To live a happy and healthy life, you need to maintain proper nutrition throughout each day. From remembering to eat your fruits and vegetables (as mom and dad told you during your toddler years) to drinking plenty of water, remembering to stay on track and feed essential fuels into your body is a huge factor for maintaining proper health and (most important of all) living a long and youthful life. In the case of alcoholics, though, life isn’t so healthy. Besides consuming gallons (in total) of the drug alcohol, these men and women will fail to consumes nutritious foods, drinks, and vitamins essential for a fit lifestyle. Likewise, even if they do eat properly, none of the nutrients will be absorbed and (instead) will be overpowered by booze. Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol directly impacts nutrition.
Proper Nutrition Breakdown
Simply put, here is how your digestive system is supposed to function. Once food reaches the mouth, bacteria and enzymes in the saliva start to break down the physical structure, a process that continues through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines (with some big help from the pancreas). Later, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream (via the intestinal tract) and head directly for the liver, where they are stored for later use.
Alcohol Interferes Again
With an intricate process like this, you can see why alcohol throws a massive wedge into your healthy lifestyle. Here is how this drug inhibits the digestive process:
- Putting a damper on the secretion of digestive enzymes (produced by the pancreas)
- Damaging stomach and intestinal cells, therefore preventing absorption of nutrients
- Preventing nutrients from being transported through the bloodstream
- Preventing the body from using these nutrients to the full potential
Keep in mind that, if people fail to eat properly, nutritional deficiencies will also add to this continuous cycle of malnutrition and sickness.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder is a dangerous mental illness that should not be taken lightly. Whether a person you know frequently abuses alcohol or has turned into a full-blown drunk, both cases involve some aspect of this dangerous disease. As we have seen, excessive drinking and alcoholism leads to poor nutrition, which can lead to an unhealthy and unhappy lifestyle. The good news, though, is that you can easily grab the wheel and turn your life back around. By dropping alcohol and eating properly, you can become that happy healthy person you used to be.
Are you, a friend, or a loved one suffering from a severe form of alcohol use disorder? If so, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your alcohol use disorder today.