 |  Perspectives in Nutrition, 5/e Gordon M. Wardlaw,
Ohio State University
Margaret W. Kessel,
Ohio State University
Alcohol
Chapter 8 Summary- Alcohol use is a complex issue because it involves psychological,
social, economic, health, legal, and family issues.
- Since the Stone Age 10,000 years ago, alcohol has provided an alternative
to unsafe drinking water and a pleasurable stimulant to social interaction.
- Alcohol is metabolized in the liver and other tissues. Metabolism
depends on the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. A number of factors, such as gender,
race, and body composition, determine how a person reacts to alcohol.
- The body uses the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) whenever
the liver detects more alcohol than can be processed by the alcohol dehydrogenase
enzymes. Once the MEOS is active, alcohol tolerance increases because alcohol
is being metabolized more rapidly.
- The benefits of alcohol use are associated with low to moderate alcohol
consumption. These benefits include the pleasurable and social aspects of alcohol
use, a reduction in coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke risks, and protection
against harmful stomach bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori.
- Alcohol use also creates many health risks. Excessive consumption
of alcohol contributes significantly to 5 of the 10 leading causes of death
in the United States. Alcohol increases the risk of developing certain forms
of heart damage, inflammation of the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract damage,
vitamin and mineral deficiencies, cirrhosis of the liver, certain forms of cancer,
hypertension, and hemmorhagic stroke--to name a few.
- If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation with
meals. Women are advised to drink no more than one drink per day; men are advised
to limit intake to two drinks a day.
- Gender, genetics, ethnic background, and ongoing depression all determine
a person's chances of becoming alcohol dependent.
- Early detection of alcoholism is key to successful treatment and
a reduction of health-care costs. The CAGE questionnaire can help a person determine
whether or not he or she has an alcohol problem.
- Many methods are available to treat alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous,
ReVia, Antabuse, medical detoxification, and behavioral conditioning approaches
have been successful. All treatments place importance on treating the entire
person socially, psychologically, and medically.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education