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In contrast, in humans an increase in absolute values of the CD3+ lymphocytes has been recently found after 30 days of moderate beer consumptionReference Romeo, Warnberg, Nova, Díaz, González-Gross and Marcos11. Although the first study was made in animals, and the second in humans, the results suggest that the effect of alcohol intake on T lymphocyte subsets may depend on the amount consumed. One of the worst effects of alcohol is the inflammatory response in triggers throughout the body.
A weaker immune system will have a harder time fighting off common infections (such as a cold), as well as HIV-related infections. A weaker immune system also increases the chance that you will experience more side effects from your HIV medications. Obviously, the more that a person drinks, the more that his or her immune system will be damaged. One episode of binge drinking has the chance to lower a person’s immunity for a full day. As a result, a person becomes vulnerable to infections that invade their body. It contains numerous cells and proteins that recognize infections and fight them.
How Does Heavy Drinking Lower Your Immune System?
In addition to compromising the immune cell function, chronic drinking and binge drinking can damage functions in the lungs, the gut, and the blood-brain barrier. The impact of alcohol abuse on the risk and severity of infection has been demonstrated particularly well for respiratory tract infections. Normally, the lungs and gut, like our skin, offer a physical and immunological shield against infection but too much alcohol can disrupt that.
- But to understand the relationship between these two, understanding the broader relationship between alcohol and the immune system will answer many of those questions.
- Our trained staff provides support and therapies that help patients gain long-term sobriety.
- In vivo studies have confirmed that binge drinking with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of approximately 0.4% can reduce the production of various inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-12.
- If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the
National Library of Medicine’s list
of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. - Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.
- When it comes to cold and flu viruses, most of the research concerning alcohol’s effect on immunity is limited.
Being in this state leaves you more susceptible to infections and viral attacks, such as COVID-19. Your white blood cells rely on oxygen to enable them to fight viruses and bacteria. If they are operating without does alcohol weaken your immune system enough oxygen, then they are unable to destroy harmful invaders. The immune system is how your body defends itself from infections — like harmful bacteria and viruses — and prevents you from getting sick.
Alcohol distracts the body from other functions
Other common recreational drugs, such as cocaine or crystal methamphetamine (“meth,” “speed”), can leave your body dehydrated and exhausted, as well as lead to skin irritation. For those already seeking support or who may need it, the advice is very different. It’s essential not to become teetotal overnight, or you will do your body more harm than good. Like any addiction, seek the advice of a professional who can put a program in place for you to ensure the safest route to recovery.
The development of tolerance and withdrawal are indications of addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term alcohol abuse and a co-occurring mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up NJ can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.
How your liver breaks down alcohol in your body
As with macrophages, excessive drinking can also lessen their effectiveness when it comes to removing excess tissue. Your immune system’s job is to help your body determine which cells are healthy or unhealthy. Your immune system protects you from harmful threats such as viruses and bacteria.
Alcohol irritates the lining of your stomach and makes your digestive juices flow. If enough acid and alcohol build up, you get nauseated and you may throw up. It can also lead to irritation of the lining of the stomach, called gastritis.
Alcohol and the Immune System: What are the Symptoms to Look Out For?
Not only will drinking alcohol reduce your immune system’s strength, but alcohol also has a dehydrating effect. “Drinking alcohol in large quantities even just for a short period of time — like binge drinking — can be bad for your health and your immune system,” says Favini. Past research shows alcohol consumption leads to more severe lung diseases, like adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other pulmonary diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and respiratory syncytial virus. The spike in alcohol sales has alarmed health experts and officials around the world, who are concerned that increased drinking could make people even more vulnerable to the respiratory disease.
