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How does alcohol affect you?

Writer's picture: Sarah LomackSarah Lomack

Five drinks on a marble surface with a backdrop. Text reads: "How does alcohol affect you?" and "www.rootednutritionco.ca". Mood is informative.

Alcohol is something most of us are familiar with—it’s present in social gatherings, celebrations, and even in certain culinary dishes. But what is alcohol, exactly? How does it interact with our bodies, and why do experts stress the importance of moderation? Understanding the basics of alcohol can help you make informed decisions about consumption.


What Is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a chemical substance known as ethanol. It’s created through the fermentation process, where yeast breaks down sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This ethanol is what is found in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol has the ability to quickly absorb into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. This means that its effects can often be felt within minutes of drinking.

Tray of champagne flutes on a wooden counter, blurred crowd in background. Text reads "www.rootednutritionco.ca" above. Festive mood.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it travels to various organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. In the brain, alcohol works as a depressant, slowing down communication between the brain and the body, which is why it often makes people feel relaxed or more sociable at first. However, these effects can quickly shift, as alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. The liver breaks down alcohol, and it can become negatively affected if you consume more alcohol than your liver can process. Over time, excessive drinking can have long-term effects on the liver, cardiovascular system, and brain health.


Moderation Is Key

One of the most important aspects of alcohol consumption is understanding moderation. Moderation means 1 drink or less per day for women, and 2 or less drinks per day for men, any more than that is considered heavy use of alcohol . Consuming alcohol in moderation also means not drinking daily. This is because overconsumption of alcohol can lead to various health issues, from liver disease to heart conditions to increased cancer risk. Understanding and setting boundaries for alcohol intake can help maintain a balanced approach that supports your overall health goals.


The Nutritional Impact of Alcohol

Many people don’t realize that alcohol provides empty calories. It contains about 7 calories per gram, which can add up quickly if you’re not mindful. Unlike nutrient-dense foods, alcohol offers no vitamins, minerals, or fiber. For those looking to manage their weight or improve their nutrition, cutting back on alcohol can be a helpful step toward achieving their health goals.

Beyond empty calories, alcohol can also impact your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, including vitamin B1, B6, B12, folate, vitamin C, and zinc. Heavy drinking can interfere with digestion and absorption, which over time, may lead to nutrient deficiencies. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) testing, one of the services I offer, can help detect these imbalances and deficiencies, providing a clearer picture of how alcohol and other factors may be affecting your nutrient levels.


Taking a Balanced Approach to Alcohol

Enjoying alcohol in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but it’s essential to understand its effects on your body and nutrition. By knowing more about what alcohol does in your system, you can make choices that align with your health goals. If you’re interested in learning how alcohol might be impacting your mineral and nutrient balance or want support with nutrition goals, reach out through Rooted Nutrition Co., and together, we can find a path that supports your wellness journey and helps you enjoy life in balance.


-Sarah Lomack RHN, HTMA-P



Glasses with whiskey and ice on a wooden table, dark background. Text: www.rootednutritionco.ca. Cozy and inviting mood.

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