Alcohol and cholesterol: positive and negative effects. Does alcohol remove cholesterol from the body?

Diseases of the cardiovascular system over the past decades have firmly taken a leading place among the causes of death in the adult population. In addition, this group of diseases is characterized by an extremely high prevalence. This is especially true for countries with a high level of well-being of the population. These statistics are due to many factors: decreased physical activity, high prevalence of overweight and obesity, diets high in animal fats and a decrease in plant foods, smoking and the prevalence of alcohol consumption. Most of these factors are modifiable, that is, their impact on the body can be reduced. The current situation forces scientists to study more deeply the effect of alcohol on cholesterol and the progression of the atherosclerotic process.

Disputes about the benefits of the dangers of alcohol have not stopped for many centuries, including heated discussions about how alcohol affects cholesterol.

Relationship between alcohol and cholesterol

The liver is a key organ in most of the body's metabolic processes, including cholesterol metabolism. At the same time, the liver plays the role of a kind of filter, a plant for neutralizing toxins and poisons coming from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. Therefore, the effect of alcohol is primarily concentrated on this organ. In addition to the liver, adipose and muscle tissues, the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) are important in the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol. Therefore, most studies on the relationship between "Alcohol and cholesterol" are focused on the functioning of the liver, adipose tissue, muscles and biochemical processes occurring in endothelial cells.

In society, there is an opinion that the use of strong alcoholic beverages, such as vodka and cognac, helps to lower cholesterol levels. This opinion has a certain scientific basis. However, a feature of scientific knowledge is its criticality and plasticity. This is manifested in the fact that the opinions of experts are significantly different, and often completely opposite.

Do not take the advice of laymen in the field of medicine as a basis for behavior.

It is better to ask a health professional about how alcohol affects cholesterol and get a reasoned answer and useful advice.

Opinion "for"

A number of studies indicate that drinking in moderation helps slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. The results of such studies were published in the 60-70s. XX century. According to the findings, daily consumption of relatively small amounts of drinks containing alcohol leads to a decrease in cholesterol. By moderate amounts is meant from 30 to 50 ml in terms of 100% ethyl alcohol.

You can drink alcohol with high cholesterol, but only high-quality, in small quantities and in the absence of contraindications

Most studies indicate that alcohol can increase plasma levels of high-density lipoproteins and decrease low-density lipoproteins. The mechanism of this action of ethyl alcohol remains unexplored to this day. At the moment, the most common hypothesis is the assumption that alcohol affects specific biochemical processes in the body that regulate the synthesis of one or another type of lipoprotein. The result of this influence is a shift in the equilibrium towards the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream, which reduces its total concentration in the blood.

Atherogenic (contributing to the development of atherosclerosis) lipoproteins include lipoproteins with low and very low density. These types of lipid-protein complexes are able to interact with receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells. The most susceptible to such effects are large arteries of the elastic and mixed type: the aorta and the main vessels (carotid, mesenteric, renal, iliac arteries). With elevated cholesterol, the interaction of low-density lipoproteins with receptors increases, which is accompanied by a complex set of biochemical reactions aimed at deposition of cholesterol under the endothelium with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This mechanism is one of the key in the progression of atherosclerosis.

High-density lipoproteins are considered anti-atherogenic lipoproteins. They promote the transfer of cholesterol from peripheral tissues and blood vessels to the liver, where it is involved in a variety of chemical reactions.

An increased level of high-density lipoproteins is also not absolutely safe, but its high concentrations within acceptable limits have a beneficial effect on the state of the endothelium. In other words, high-density lipoproteins “take away” a substrate from atherosclerotic plaques for their further growth.

Thus, when exposed to the receptor mechanisms of lipoprotein metabolism, alcohol also affects the level of cholesterol in the blood. The level of low density lipoproteins gradually falls. And high-density lipoproteins begin to rise. This is the approximate mechanism of the anti-atherogenic effect of moderate daily alcohol consumption.

Opinion "against"

The hypothesis of a positive interaction between alcohol and cholesterol in the blood has many opponents who give quite convincing arguments for their point of view. First, there is a fairly well-founded criticism of the correctness of the execution of studies that have confirmed the positive effect of alcohol on cholesterol levels. Secondly, the inadequacy of the assessment of the reducing effect of alcoholic beverages. It is indicated that for persons who consume alcohol, special risk scales for the occurrence of cardiovascular complications have not been developed.

People who already have elevated triglyceride levels should avoid drinking alcohol.

A well-designed study was carried out. It studied groups of patients who took alcohol in different modes:

• A large amount of alcohol 1 time per week.
• Large amounts of alcohol daily.
• Moderate amount once a week.
• Moderate amount daily.

According to the results of the study, it turned out that in the group of daily consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, there was a significant decrease in the level of total cholesterol. But soon this level returned to the previous one. And the content of high-density lipoproteins, which theoretically should have increased, on the contrary, fell. As for the other groups in the study, there was a regular deterioration in all indicators of lipid metabolism. Thus, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question "Does alcohol use increase or decrease cholesterol levels in the blood?".

From the foregoing, it follows that it is impossible to unequivocally treat the results of any research.

At the moment, the World Health Organization has a positive attitude towards drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily in terms of reducing cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is necessary to coordinate their actions with the attending physician, who can help in choosing the tactics of further behavior.

A lot of people, especially middle-aged and elderly people, are concerned about the question of whether alcohol and cholesterol are combined with each other. We are talking about the possible therapeutic effect that drinking alcohol has on people with elevated "bad" cholesterol, or with clinically significant hypercholesterolemia.

Alcohol and longevity

Historical evidence that indirectly hints that ethanol helps improve the condition of the cardiovascular system seems to be enough.

Everyone knows that a lot of healthy and vigorous people in old age are in the Mediterranean, as well as in the Caucasus, where even in Soviet times there was the highest concentration of centenarians.

Everyone knows that in both cases there is a rich culture of drinking alcoholic beverages, including grape wine and other drinks in which the strength, or specific alcohol content, is much higher.

At the same time, apologists for “healthy alcohol” often ignore many other facts about the diet and lifestyle of older people in these areas.

Life expectancy is greatly influenced by the level of physical activity, climate, clean mountain or sea air, in the case of the Mediterranean, it is food rich in fish, vegetables and various fruits. Of course, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and it is worth exploring this issue from different angles.

The first step is to educate non-medical people about cholesterol and the cholesterol problem. Everyone knows that it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and, in the end, turns into blood clots, interferes with blood circulation, and leads to blockage of the vessels of vital organs.

Blockage of the coronary arteries leads to a heart attack, the arteries of the brain - to a stroke. Depending on the severity, this can be a mild transient circulatory disorder, a severe disorder, or even death. But is there any benefit from cholesterol, and is it always necessary to fight it?

A little about cholesterol

Many will probably be surprised by the fact that cholesterol is not only a harmful substance that accidentally enters the body with fatty foods, but also a vital compound that is synthesized in the body. Cholesterol is synthesized from mevalonic acid, which is the first link in the synthesis, then squalene is formed from it, and only then cholesterol proper through a chain of transformations.

The cholesterol molecule itself surprisingly resembles steroid hormones in its structure, and is their precursor. That is why the synthesis of sex hormones is impossible without cholesterol in the blood, and without cholesterol there would be no difference between men and women. Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of bile acids and vitamin D.

If a person experiences difficulties and is under conditions of nutritional stress, then cholesterol is used as a substrate for nutrition, turns into energy, since it is a fairly energy-intensive compound. Cholesterol is an important structural component for adipose tissue, and it can be firmly said that almost every tissue and organ contains certain amounts of cholesterol. It would be a mistake to think that cholesterol only has a negative effect on the vascular wall.

Without cholesterol, the existence of the human body is generally impossible. If less than necessary is supplied with food, then the body takes all measures to increase its production. There are symptoms of hypocholesterolemia, which are manifested by various mental disorders, as well as a high risk of developing malignant tumors.

Against the background of a deficiency of this compound, the risk of infertility increases sharply, since the synthesis of sex hormones is disrupted, and the concentration of thyroxine in the tissues of the gland decreases. Thus, not only high cholesterol is harmful, its low level is no less dangerous.

Let's figure out whether the intake of ethanol or ethyl alcohol affects the level of cholesterol in the blood, and how much you need to drink so as not to disrupt the system for the synthesis and utilization of cholesterol.

Effect of ethanol on cholesterol metabolism

Indeed, there are irrefutable scientific data that indicate that ethyl alcohol is able to dissolve cholesterol plaques, and thereby remove cholesterol into the bloodstream (that is, increase its concentration). But at the same time, the same ethyl alcohol destroys the very vascular wall, which it helped to slightly clear of cholesterol. And this effect provokes the appearance of new cholesterol plaques where they were not there before.

The vascular network is located in different organs, but the most serious harm to alcohol in relation to the coronary vessels, or arteries that supply blood to the myocardium, or heart muscle. And if we take into account the fact that strong alcohol is often eaten with fatty foods, then it becomes clear that, on the one hand, the effect of alcohol on cholesterol is positive, but, on the other hand, it is negative. Alcohol "prepares a springboard" for the appearance of new cholesterol plaques. How and where does the boundary lie, after which the harmful effects of alcoholic beverages prevail over the beneficial ones?

What kind of alcohol can be drunk without health risks? Does beer raise cholesterol and wine, or not? First, for this you need to drink alcohol no more than once a day. In terms of pure ethyl alcohol, this amount should not exceed 30 ml. It can be 300 - 350 ml of beer, preferably a light and weak, high-quality beer drink, or 150 ml of wine. In terms of vodka, this amount should not exceed 70 ml. It was for this frequency of administration that scientific studies were conducted that showed the likelihood of reducing the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The ideal and most beneficial option is one glass of dry wine per day for women and individuals and men over 65 years of age. Young and healthy men can safely drink two glasses of wine a day. Those people who take a significantly larger amount of alcohol run the risk of disrupting the delicate relationship between vascular cleansing and the effect of alcohol, and fall into the "risk group".

If we talk about biochemical subtleties, then those who take alcohol in the recommended doses achieve a small increase in the level of concentration of "good" cholesterol. "Bad" cholesterol does not change its performance. The meaning of the therapeutic effect of ethanol is that "good" cholesterol competes more successfully with "bad" cholesterol, as a result of which less of it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. This is the second mechanism of the effect of alcohol on the patient's body against the background of high cholesterol, as well as normocholesterolemia.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the age of the patient. So, people over 70 need to halve the dose compared to young people, and any alcohol is strictly contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. So, what kind of alcohol can you drink for medicinal purposes, and are there any differences between the effects of different types of alcoholic beverages?

What drink to choose?

When reviewing alcoholic beverages, we will follow according to the decrease in strength, from strong through wine to beer - after all, Russians are most concerned about whether beer raises cholesterol or not.

Whiskey, brandy, cognac

In many articles devoted to this topic, you can find a separate story about whiskey, about metaxa, about brandy, and even about Artsakh and about chacha. In fact, it does not matter what kind of drink is consumed, the percentage of alcohol content is important to us. Strong alcohol should be consumed in an amount of no more than 30 ml per day, in terms of alcohol, whatever that means.

Naturally, a good strong drink should be natural, distilled from natural grapes, if we are talking about cognac, aged in oak barrels - this is how cognac and whiskey are produced. As a result, these drinks will have not only ethanol, but also various esters, organic acids, compounds and tannins, which give a characteristic color to a particular product, taste and aroma, as well as an aftertaste.

In some cases, this difference between spirits helps give extra chances. So, good cognac increases the body's ability to utilize vitamin C. Whiskey - made from malt contains ellagic acid, which neutralizes free radicals.

Good aged whiskeys have natural antioxidant properties, and can resist "bad" cholesterol even better than the purest vodka. The most important thing is not to spare money, and to find a place where you can buy a real and high-quality product. You should not buy cheap whiskeys and cognacs that are made from low-quality material.

Wine

Among all alcoholic beverages, wine has the largest number of different varieties. In our case, everything can be included in the rating: rosé wines, sparkling, fortified, sweet dessert wines. But the best wine that is good for health is dry red wine, wine made from natural grape material and not fortified.

It is on dry red wine that most clinical studies have been conducted. Thus, it is better not to use champagne, Cahors, strong sherry and Madeira, port wine for medicinal purposes. The fact is that natural red wine contains resveratrol.

It prevents the formation of malignant tumors, reduces inflammation in the body, has a hypoglycemic effect and helps to “curb” bad cholesterol. Those who prefer sweet wines have a higher risk of kidney stones.

Vodka

Good vodka can be called a reference "tester" of pure alcohol, since it contains only water and alcohol. Of course, it is more pleasant to drink vodka infused with berries, for example, strawberry, although there are also lovers of juniper flavor.

In any case, the components of vodka must be of high quality. If you have a good vodka, or pure rubbing alcohol to experiment with different fruits, berries, and dried fruits, then you can combine them as you please, from almond to lingonberry vodka. The only thing to keep in mind is the amount of 30 ml per day, in terms of alcohol, which should not be exceeded.

Beer

Perhaps the largest number of requests are whether beer and cholesterol are combined, and whether there is cholesterol in beer. There is no cholesterol in beer, but the compatibility of beer with high cholesterol is bad. The thing is that even a high-quality natural beer drink, which is not so common and costs good money, contains the so-called phytoestrogens, or analogues of female sex hormones. These hormones are similar in structure to cholesterol, but they are not, and are not able to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels.

Here is another problem. Beer is never drunk in small quantities, and there is even a saying - "water is not beer, you can't drink much." That is why those three, four, and sometimes six liters of beer, drunk in good company, will exert an excessive water load on the vascular bed, overload the heart with volume, cause edema, and raise blood pressure. And if you take into account that beer is often eaten salty, then this also causes a long-term fluid retention in the body. Does beer affect cholesterol? Not directly, but beer leads to a hypertensive crisis.

There is an opinion that alcoholic beverages help lower cholesterol in the blood, that under the influence of alcohol cholesterol is excreted from the body. Some even argue that with the daily use of small portions of alcohol, cholesterol levels can be normalized. But it is known that everyday alcohol consumption is fraught with irreparable consequences for health. So which of the opinions is the most reliable and worthy of attention?

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Alcohol can affect cholesterol levels, scientists say, but drinking alcohol once a week, for example, 30 ml, is enough for this. alcohol or 300 ml. beer, 150 ml. any wine. It is these dosages that can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 35%. But if you take cholesterol-lowering drugs in parallel with this, then alcohol, on the contrary, will provoke an exacerbation of adverse reactions. Also, the use of alcohol is categorically excluded for people with gastrointestinal pathologies and high cholesterol.

Yes, alcoholic beverages can remove cholesterol, but when it enters the bloodstream, ethanol begins to have a destructive effect on the vascular walls, activating the formation and further development of atherosclerotic deposits. Since alcohol is often eaten with fatty and unhealthy foods, this destructive effect is intensified.

But ethanol is even more harmful to the coronary vascular network of the myocardium, namely for those vessels in which there are already signs of cholesterol deposits and atherosclerotic process. With the penetration of alcohol into the myocardium, increased dystrophy of the coronary vessels occurs, the processes of blockage and thrombus formation are stimulated, and the likelihood of a heart attack increases. And these are only cardiovascular lesions, in addition to which alcohol affects and destroys the structure of other organs.

What you need to know about cholesterol

Why does our body need cholesterol, if it only harms us. It turns out it's needed. Cholesterol is a white viscous and oily substance that performs an important function in our body.

• when a person finds himself in extreme conditions of existence, then cholesterol acts as an additional source of energy and calories;
• Normally, cholesterol is a building block for fats, hormones, and glucid compounds. The cholesterol component is present in every cell structure of the human body.

Those who believe that cholesterol molecules enter the body only together with food are mistaken. If this component in the food is not enough, then the body proceeds to produce it independently. If there is not enough cholesterol, then hypocholesterolemia develops, which is dangerous for mental disorders and an increased risk of developing malignant oncological processes. Under the influence of low cholesterol, vascular elasticity, serotonin receptor activity are disturbed, intestinal permeability increases, vitamin D stops being produced normally, the risk of obesity and infertility increases, hyperthyroidism develops, etc.

Low cholesterol is as dangerous as its high content, which creates favorable conditions for the development of atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels provoke thrombosis and the occurrence of vascular congestion, which leads to insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart. As a result, necrosis appears in certain parts of the heart muscle, then the dead tissue is scarred and a heart attack occurs. And because of cholesterol deposits, the vessels become fragile, narrow, blood flow is disturbed, large blood clots form, which interfere with the normal movement of blood and can completely stop it, which leads to death.

Causes of high cholesterol

Experts say that healthy cholesterol is unable to provoke cardiovascular disorders. They develop as a result of its excessive content, which can arise due to many factors.

1. Heredity. If there is a family history of pathological conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, dysbetalipoproteinemia or hyperlipidemia.
2. specific pathologies. It has been proven that renal pathologies such as nephroptosis or kidney failure lead to an increase in cholesterol levels. Also, the cause of hypercholesterolemia is hypertension, pancreatic pathologies (pancreatitis or cancerous tumors), hypothyroidism or diabetes, liver pathologies (cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis), etc.
3. Smoking. Nicotine addiction and passive smoking can provoke the accumulation of cholesterol deposits.
4. The presence of chronic pathological processes over the age of 50 years.
5. The period of pregnancy is characterized by the accumulation of bad cholesterol and a decrease in the level of good cholesterol.
6. Some medicines. Taking diuretic, hormonal and contraceptive drugs leads to an increase in cholesterol levels.
7. Metabolic disorders or obesity.
8. Alcohol dependence or frequent alcohol abuse also contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol reserves in the body.
9. Physical inactivity, inactivity, rare forays into fresh air and lack of physical activity, the abuse of junk food - all this also causes an increase in cholesterol levels.

An interesting fact is that in men, cholesterol in the blood can increase after the age of 35, and in the female population, its normal indicators remain until the menopausal period.

The danger of "treatment" with alcohol

The removal of cholesterol reserves with the help of alcoholic beverages can be dangerous, because ethanol has a destructive effect on all organic structures. As soon as alcohol enters the mouth, an instant reaction occurs, which consists in the active production of gastric juice, causing a feeling of intense hunger. But this juice will contain an increased content of the hydrochloric acid component, which threatens the development of gastric catarrh or gastritis.

In addition, alcohol can provoke the development of inflammation in the gastrointestinal organs, which is often combined with diarrhea and constipation. And regular drinking is fraught with the development of hemorrhoids and gastric ulcers. But the liver, which is involved in its metabolism, receives an even more tangible blow from alcohol. Even small doses of alcohol provoke damage to hepatocyte cell structures, which is dangerous for cirrhosis, hepatitis and sclerotic processes in the liver. It follows that alcohol and cholesterol are substances that cannot be combined in any way. And even more so, you can’t even try to reduce cholesterol levels through drinking alcohol.

To reduce cholesterol deposits, it is not at all necessary to take a lot of different drugs, sometimes you can solve the problem with the help of some adjustments in the diet. With food, only 25% of cholesterol enters the body, and the remaining 75% is produced by our liver. To reduce this substance, it is recommended to limit its intake with products. During a diet with cholesterol, it is recommended to exclude or reduce to a minimum the consumption of foods like:

• fatty meat;
• fatty dairy products (sour cream, cream, cheeses) and butter;
• egg yolk;
• offal (heart, beef brain, kidney or liver);
• fast food
• sausage products;
• confectionery products containing margarine;
• coconut and palm oil.

Nutritionists say that there are foods that help lower cholesterol levels. These include fresh fruits (grapefruit, avocados, apples, grapes) and bran, vegetables (tomatoes and carrots or pumpkins and beets), and legumes. From drinks recommended green tea, grape juice. For the normal course of lipid-exchange processes, the body needs polyunsaturated acids, which are found in unrefined oils like linseed, sunflower, corn or olive.

What we have. Alcohol can help reduce cholesterol deposits, but only if consumed once a week and in minimal amounts. If you abuse alcohol daily, then the results will be disastrous. Therefore, the best way to normalize cholesterol levels is an active life and a healthy diet.

There is an opinion that the use of alcoholic beverages has a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels. It can be heard that alcoholics have the healthiest blood vessels when compared to those who drink moderately or don't drink. At the same time, they add that they have problems with other organs, and everything is in order with the blood lines. You can also find a lot of advice on the need to drink a small amount of wine, cognac or beer daily. According to such statements, this is a very good way to rid your body of cholesterol in the blood. However, there are also allegations that alcoholic beverages in any quantity and quality, be it beer, wine or vodka, are harmful to the human body.

