In our linguistic usage, the term alcohol usually means ethanol. This alcohol is produced by the natural fermentation of sugar. In 1857, Luis Pasteur discovered that this is a metabolic product of microorganisms. Alcohol is a colorless and burning-tasting liquid that is lighter than water and evaporates at about 78 degrees Celsius. Alcohol is highly flammable and burns with a blue flame. Liquids in nature have an alcohol content of no more than 15 percent; in higher concentrations, alcohol is a preservative poison. Since the 20th century, alcohol has also been produced synthetically for technical purposes.
Effect of alcohol on humans
Alcohol has an intoxicating effect when ingested by humans. It is absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach and by the small intestine and is distributed throughout the body. Alcohol has an intoxicating effect when ingested by humans. It is absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach and by the small intestine and is distributed throughout the body. The nervous system and liver are particularly sensitive to alcohol. Every little intoxication destroys nerve cells and strains the liver. On the central nervous system, alcohol acts like a sedative. Ethanol is stored in the cell membranes of the nerve cells, restricting the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system. The mood eases and fears or worries subside. In small quantities, alcohol has a stimulating effect; when the alcohol content in the blood increases, the central nervous system is dampened. The ability to react and judge diminishes. This can lead to impaired consciousness. In the body, alcohol is treated as a poison and is broken down with priority. Thus, fat metabolism slows down. Fat is consumed less and stored in adipose tissue. Up to 90 percent of the ingested alcohol is broken down by oxidation in the liver.
Alcohol in medicine as a drug
Alcohol has proven to be an extremely effective antiseptic and disinfectant. If 50 to 80 percent alcohol is contained in an alcohol-water mixture, it will kill all bacteria and, to a limited extent, viruses. In the production of medicines from plant-based active ingredients that are not water-soluble, alcohol is considered an important organic solvent and a carrier substance for the ingredients. Its preservative effect is also useful in the manufacture of medicines. Used as a liniment, alcohol causes increased blood flow to the skin. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, an alcohol solution applied externally is also a means of pain relief and cooling, especially effective for insect bites. A healing effect of alcohol as a drink has not been proven.
Dangers and addiction associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is a drug and, when consumed in excess, leads to life-threatening alcohol poisoning. Constant alcohol consumption over a long period of time causes irreparable damage to the organism and the soul. There is a high risk of physical and physical dependence. Overstraining the liver in the breakdown of alcohol permanently impairs it. From fatty liver to liver inflammation to liver cirrhosis, the liver’s ability to detoxify the body continuously decreases. Consequential diseases set in and the quality of life is significantly reduced. High blood pressure and impairment of the cardiovascular system are also among the negative effects, as are depression and infertility. It is not uncommon for serious illnesses to take a fatal course as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. A new study by the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke on 364,000 people across Europe shows that about ten percent of cancers in men and about three percent in women are attributable to increased alcohol consumption. Many diseases can be avoided by abstaining from alcohol.
