The Impact Of Alcohol On Your Pancreas – What You Need To Know

Do you regret drinking too much alcohol? Unfortunately, the effects that alcohol can cause to your body extend far beyond just the hangover. Alcohol consumption in excess is linked to serious organ damage as well as various illnesses. Your pancreas is the organ that is the most damaged by use of alcohol. Pancreases are the organ responsible for the production of hormones and enzymes, such as insulin that break down sugar into energy. However when we abuse alcohol with drinks after drinking, the pancreas is put under strain – putting us at risk for some serious health issues associated with prolonged alcohol consumption.

Many people in our society are known to enjoy a drink after work or during the weekend. While moderate alcohol consumption might not be harmful for the majority of individuals, excessive drinking may result in serious health problems and even damage to the pancreas.

The pancreas, an important organ in digestion as well as metabolic processes, is a vital part of the human body. The pancreas produces enzymes which help in breaking down food items in the small intestines and hormones that regulate blood sugar. If the pancreas has a healthy condition it performs its job efficiently to keep the body functioning properly. But, if excessive consumption of alcohol, it can cause harm to the pancreas which can lead to a variety of health issues.

Pancreatitis is one most serious illnesses that can be caused by alcohol as well as the pancreas. It’s a painful and possibly life-threatening condition of the pancreas which can result in severe abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, and fever. Chronic pancreatitis can be result of excessive drinking. The condition could lead to permanent damage to the pancreas as well as problems with digestion or nutrient absorption.

The consumption of alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer a deadly cancer of the pancreas. Studies have shown that heavy drinking alcohol is a significant risk to develop pancreatic cancer and those who drink more than three drinks per day having a significantly higher probability of developing this cancer.

What happens to the pancreas then? Alcohol is metabolized in the liver when consumed. If the liver is overloaded due to excessive consumption of alcohol, some alcohol is instead transformed by the pancreas. This could lead to inflammation and damage to the pancreas as well as the growth of scar tissue. This may cause chronic pancreatitis, and increase the chance of pancreatic cancer.

A small percentage of people who drink excessively develops pancreatitis, also known as pancreatic carcinoma. Consuming a lot of alcohol can increase the risk for these serious health conditions. The good news is that decreasing drinking alcohol can prevent damage to the pancreas as well as reduce the chance of developing these medical conditions.

If you’re concerned over the alcohol effects on pancreas, there are steps you can take to ensure your health. In the beginning be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume. That means less than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks daily for males. Avoid alcohol if your family history has pancreatitis or other pancreatic problems.

Other steps you can take to safeguard your pancreas include maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. These factors in your lifestyle can all influence pancreatic health, and making positive changes to these aspects will reduce the risk of developing pancreatic problems.

Drinking excessively can have serious effects on the pancreas. This includes the development of pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. If you’re concerned over the consequences of alcohol consumption on your pancreas and pancreas then it’s essential to limit your drinking to moderate amounts and follow steps to ensure an active lifestyle. In doing this you will be able to protect the pancreas, and lower your risk of developing serious health problems.

For more information, click how does alcohol affect your pancreas