Unveiling Alcohol's Modern Health Burden: A Comprehensive Exploration of Biological Repercussions

Alcohol's historic role in human culture contrasts with its modern health burden. This review synthesizes extensive research on the adverse effect of alcohol on organ systems, contributing to chronic diseases. Global data shows that alcohol consumption has a substantial impact on disease burden and mortality. In Nigeria, high alcohol use rates among males correlate with liver diseases, hypertension, stroke, cognitive impairment, and accidents, demanding targeted interventions. Examining specific organ systems reveals alcohol damage. The liver experiences fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis due to lipid disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Gastrointestinal issues arise from gastritis, ulcers, and compromised barriers. Neurological consequences include diseases, cognitive impairments, neuropathy, and increased stroke risk. Alcohol affects cardiovascular health, causing cardiomyopathy, hypertension, arrhythmias, and altered lipid profiles. Immune suppression raises infection risk, impairs vaccine response, and influences cancer immunity. Reproductive health, cancer risk, metabolic disturbances, bone health, and muscle atrophy are compromised by alcohol. Emerging research explores plant-derived compounds like silymarin and curcumin for potential mitigation. Alcohol-induced toxicities involve complex mechanisms requiring further research to obtain comprehensive insights and evidence-based strategies to address excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences.