This glass of wine is not the only organ your liver affects.
Even if you look forward to your monthly wine night or thirsty Thursday, alcohol intake, like any habit, should be done in moderation. Too much alcohol isn't just bad for our waistlines; it may also harm other parts of our bodies, such as essential organs like the heart. If you find yourself having questionable reactions after a night of drinking, you may need to reduce your intake. A nutrition expert reveals the hidden adverse effects of drinking alcohol on your body, particularly your heart.
1. Cardioprotective antioxidants will be given to you.
Is it true that being sober is the best way to achieve optimal health? Yes, it is beneficial to your health. However, according to Serena Poon, a celebrity chef and qualified nutritionist, ingesting a moderate amount of alcohol (particularly red wine) can be beneficial to your heart. This does not, however, imply a bottle of wine. Instead, this is commonly characterized as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, according to Poon. Certain alcohols include antioxidants that protect our hearts.
Poons notes, "Red wine is a good option for a healthier drink." "It contains polyphenols that are good for your health, like resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and anthocyanin. Resveratrol, in particular, has been demonstrated to be beneficial to heart health."
2. Your heart rate may fluctuate.
Those who monitor their heart rate and pay attention to its natural ebb and flow may be startled to realize that alcohol can alter the rhythm dramatically. Regular drinking, as Poon argues, can lead to atrial fibrillation, a disorder marked by irregular heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation is a primary cause of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular issues. Thus this is a risky move.
"Heartbeat regularity isn't one of the cardioprotective benefits of moderate drinking. In this way, one to two beers each day could be harmful to your heart, "she explains.
Poon warns that if you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, any amount of alcohol will have an instant effect on your heartbeat.
3. You might develop hypertension.
Excessively high blood pressure can cause hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. People who consume more than three drinks at a time are more prone to develop hypertension, so keep track of how many you consume. Women should pay special attention to this because they are more likely than males to acquire hypertension.
"The good news is that if you drink more than the recommended amount, you may reduce your blood pressure by cutting back on your drinking," Poon explains.
4. Your HDL cholesterol level may increase.
You might be able to raise your HDL cholesterol if you're wise and moderate with your drinking. This is good news. It's the "healthy" kind of cholesterol, according to Poon, because it has heart-protective properties.
"The heart-protective advantages of alcohol form a J curve," she explains, "in which moderate alcohol use is thought to be more helpful than both abstention and heavy drinking."
5. You may have significant heart issues.
Excessive alcohol consumption, like everything else, can be harmful to your general health. It has been related to significant heart problems, according to Poon.
"The amount of alcohol you consume is considerable," she claims. "While alcohol can be beneficial to heart health in some situations, it is also one of the main causes of cardiovascular illness and mortality. Inflammation, which is a precursor to most chronic diseases, can also be caused by excessive drinking."
While it's common to consume more than one or two drinks per day in social situations, Poon suggests cutting back and evaluating how you feel. "I'm willing to wager that reducing your alcohol use would benefit your health in a variety of noticeable and rather rapid ways," she adds.