Everything has two sides. While drinking alcohol poses significant risks, it is not entirely harmful. If one follows the proper methods outlined in this article, many accidents can be avoided. 1. Alcohol's primary component is ethanol, which provides comprehensive disinfection from the mouth to the gastrointestinal tract. 2. Another key component is water, which quenches thirst and promotes longevity.
Third, it is widely known that moderate drinking can invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis.
Fourth, I unexpectedly discovered that heavy drinking can cure ailments—specifically, lovesickness, heartbreak, and forgetfulness—truly making them vanish with a drink.
Fifth, I found that what people call the "remedy for regret" is actually alcohol.
VI. Through extensive clinical trials, I've observed that drinking accelerates liver development, fostering a more robust physique.
VII. Alcohol lubricates the intestines for bowel regularity, promotes diuresis and mental clarity, and cures underarm odor, athlete's foot, phimosis, non-gonococcal urethritis, and more.
VIII. Drinking delays aging, regulates gastrointestinal function, and boosts immunity.
9. Alcohol can regulate endocrine imbalances and alleviate menopausal syndrome.
10. Alcohol provides an excuse to dodge bills and score free meals. And so on.
How does modern medicine interpret the benefits of drinking?
1. Stress Relief
Sometimes your mind races all day without finding clarity.And tomorrow brings even more tasks. When a friend invites you out for drinks at that moment, it's nothing short of perfect. Before drinking, tomorrow's tasks seem impossibly daunting. But after a few rounds, those worries suddenly feel absurd: "What's so hard about it? People handle these things. If the sky falls, someone taller will catch it." You adopt a carefree attitude.
II. Dispelling Sorrow
No one is a saint; we all have moments when we can't shake off our troubles. We know dwelling on them is useless, yet we can't help but think about them, unable to control ourselves. At times like this, it's best to share a drink with friends. Before drinking, you might feel like the unluckiest person in the world, but after drinking, you feel like the happiest.
III. Bolstering Courage
Even the boldest souls face moments of hesitation, words too awkward to voice. Sober, what ought to be said, what one longs to utter, remains stuck in the throat. But after drinking, fueled by courage, it doesn't matter who sits across the table—no regard for propriety, no holding back. "Love" that once lay heavy on the heart, impossible to speak, now spills out freely.
IV. Relieving Fatigue
Before drinking, the mind feels sluggish, energy wanes, and the body aches. After a good drink, everything feels unblocked. If you catch a little nap afterward, it feels truly wonderful.
The Benefits of Drinking
When consumed in moderation, accompanied by good food, and enjoyed with a cheerful mood, drinking can often turn harm into benefit, yielding unexpected advantages.
Since alcohol metabolism in the liver requires multiple enzymes and vitamins, higher-proof spirits consume more of these nutrients. Timely replenishment is essential. Fresh vegetables, fish, lean meats, beans, and eggs all make suitable accompaniments.However, foods like salted fish, sausages, and cured meats contain pigments and nitrites. When reacting with alcohol, these not only harm the liver but also damage the mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus. Therefore, they should not be overused as accompaniments.
Drinking Without Food Harms the Liver
Some people drink alcohol without eating any food, which can damage the liver.From a health perspective, the higher the alcohol content, the more important it is to consume dishes rich in animal protein. This is also a key tip for drinking. Liver-protecting medications available on the market contain methionine and choline. Beef, roasted chicken, fish, other animal-based foods, and soy products are rich in methionine and choline.
Therefore, eating these foods is equivalent to taking liver-protecting medication.Alkaline foods like vinegar-based cold dishes, leafy greens, and fruits also benefit liver health. Additionally, since both alcohol and meat are acidic, pairing drinks with alkaline foods like vegetables neutralizes acidity, reducing liver strain. Consuming fish, chicken, tofu, and fermented black beans while drinking is also beneficial.
So, what are the downsides of drinking?
Scientific research indicates that consuming 80-150 grams of baijiu daily for five consecutive years can cause liver damage. Heavy baijiu consumption over 20 years leads to cirrhosis in 40%-50% of individuals. Daily intake of 200 grams of baijiu sustained for ten years can result in fatty liver disease. Alcohol's damaging effects on the liver primarily stem from ethanol itself and its metabolic byproduct, acetaldehyde.Accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde reduces the biological activity of enzymes within liver cells, disrupting normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This alters cell membrane structure, leading to liver cell damage, fat deposition, and potentially liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Additionally, acetaldehyde is a vasoactive substance that can cause capillary dilation.Some individuals lack sufficient acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, preventing rapid conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid. Consequently, even small amounts of liquor can cause facial flushing, neck, and chest redness. Severe cases may present with palpitations, shortness of breath, or depression. Mild alcoholic liver disease often lacks noticeable symptoms, while severe cases may manifest as decreased appetite, nausea, abdominal distension, hepatomegaly, jaundice, or ascites.Laboratory tests may reveal varying degrees of liver function abnormalities, with elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) being particularly prominent. In summary, social engagements are often unavoidable, and it can be difficult to control oneself to drink in moderation. But hey, life is about enjoying yourself, and often it's all about adapting on the fly!