Which of these opinions to believe? To understand which one is correct, you need to understand what alcohol and cholesterol are, how they interact with each other and what harms the human body more. Producers of wines, beer, vodka and other alcoholic beverages spend a lot of money on advertising their products. The huge alcohol industry pays for a lot of research that aims to show the public the usefulness of their products. Various publications in numerous newspapers, magazines, online resources, books prove the benefits of regularly drinking this or that alcoholic product. They are aimed at increasing sales and extracting large profits. In this case, no one is interested in human health, except for the person himself. Only by understanding all the processes that occur in the body under the influence of alcoholic beverages, as well as the process of cholesterol formation, its harm to internal organs and systems, one can decide on this issue.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol in the blood is a white substance, oily consistency, waxy and viscous form. This substance is in the group of polycyclic alcohols, sterols, which are classified as steroids. Cholesterol does not have any special dangerous properties by itself. Its harmlessness and necessity are noted. In extreme cases, it is cholesterol that acts as an additional supply of calories, which in emergency situations can prolong and save a person's life. If this substance is in the body at a normal level, then it goes to the production of hormones, glucides and fats. But the most interesting thing is that it is cholesterol that is an integral part of every cell of the entire human body.

It is erroneously believed that cholesterol enters the body only with consumed high-calorie foods. This is wrong. The body itself produces a substance in a larger volume than it comes with the food consumed. If it is not supplied enough from the outside, the body begins to pump up the volumes of its own cholesterol produced, because its lack will lead to a serious deterioration in health. The overwhelming amount of fats entering the body is broken down in the liver into cholesterol, which is excreted as bile, enters the blood stream and is evenly distributed among living cells. But for those whose food is overloaded with high-calorie foods and who lead a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol is burned poorly. As a result of the fact that the calorie content of food is increased, the blood flow is oversaturated with wax particles, which randomly accumulate in various places, forming barriers and preventing blood flow.

With high cholesterol, its destructive effect does not end there. It combines red blood cells with each other, which leads to their accumulation. Because of this, they move through the bloodstream not separately, but in whole groups, creating congestion, thereby interfering with the full supply of oxygen and nutrients to the main human motor - in the heart. The result of this process is the death of tissues on the myocardium, scarring at the site of dead tissues and myocardial infarction. But in addition to this, this substance covers the arterial walls, has a destructive effect on them, contributing to the appearance of deposits and their progression. For this reason, the arterial walls lose their elasticity and elasticity, become very fragile, which makes it difficult for the blood flow to pulsate and makes the blood flow channel itself very narrow. Blood circulation becomes slow, provoking the appearance of blood clots, which further impede blood flow and can stop it completely. The result is death.

The destructive effect of saving alcohol

Alcohol is not less harmful, but more so. To be convinced of this, it is necessary to trace the entire path that it makes from the moment it enters the body. As soon as drops of alcohol are in the mouth, the stomach immediately begins to secrete juice, which leads to a strong feeling of hunger. For this reason, proponents of alcoholic beverages as a medicinal product claim that they improve appetite. But there is little joy in this, because the juice in the stomach is secreted in large quantities and with a high content of hydrochloric acid and the absence of the pepsin enzyme necessary for the process of digestion of incoming food. There is an appearance and development of catarrh of the stomach and gastritis, the symptoms of which are well known for severe pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

When alcohol enters the stomach only, great harm is done. Further in the intestine, it provokes inflammatory processes that lead to enterocolitis. With this disease, there is a disorder of the stool. For a complete picture of digestive system diseases, add stomach ulcers and hemorrhoids. But this is the tip of the iceberg. As soon as the gastrointestinal tract experiences pathological processes, the rest of the body experiences difficulties with incoming nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements. And this provokes the appearance and development of many pathologies.

The alcohol then goes to the liver. It becomes a powerful defense structure before the substance enters the bloodstream and affects all the cells and tissues of the body. The liver is the main organ for neutralizing toxic substances that have entered the body. But alcohol is a strong opponent, having entered the body in small quantities, from 50 to 70 g, it already damages the liver. Violations are temporary, but if the process is regular, then from temporary they turn into permanent ones. Further alcohol consumption leads to degeneration of liver tissues, degeneration, accompanied by the death of organ cells. The development of connective tissue in their place leads to a disease such as chronic hepatitis, gradually leading to liver sclerosis.

The effect of alcohol on cholesterol

Where did the myth about healthy blood vessels come from then? The fact is that alcohol affects the removal of white matter from the blood. But as soon as it enters the blood, it begins destructive activity with the walls of blood vessels, provoking the appearance and development of atherosclerosis. However, while drinking alcohol, they are snacked on fatty foods, which complement the effect of destroying blood lines.

