NUTRITION and ALCOHOL

Alcohol Ethanol- another name for alcohol A drink is defined as the amount a beverage that provides ½ ounce pure alcohol=12ounces of beer=5 ounces of wine Important to understand to drink in moderation. 1 drink per day for woman 2 drinks per day for men

Continued Alcohol will thin the blood. Interact with other medications. Magnifies effects of certain pain killers, sleeping pills, and antidepressants.(synergistic) May cause gastro intestinal bleeding if drinking or taking aspirin. Liver damage. In diabetics can lead to lower levels of blood glucose if taking insulin.

Continued Alcohol is absorbed in stomach and small intestines. Alcohol absorption will slow down when you consume foods with fat, protein, and fiber. Carbonated beverages and alcohol increases the alcoholic “buzz”. Alcohol goes directly into bloodstream and liver where it is broken down at a steady rate.

Alcohol oxidizes in your liver at the rate of ¼-1/2 ounce per hour. The key to keeping your BAC level down is to eat while drinking and drink very slowly. Alcohol is converted into fatty acids. Fatty acids are incorporated into triglycerides which can accumulate in the liver which in turn can increase the risk of heart disease.

Stages of Alcoholism ABUSE- Using the drug to impair. DEPENDENCE- Strong desire for drug (psychological) ADDICTION- the physiological and psychological dependence on the alcohol. During the stages people will loose control, crave and develop a tolerance to alcohol.

DANGERS of ALCOHOL Alcohol is considered a depressant drug. Can damage and destroy cell membranes and internal cell structure. Cause hangovers(dehydration) Interfere with sleep patterns Cause mood swings Lethargy Cause intense anger Loose motor coordination (slower reflexes

Reduced Liver Function Nutrient metabolism Glycogen Storage Synthesis of many essential compounds Detoxifications of medications When an individuals rate of alcohol consumption exceeds the rate at which the liver can break the alcohol down, the liver cells are damaged or destroyed.

Liver Damage Fatty Liver-Abnormal amounts of fat build up in liver. Reversible Alcohol Hepatitis- Inflammation of liver due to alcohol abuse. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, jaundice(Severe) Cirrhosis-The liver is permanently scarred. The blood flow through the liver is impaired. Prevents toxins from being filtered out.Blood pressure increases, Liver failure, damage is irreversible.

Assignment pg. 264 List 5 reasons why teens start drinking. Explain the difference between binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. List 5 consequences of drinking and driving. Explain what FAS is and some of the birth defects associated with it. What are Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Al-Teen. How would you help someone if you suspect they have a problem?