What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?

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Both acute and chronic alcohol exposure also alter the production of signaling molecules that help coordinate the immune response (i.e., cytokines). Finally, alcohol adversely affects the functions of the cells that mediate the immune response against specific microorganisms and long-term immunity (i.e., T cells and B cells). As a result, alcoholics have an increased susceptibility to diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Alcoholics also may be more susceptible to infections from the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, alcohol intoxication can exacerbate the immune suppression that occurs after traumatic injuries.

Infection Risk: Increased susceptibility to infections due to alcohol consumption

Also, alcohol has an impact on white blood cells and antibodies—our body’s line of defense. Research indicates that alcohol disrupts nearly all cells of the immune system, and that includes decreasing the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. There is no universally “safe” level of alcohol consumption regarding immune health. Moreover, alcohol can trigger chronic inflammation, which paradoxically damages healthy tissues and further compromises immunity.

Why Alcohol Weakens the Immune System: Understanding the Impact on Our Health

How does drinking lower your immune system’s ability to defend you against diseases? This is our immune system, compromised and lagging, all because alcohol distracted our guards. Moderation is key, as even lower alcohol intake can have detrimental effects on the immune system. Choosing to limit alcohol consumption or opting for alcohol-free alternatives supports overall immune health. Inflammation is the source of many serious conditions, but it’s actually your immune system’s way of healing your body after an injury or fighting an infection. When you get a cut or the flu, your body calls in an inflammatory team to handle the situation.

Cellulitis, Post-Surgery Complications, and Slow Healing of Wounds

In response to antigen presentation, certain lymphocytes (i.e., T lymphocytes) develop into T cells that specifically target the M. The first phase is an inflammatory reaction, which what is alcoholism protects the body from the immediate effects of the infection. The inflammatory response primarily involves phagocytic cells that help eliminate the pathogen, cytokines secreted mainly by these phagocytes, and other molecules (e.g., oxygen radicals) that assist in killing the pathogen. The second phase, the development of immunity to the pathogen, is mediated by T cells and B cells. For instance, acute binge drinking can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are crucial for initiating an immune response.

Interestingly, not only chronic alcohol abuse but also single-episode (i.e., acute) and/or moderate alcohol consumption can affect the immune system. Generally, women seem to be more susceptible to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, although they have a lower risk of infections than men, especially during the pre-menopausal years. This can be attributed to women’s high levels of oestrogens that help to stimulate immunity and fight diseaseReference Wilder37–Reference Liu, Loo, Palaszynski, Ashouri, Lubahn and Voskuhl40. Combined differences in pharmacokinetics may increase the vulnerability of women to the effects of ethanol. The mechanisms that may underlie these differences could be gender differences in the physiological processing and metabolic clearance of alcohol and differential sensitivity of the nervous system to alcohol.

Alcohol and the Immune System: Why You May Want to Stay Dry This Winter

• Alcohol also increases the production of nonprotein regulatory molecules that inhibit the antigen-presenting capacity of monocytes, inflammatory cytokine production, and T-cell proliferation.
• Prolonged heavy drinking disrupts the balance of the immune system, causing both immunosuppression and chronic inflammation.
• Almost half of substance abusers are alcoholic and require medical attention for treating alcohol-related organ damage and infections.
• George Koob, a behavioral psychologist and the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, agrees.

They can https://sudutkita.com/2025/10/21/how-does-it-feel-to-be-drunk-for-the-first-time-3/ help individuals overcome addiction and develop strategies to improve immune function. They can also coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to recovery. Adequate sleep is another essential factor in maintaining a strong immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken immune function and increase susceptibility to infections.

Ways to Support the Immune System After Drinking

Since there is a link between alcohol and the immune system, things only escalate as heavy drinking continues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that heavy drinking is defined as consuming more than three to four drinks each day. Even though this large amount of alcohol can dampen immunity, it has been shown that moderate drinking can have similar effects as well. In the end, the best way to keep drinking from lowering the immune system is to quit consuming alcohol. Health experts generally advise limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men to minimize risks to immune health. While occasional drinking may have temporary effects, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to more severe and lasting damage to the immune system.

Supporting Your Immune System

Chronic alcohol use leads to long-term impairment of both innate and adaptive immunity. The innate immune system, which provides the body’s first line of defense, is disrupted, promoting inflammatory reactions that can damage tissues and organs. It’s easy to overlook the effects of alcohol on our health amid social gatherings and celebrations.

Consider the scenario of a weekend outing where an individual consumes 6-7 drinks in one evening. The next day, their immune system is not only recovering from the toxic effects of alcohol but also operating at a diminished capacity. If exposed to the coronavirus during this window, their body’s ability to mount an effective immune response is compromised. Studies show that even moderate binge drinking (4-5 drinks) can increase the risk of developing respiratory infections by 2-3 times in the following week.

• However, the effects of excessive alcohol use do not end with these personal challenges.
• For instance, alcohol impairs the function of white blood cells, the immune system’s first line of defense, reducing their ability to identify and neutralize invaders.
• This chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems, including damage to organs and tissues.
• Alcohol-fed animals showed that reduced T cell proliferation and altered CD4 and CD8 T cell counts were major reasons for pulmonary tuberculosis in infected animals 60.
• This is when the body produces an army of antibodies specific to the incoming threat.

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As a result, the drinker becomes more susceptible to infections and exhibits decreased immune system activity in eliminating infections. However, excessive collagen production resulting from alcohol-induced TGF-β may result in abnormal collagen deposits in the liver that have been implicated in the development of some types of alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol’s impact on adaptive immunity, which involves a more targeted response to specific pathogens, is equally concerning. It disrupts the production and function of T cells and B cells, which are essential for recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. This disruption not only reduces the body’s ability to fight off new infections but also weakens its capacity to remember and respond to previously encountered pathogens. As a result, heavy drinkers are more likely to experience recurrent infections and may have a diminished response to vaccines, leaving them unprotected against preventable diseases.