How alcohol is broken down in the body
The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase breaks down alcohol in the liver. This produces the cell toxin acetaldehyde, which is also the cause of our hangover after a night of drinking. The liver then converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid (acetate), which in turn is excreted via urine, sweat and breath.
Alcohol dehydrates the body
Dehydration inhibits the release of ADH. However, the so-called antidiuretic hormone is actually supposed to ensure that we retain fluid in the body and that it is transported into our cells. If it is inhibited by ethanol, the water is excreted via the kidneys. The body therefore not only loses water, but also important electrolytes, which are crucial for the sodium-potassium balance and therefore for cell health.
A month without alcohol: what it does to our body
1. the liver regenerates - the efficient organ can finally concentrate on important things again, such as the breakdown of toxins produced by the body or a functional fat metabolism.
2. you lose weight - automatically, because alcohol not only contains a lot of calories, it also inhibits fat burning. The more frequently and heavily you drink, the worse your metabolism works. The fat practically ends up directly on your hips, because the body concentrates on the alcohol-induced breakdown of toxins first.
3. you can concentrate better - your brain power increases and you are more focused and motivated. If you constantly drink too much, you do lasting damage to your brain. Alzheimer's can also be a later result of years of alcohol abuse.