Alcohol and blood pressure - a drink a day..
Article Abstract:
A 1995 study on how alcohol effects blood pressure in the presence of dexamethasone may shed light on the physiologic effects of alcohol. Although alcohol itself dilates blood vessels, it appears to stimulate sympathetic nerves which cause blood vessels to contract. Thus the overall effect is an increase in blood pressure. The study found that dexamethasone blocked this blood pressure effect when alcohol was infused into the blood of healthy subjects. Since dexamethasone blocks the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), perhaps alcohol increases blood pressure by increasing the release of CRH. This study only regards the short-term effect of alcohol intake. Some studies have shown that heavy, long-term drinking causes hypertension. On the other hand, moderate alcohol consumption is known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Thus, moderate alcohol consumption may still be recommended.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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The effect of ethanol on fat storage in healthy subjects
Article Abstract:
Alcohol (ethanol) may affect fat metabolism, and those who drink it regularly may gain weight. The metabolism of different nutrients by eight healthy, non-alcoholic men was studied during two 48-hour sessions in an indirect-calorimetry chamber. Addition of alcohol to the diet decreased fat metabolism by approximately 36%, and the substitution of alcohol calorie-per-calorie for other foods in the diet decreased fat metabolism by approximately 31%. Changes in fat metabolism occurred during the daytime hours between 8:30 am and 11:30 pm when the alcohol was consumed and metabolized. Addition of alcohol to the diet and the substitution of alcohol for other foods in the diet did not change the metabolism of proteins or carbohydrates. The amount of energy expended each day was increased by both addition of alcohol to the diet and substitution of alcohol for other foods in the diet.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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