Significant health risks of heavy drinking
We all know that excessive drinking can trigger the onset of some serious health issues but are we really aware of the full extent? Those who think terrible hangovers and liver damage are all they have to contend with are very much mistaken as researchers have now linked alcohol consumption with to 60 diseases. Listed below are just a few of the conditions which are linked to chronic heavy drinking:
Anaemia
This condition see’s the sufferer experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and lightheadedness, all of which are caused by an abnormally low level of red blood cells.
Cardiovascular disease
Binge drinking and heavy drinking causes platelets to stick together and form blood clots, often leading to heart attacks or strokes. A 2005 study from Harvard found that binge drinking doubled the risk of death among people who initially survived a heart attack.
High blood pressure
Heavy drinking has been found to cause a rise in blood pressure, which over time can become chronic and may trigger other health problems such as kidney disease.
This effect is caused by alcohol disrupting the sympathetic nervous system which controls the constriction and dilation of blood vessels in response to stress, temperature and exertion.
Nerve damage
Excessive drinking can cause a form of nerve damage which is known as alcoholic neuropathy. This type of nerve damage is characterised by painful pins and needles in the extremities, muscle weakness, incontinence, constipation, erectile dysfunction and a variety of other problems. The damage is usually caused because alcohol is toxic to nerve cells, or because the nutritional deficiencies often caused by heavy drinking can effect nerve function.
Pancreatitis
Around 70 per cent of chronic pancreatitis cases stem from alcohol consumption in a condition which causes an inflamed pancreas, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and weight loss.
For the original article which details additional conditions linked to heavy drinking please click here.
If heavy drinking has become a problem in your life and you would like information about how hypnotherapy could help you to reduce your alcohol consumption and lead a healthier life then please view our fact-sheet. Alternatively you can visit our homepage to locate a qualified professional in your local area.