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Alcohol can have wide-ranging effects on the body. Whether short-term or long-term, alcohol-induced problems leave many people struggling to wonder why their bodies behave so differently. One of the things alcohol can cause is inflammation, and even enough drinks in moderation can be a driver for inflammatory reactions that harm your body. Explore the relationship between alcohol and inflammation and how you can avoid the consequences of alcohol abuse.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the immune system’s reaction to a sudden illness or injury, usually to either protect the area, remove the harmful substance, or keep the situation from worsening. Inflammation is generally responsible for symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and warmth in certain areas.
Chronic inflammation is slower and lasts a much longer term, and you will typically feel these symptoms over the period of weeks and months and, in some cases, years. Generally, chronic inflammation will be more difficult to overcome and can result from repeated abuse of substances (like alcohol) or feelings that cause inflammation throughout the body.
Can Alcohol Lead to Inflammation?
So can alcohol cause the inflammation you feel in your body? Yes, alcohol can cause inflammation, and it all revolves around your gut health. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is one main cause of inflammation, and alcohol can lead to a transfer of this large molecule away from your gut. In addition, when alcohol damages your liver and central nervous system, it becomes harder for your body to detoxify LPS. Because of alcohol, your body will be less capable of controlling and regulating inflammation and its effects.
What About Chronic Inflammation?
Alcohol is also a major reason for chronic inflammation, and drinking alcohol in large amounts is often linked to the condition. Over time, alcohol can affect the lining of your colon and intestines. The weaker these critical body parts are, the more difficult it becomes for them to control the bacteria that enter your bloodstream. Even relatively healthy bacteria can still be treated as a threat by your body. As they become more and more present in the body, you’ll begin experiencing prolonged effects of inflammation.
How to Prevent Inflammation Due to Alcohol
Preventing alcohol inflammation starts with reducing your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption is the main reason alcohol causes inflammatory responses in your body. Even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to more positive effects on your body. If you’re finding it difficult to quit alcohol, you might have a bigger problem than just inflammation. Reach out for help from a professional like Silver Pines Treatment Center and ask about our addiction treatment services. Staying hydrated and consuming alcohol with food is another important step to preventing alcohol-induced inflammation. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and drinking alcohol on an empty stomach increases its effects on your liver and colon. By staying hydrated and eating, you can reduce your risk of a hangover and other consequences of alcohol on your body.
Get Professional Help if Alcohol Is Causing You to Experience Inflammation
Avoiding inflammation can only be done by watching your alcohol consumption, not drinking it at all, or by going to rehab for your drinking problems. If you’re experiencing inflammation due to alcohol but can’t seem to curb your addiction, Silver Pines Treatment Center is here to help. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (866)-345-2147 and recover from your addiction ASAP.
