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BRAIN
“ Alcohol tends to destroy the higher forms of cells , those directly concerned with the vital processes , particularly the delicate brain cells , and to replace them with useless and harmful connective tissue , or what is commonly known as scar tissue .” [ American Prohibition Year Book , 1912 ] Alcohol slows the rhythm of the brain waves retarding the intellectual processes . When alcohol is present in the body , the brain tissue does not use as much oxygen as normally . Reliable statistics demonstrate that the total abstainer has an advantage of at least 21 % over the moderate drinker . Under its influence people are persuaded easily to do things completely contrary to their established ideals . Alcohol alters the functions of the brain , thus qualifies as a drug . The reason a person feels elated under the influence of alcohol is that the intellectual functions of his brain are suppressed . With the usual inhibitions removed , he says and does things that he would ordinarily refrain from . A vicious cycle is established whereby the inadequate or frustrated person drinks more and more in order to keep himself from demonstrating his supposed personal shortcomings . The use of liquor as a release from unpleasant reality is more of a temptation to an unsuccessful person than it is to one who feels happy in his accomplishments . Alcohol anesthetizes the conscience and stupefies the intellect . In larger doses it acts as an anesthetic but its margin of safety is lower than conventional anesthetics . Alcohol gives a sense of power and ability but it diminishes both physical and mental capacity . Alcohol seemingly brings a sense of energy , but actually reduces it , since the calories released from alcohol as it metabolizes in the body cannot be used to produce muscular work . Alcohol offers a false security of health but in
reality it ruins it . Alcohol cannot nourish for it is not a nutrient . With increasing concentrations of alcohol in one ‟ s body tissues , the early stage of exhilaration gives way to a stage of depression of the vital functions . Delirium tremens are a complication in which a person may become confused and disorientated sometimes resulting in hallucinations . This drunkard may become very nervous and emotionally disturbed . Sometimes their muscles tremble excessively . This also explains the withdrawing alcoholic seeing grotesque things such as pink elephants .
[ You & Your Health , v3 , p . 243 ]
One glass of wine is enough to dangerously reduce one ‟ s ability to drive an automobile . At least one half of the fatalities in highway accidents are traceable to someone „ s use of alcohol . [ You and Your Health , v1 , p . 204 , 420 ]
BONES
All alcoholic beverages increase uric acid levels in the blood . Beer has the greatest impact for those suffering from gout . Women who drink one glass of wine per day are at 2.3 time greater risk of hip fracture and also osteoporosis . Alcohol alters the function of the cells that generate bone tissue causing them to form less bone tissue than that which is destroyed .
CANCER
The General Direction of Health in Portugal conducted a study : The greater the wine consumption , the higher the risk of stomach cancer . Less than one glass per day are at 36 % higher risk ; one bottle per day 4x the risk . Women , who drink alcoholic beverages , even in small amounts , are at higher risk for breast cancer .