduce risks, with moderate drinking levels suggested to maintain brain function and performance.
Deep dives
The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain and Body
Alcohol affects the brain by decreasing overall activity and impacting neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA. It leads to decreased inhibition, increased relaxation, and changes in psychomotor reaction time. Physiologically, alcohol is absorbed in the stomach and metabolized by the liver before affecting the brain. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause neurotoxicity, reward pathway changes, and motivational syndromes.
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