In addition to laboratory studies confirming the impact of alcohol consumption on the innate immune system, several studies have looked at how heavy drinking can alter plasma cytokine levels. To this end, one study analyzed IL-10, IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels in 25 non-treating seeking heavy drinkers after they had consumed an alcoholic drink. The researchers reported significant reductions in the TNF-α levels three and six hours after the alcohol consumption. Even light or moderate drinking may affect immunity, especially when combined with poor sleep, high stress, gut dysfunction, and poor nutrition.
Effects of alcohol on adaptive immunity
Elevated blood pressure due to alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications. Read more to find out why heavy drinking and immune health just aren’t compatible. It is no surprise that the key to boosting your immune system is a healthy lifestyle—which includes good nutrition, plenty of sleep, regular exercise, no smoking, and avoidance of stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines excessive drinking as eight or more drinks a week for women, and 15 or more drinks a week for men. The CDC also defines binge drinking as four or more drinks in two to three hours for women, or five or more drinks in that same time period for men. HIV infection progression depends on CD4 T cell counts, and anti-retroviral treatment reportedly depends on the use or withdrawal of alcohol consumption 58.
Implications of Short-Term Effects
Research has demonstrated that long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy. Alcohol misuse can also lead to high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), or increased heart rate. Chronic, heavy drinking raises the risk for ischemic heart disease (heart problems caused by narrowed arteries) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- One in three people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis.
- This gut-immune connection means that a compromised gut barrier triggers the immune system inappropriately, leading to increased inflammation and reduced immune resilience.
- If it’s going too high, they can provide recommendations to keep it managed.
What is stress?
The body’s resilience is a powerful ally—honor it with patience and persistence. We need lots of different ‘good’ bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract for healthy immune function. Even drinking a little too much (binge drinking) on occasion can set off a chain reaction that affects your well-being. Lowered inhibitions can lead to poor choices with lasting repercussions — like the end of a relationship, an accident or legal woes. Each of those consequences can cause turmoil that can negatively affect your long-term emotional health. If you drink every day, or almost every day, you might notice that you catch colds, flu or other illnesses more frequently than people who don’t drink.
Together, we can make informed decisions that empower us on our wellness journeys. We encourage you to reflect on your drinking habits and consider how they align with your health goals. There are lots of illnesses going around, and we are often stuck indoors—which can also mean excessive eating and drinking.
- By recognizing the specific ways alcohol weakens the immune system, individuals can make informed choices to safeguard their health.
- Drinking too much alcohol can weaken the immune system, making the body a much easier target for disease.
- This distinction highlights the unique, preventable nature of alcohol’s impact on liver and immune health.
- Schmidt et al. observed that alcoholic individuals are more susceptible and have higher mortality due to pneumonia than non-alcoholic individuals 39.
For instance, a person planning to attend a social event where drinking is likely could strategically hydrate before and after, as dehydration exacerbates alcohol’s effects on immunity. Additionally, pairing alcohol with food slows does alcohol lower immune system absorption, reducing peak blood alcohol levels and minimizing immune suppression. These simple measures can serve as a buffer against the immediate immunological consequences of alcohol consumption.
Oxidative Stress and Organ Impact
While this metabolic shift may benefit vaccine responses, it poses a risk for individuals with autoimmune diseases by sustaining pathogenic antibody production. T cells, especially what is Oxford House regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells, also exhibit altered functionality. Tregs, which maintain immune tolerance and prevent excessive activation, are often reduced in number and function after prolonged alcohol consumption.
Alcohol and Autoimmunity: How Drinking Affects the Immune System
Hydration is critical—aim for 3–4 liters of water daily to flush toxins. Incorporate immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts, which provide vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Mouth https://35.168.0.236/sudden-death-in-alcoholism-uncovering-the-silent/ sores, rash, dizziness, and abnormalities in blood counts can also be seen but are less common. Methotrexate can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. If you develop an infection while using this medication, you should stop it and contact your doctor.