Does Alcohol Lower Your Immune System?

Many people who have never struggled with alcohol use before are finding themselves drinking more and more at a time when promoting optimal immune health is incredibly important. Each of these events is mediated by the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), which can be inhibited by alcohol consumption and thus prevent the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo studies have confirmed that binge drinking with a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.4% can reduce the production of various inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-12.

In a clinical case study reviewed in this issue, Trevejo-Nunez and colleagues report on systemic and organ-specific immune pathologies often seen in chronic drinkers. In such patients, alcohol impairs mucosal immunity in the gut and lower respiratory system. This impairment can lead to sepsis and pneumonia and also increases the incidence and extent of postoperative complications, including delay in wound closure. HIV/AIDS is a disease in which mucosal immunity already is under attack. Bagby and colleagues review substantial evidence that alcohol further disrupts the immune system, significantly increasing the likelihood of HIV transmission and progression. The gastrointestinal system is typically the first point of contact for alcohol as it passes through the body and is where alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Respiratory Complications

This happens in many ways that we’re just beginning to understand. When you https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a lot of alcohol, it has many negative effects on your digestive system. It damages the epithelial cells in your intestines, making it harder to absorb many nutrients. It also severely disturbs your gut’s microbiome, significantly altering the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Alcohol affects the way health gut microbes interact with the immune system.

The best way to deal with health issues stemming from alcohol use disorder, including compromised immune function, is to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. But even moderate alcohol consumption is thought to have some effect on the immune system and, potentially, on how your body handles any bacterial or viral infections you may face in the following days. These effects are worse if you practice binge drinking or heavy drinking over a period of a few days. The sudden volume of alcohol can shock the system and suppress the immune system function for some time.

COVID-19: Alcohol and your immune system: What you might not know

It can cause myriad does alcohol weaken your immune system problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, birth defects, heart disease, stroke, psychological problems, and dementia. Counseling and a few medications can be effective for alcoholism treatment.