The myth of the benefits: Belgorod explained why there is no safe dose of alcohol

Residents of the Belgorod region were told about the connection between alcohol consumption and oncology. The topic was revealed by the deputy head doctor of the regional oncological dispensary for outpatient and polyclinical care Nadezhda Demin.

DNA at risk

Alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer even with small use, and the more a person drinks, the higher it is. The connection is established with seven types of tumors: mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum, in women, breast cancer is also added.

After drinking, ethanol quickly enters the bloodstream, and most of it is processed in the liver. In the process, acetaldehyde is formed - a highly toxic substance that can damage the DNA of cells.

With regular exposure, disorders in the DNA accumulate, which can lead to the development of a tumor. Alcohol increases oxidative stress, affects the metabolism of folate, changes the level of sex hormones and the state of the intestinal microflora, and also increases the effect of carcinogens of tobacco smoke.

Which organs are taking the hit?

The liver copes with the load for a long time without obvious symptoms, but gradually inflammation and cirrhosis develop in it. When alcohol is broken down, substances are formed that destroy organ cells, trigger inflammation and activate genes that are responsible for the growth of tumors.

The first blow is taken by the respiratory and digestive organs. There is an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus.

One of the frequent types of cancer is breast cancer. Alcohol increases the level of estrogen in the blood and enhances the action of other carcinogens.

Alcohol has been linked to colon and rectal cancer. It passes through the entire intestine, and if a person has vulnerable areas in the DNA due to genetics, it acts even more aggressively. The product of ethanol processing - acetaldehyde - directly damages intestinal cells, provoking mutations.

Alcohol changes the microflora, increases the permeability of the intestinal wall and disrupts the exchange of folate, creating conditions for the appearance of a tumor.

Expensive doesn't mean safe

The health benefits of red wine or cognac are a medical myth. Ethanol has a carcinogenic effect, so the type of drink and its price do not matter.

According to the WHO, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, because any dose increases the risk of cancer. Avoiding alcohol or reducing it is a way to avoid illness. More details - in the material "BelPress".

Earlier, Belgorod residents were told how to form the right eating habits in a child.