The destruction doesn't end there. Alcohol carries the greatest danger for the coronary vessels of the heart muscle, which have signs of developing atherosclerosis. As soon as ethanol enters the heart tissues through the blood, it enhances the developing dystrophy of these vessels, stimulating thrombus formation, blockage of blood vessels and the occurrence of myocardial infarction. But you need to understand that these are only particulars. As soon as alcohol enters the blood after the liver, it rushes to all internal organs, to all systems, cells and tissues, having a destructive effect on them.

How is cholesterol removed from the body with alcohol?

You can hear such an expression that. Expanding vessels allow you to increase blood flow, through which some deposits on the walls of the vessels disappear. After the vessels return to their previous state, the blood flow encounters fewer obstacles in its path, it improves, which to some extent has a positive effect on the health of the body.

It is noted that ethanol that has entered the blood has an effect on the formation of blood clots, facilitating their dissolution. Those who regularly drink alcohol on an empty stomach, increased blood clotting. These are small quantities.

Should I get rid of cholesterol with alcohol?

Summarize. Spirits producers convince the consumer that alcohol in small quantities is good and healthy. But if you look closely at everything that happens through the fault of alcohol, then the positive effect of its intake is doubtful. The fact is sometimes cited that on the Mediterranean coast and in the Caucasus people regularly drink wine and live very long, feeling healthy until old age. Here you can see obvious craftiness, because the inhabitants of these regions are greatly influenced by climate, air and food consumed. For example, the influence of seafood, which is traditionally included in the menu of coastal residents, is very beneficial for the health of the body. The inhabitants of the plains have nothing to oppose to such a diet or the mountain air of the Caucasus.

Therefore, the prevention of alcohol in small, and even more so in large doses in any of its qualities is harmful to humans. As for the expansion of blood vessels, physical activity helps a lot. Proper nutrition with a moderate calorie content contributes to the fight against cholesterol.

The combination of regular physical activity and proper nutrition regenerates a person.

He feels better, enters a state in which thoughts are clear, consciousness is bright. A new worldview appears, a good mood, despite the bad weather. No stimulant or alcohol has this effect.

Thanks for the feedback

Comments

Megan92 () 2 weeks ago

Has anyone managed to save her husband from alcoholism? Mine drinks without drying up, I don’t know what to do ((I thought of getting a divorce, but I don’t want to leave the child without a father, and I feel sorry for my husband, he’s a great person when he doesn’t drink

Daria () 2 weeks ago

I have already tried so many things and only after reading this article, I managed to wean my husband from alcohol, now he doesn’t drink at all, even on holidays.

Megan92 () 13 days ago

Daria () 12 days ago

Megan92, so I wrote in my first comment) I will duplicate it just in case - link to article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't this a divorce? Why sell online?

Yulek26 (Tver) 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in? They sell on the Internet, because shops and pharmacies set their markup brutal. In addition, payment is only after receipt, that is, they first looked, checked and only then paid. And now everything is sold on the Internet - from clothes to TVs and furniture.

Editorial response 10 days ago

Sonya, hello. This drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence is indeed not sold through the pharmacy chain and retail stores in order to avoid overpricing. Currently, you can only order official website. Be healthy!

Sonya 10 days ago

Sorry, I didn't notice at first the information about the cash on delivery. Then everything is in order for sure, if the payment is upon receipt.

Margo (Ulyanovsk) 8 days ago

Has anyone tried folk methods to get rid of alcoholism? My father drinks, I can not influence him in any way ((

Of course, everyone notes the harm in alcohol abuse. But many argue that people who drink alcohol do not suffer from vascular diseases. Because alcohol allegedly lowers cholesterol in the blood. Because of this, they cannot get atherosclerosis. Many doctors are supporters of this campaign and recommend small doses of alcohol for healthy blood vessels. So far, we have not been able to answer this question unambiguously. The controversy continues. Some argue that the myth about the benefits of alcohol is supported by manufacturers, while others say that you can drink, but not abuse it. Many people aspire. And alcohol among its lovers is almost a panacea for vascular diseases.

