Chapter 11 Alcohol in the Body
Alcoholic Beverages Fermentation: production of alcohol from sugars through action of yeasts Distillation: heated process that allows formation of alcohol via evaporation and condensation Proof = measure of beverage’s alcohol content (2 x’s percentage of alcohol)
Types of Consumer Alcohol Beer Wine Distilled spirits
Absorption of Alcohol Stomach Small intestine responsible for most of this Meals slow alcohol absorption while carbonated liquids increase it Carbon dioxide acts to move alcohol to small intestine
Metabolism Requires no digestion bloodstream Cannot be stored or converted into lipids or protein Women lack dehydrogonase resulting in increased absorption than men
Metabolism, cont’d Liver metabolizes alcohol (90%); skin, breath, urine are the other methods Acetaldehyde conversion to acetic acid is constant = slow sobering process
Central Nervous System Effects Depresses the CNS GABA receptors are involved with behavioral effects of alcohol Table 11-2 shows behavioral effects with BAC percentages Blackouts are a sign of excessive usage Promotes sexual behavior by decreasing inhibitions
Alcohol Withdrawal – Delirium Tremors Progression of withdrawal occurs in stages Stage 1: tremors increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, insomnia Stage 2: hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile) Stage 3: delusions, delirium, amnesia Stage 4: seizure activity Medical treatment is sought during stage 1-2
Physiological Effects Peripheral circulation Fluid balance Hormone effects
Alcohol Toxicity Concepts Hangover Chronic diseases upon every body organ Brain damage Liver disorders (i.e., cirrhosis)
Alcohol Toxicity Concepts, cont’d Heart disease Cancer Compromised immune system
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Physical and behavioral abnormalities due to the presence of alcohol during fetal development Three criteria: Growth retardation before and/or after birth Pattern of abnormal features of face and head Evidence of CNS abnormalities (i.e., mental retardation)
Chapter 11 Alcohol in the Body