alcohol

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INTAKE OF ALCOHOL
Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is an intoxicating ingredient found in bear, wine and liquor. Alcohol is produced by fermentation of yeast sugar and starches.
Alcohol affect every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the blood stream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes, however the liver can only metabolized a small amount of alcohol at a time, living the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.
Individual reaction to alcohol varies and are influenced by many factors such as:
• Age
• Gender
• Race or ethnicity
• Physical condition (weight, fitness level, etc.)
• Amount of food consumed before drinking
• How quickly the alcohol was consumed.
• Use of drug or prescription medicines
• Family history of alcohol problems.
There is no global consensus on recommended maximum intake of alcohol. The guideline provided by health agency of government are varied. The guidelines are general guidelines applying to a typical person. However some people should not consume alcohol or limit their use to less than guidelines amount. These are:
1. People with chronic hepatitis C or other forms of chronic hepatitis infections, they have poorer health outcome than those who drink within the guidelines.
2. Thin people: those below average body weight 60kg for men, 50kg for women.
3. People with a relative who has or has had a problem with alcohol. First degree relatives e.g. parents, siblings these individuals are urged to be careful about how much they drink.
4. Older people: they are urged to consider drinking less because their bodies maybe less able to handle the effects of alcohol.
5. People who are or have been dependent on other drugs.
6. People who have a poor diet or are undernourished.
7. People who have a family history of cancer or other risk factors for cancer.
8. Women who are pregnant.
One unit of alcohol is 10ml by volume or 8g by weight of pure alcohol.
According to dietary guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1drink per day for men and up to 2drinks per day for men.
Excessive drinking is associated with numerous health problems including;
- Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, various cancers e.g. of the liver, mouth, throat, larynx, high blood pressure and psychological disorders.
- Violence such as child maltreatment, homicide, suicide.
- Fetal alcoholic syndrome (alcohol consumption during pregnancy)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Alcohol abuse or dependence.

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