5 Health Problems Caused by Drinking Too Much Alcohol

A slew of recent studies are starting to promote alcohol as "healthy"; that is, drinking a few glasses of wine in a week. 

However, those that consume three or more drinks a day, may be damaging their bodies irreparably. 

1. Damage to the nervous system and brain cells

Alcohol interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and nervous system. 

Chronic alcohol abuse can result in psychological problems, rapid pulse, trembling, anxiety, and the loss of intellectual ability.

2. Pancreatitis

Heavy drinking, usually over a period of 10 years or more, is the cause of about eight out of 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis. 

Alcohol disrupts the digestive process by inflaming the pancreas and damaging its cells, often causing severe pain.

3. Erectile dysfunction

Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of impotence

and other sexual dysfunctions, mainly because of 

the depressant effect of alcohol on the nervous 

system. 

4. Diabetes

Too much alcohol can cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), 

which can impair its ability to secrete insulin, ultimately leading to diabetes. 

If you already have diabetes, alcohol is even more dangerous because if your 

liver gets damaged (the organ that stores your glucose supply), your glucose levels 

may become unsteady and put you at risk for hypoglycemia.

5. Cirrhosis of the liver

Most people who consume alcohol do not suffer damage to 

the liver, but heavy alcohol use over several years can cause 

chronic injury to the liver. 

For women, consuming two to three drinks—including beer and 

wine—per day and for men, three to four drinks per day, 

can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.