Alcohol has no direct effect on blood cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol and alcoholic beverages

As a result of studies, a dependence of cholesterol levels on the use of alcoholic beverages was found: alcohol increases cholesterol with a moderate intake of 4 mg / dl due to HDL. It also increases with alcohol abuse. In the case when a person finds an increased concentration of cholesterol, doctors do not strictly prohibit alcohol. It can be drunk, but in small doses.

For those using cholesterol-lowering medications, it is important to remember that alcohol can increase the side effects of these medications. With high cholesterol, moderate alcohol consumption can prevent the occurrence of serious diseases such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The probability of their development is reduced by a third. Excessive alcohol intake increases the content of triglycerides in the blood, which often disrupts the functioning of the brain, liver, and heart.

The effect of alcohol on cholesterol levels

All alcoholic drinks are made from alcohol. It is made from cereals, potatoes, beets. It contains many components, including harmful fusel oils. The raw product is distilled and purified by means of technological processing. But even after that, harmful substances remain there: aldehydes, phenols, ethers, salts of heavy metals. Also, during the production, various chemical dyes and flavorings are added to strong drinks. There is no cholesterol in alcohol.

Drinking alcohol affects cholesterol levels in different ways. It depends on the method of preparation, on the strength of the drink. In the case of moderate consumption of high-quality alcohol, you should not worry about raising cholesterol.

Whiskey

The use of whiskey (40 - 45 degrees) can be justified by the properties that are obtained during production. Wheat, rye, barley are used as raw materials for the preparation of the drink. A complex production mechanism, in which cereal seeds are germinated and dried in a hot way, allows the grains to retain useful substances. Whiskey contains many antioxidants that thin the blood and improve the condition of the vascular system. Ellagic acid, which is part of the drink, protects blood vessels from and tones up the work of the heart.

Cognac

Cognac is obtained by distilling white wine. During preparation, it is aged in oak barrels. The composition of this drink includes tannin, organic acids, ethyl esters, tannins. Cognac has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It promotes the absorption of vitamin C by the body. A small dose of the drink will benefit in case of high cholesterol, improve well-being, improve the condition of blood vessels and blood circulation.

Wine

Wines vary in strength and composition. The fortress can vary from 9 to 25 degrees. For the manufacture of wine grapes of different varieties, fruits and berries are used. As a result, the wine is white, red, rosé, dry, semi-dry and sweet. Wine made from grapes contains many useful substances: antioxidants and vitamins. Red wine contains the highest amount of antioxidants.

It is red wine that can significantly improve blood composition, strengthen blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels.

Vodka

The components of forty-degree vodka are grain alcohol and water. To improve the taste of the drink, manufacturers add various components from plants there: fruits, berries, oak bark, birch leaves, spices, flavorings. Small doses of vodka dilate blood vessels, increase blood circulation, relieve symptoms of atherosclerosis. But you need to know that the use of vodka and cholesterol levels are directly related. The abuse of vodka will lead to, worsen human health. In addition, this drink can increase blood sugar levels.

Beer

Beer and cholesterol are in the same relationship as vodka. Large doses of beer increase cholesterol levels. At the same time, the processes of fat accumulation are stimulated, the vessels narrow, which disrupts the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It will be useful for lovers of beer drink to know if there is cholesterol in beer. No. But it contains phytoestrogen, which in men increases the level of estrogen, thereby provoking cardiovascular disease.

Safe Drinking Alcohol to Lower Cholesterol

What do doctors mean when they recommend drinking alcohol in moderation? How to lower cholesterol without harming your health? Since drinks differ in strength, the daily norm for strong drinks is no more than 30 ml, and for low alcohol drinks - no more than 150 ml. In general, to dissolve cholesterol deposits, doctors advise taking the recommended dose once a week. In this case, alcohol will be able to favorably and safely affect the body: the vessels will expand and strengthen, the work of the heart will improve, and blood flow will increase. This mode of consumption will make the arteries flexible and strong.

Alcohol abuse will cross out all its useful properties.

As you can see, the rate of alcohol to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system is significantly different from the generally accepted use. There is no point in talking about the benefits of strong drinks if the rules are not followed. It should be noted that a variety of cocktails, liqueurs do not bring any benefit. In addition, many people, getting into alcohol addiction, cannot limit themselves to the recommended limits. Therefore, such "treatment" leads only to negative results.