Alcohol is available only in liquid form and its odor is easily detectable on ingestion. It is absorbed in the stomach but a major part of the absorption takes place in the first part of the small intestine and it does not reach the colon. Its absorption is quick on an empty stomach, with the combination of carbonated beverages or when the alcohol concentration is high and undiluted. So gastric mucosa gets the brunt of alcoholic effects directly. Alcohol being water soluble gets absorbed easily, and reaches the blood quickly. There is no brain, alcohol barrier, as such it easily reaches the brain cells and the effect of alcohol is quickly observable within a few minutes of its ingestion. A major portion of alcohol is excreted through urine and only a small portion of Alcohol is excreted through expiration and sweat. The liver is the main organ that metabolizes alcohol with high caloric output, but this cannot be stored as a reserve in the body (one ounce of alcohol gives nearly 10 calories)
There are Many Misconceptions Regarding Alcohol
Alcohol as a stimulant. Actually alcohol is a depressant to the cortex and stimulant effects are due to the cortical inhibition and release of sub cortical centers from higher control. That is why a person who drinks alcohol becomes jovial, open, friendly or aggressive because of the activation of the paleo-cortex. With increased alcohol level in blood the depressive action spreads to the lower centers and the person goes sleep or is intoxicated to a stuporous stage when the brain stem structures are suppressed. As mentioned earlier alcohol has no food calorie value except during its metabolic period.
Rich and adequate food intake prevents liver damage. If the stomach is filled with food particles absorption of alcohol is delayed. Excess of alcohol and excess of food increases obesity and is in no way beneficial to health. The liver is not spared because alcohol has to go through the liver mechanisms whatever the form or practice of drinking.
Some people regularly take vitamin preparations or other herbal tonics to prevent the ill effects of alcohol on the body. These practices actually have very limited value in the daily life of an alcoholic and only act give a false support to the logic of drinking. A few persons claim to have a higher level of “self tolerance” to alcohol. But the size of the body is not connected with the tolerance level of alcohol. Alcohol being water soluble, its distribution and release is slower in persons with a bigger build than in the smaller and leaner persons. In the former the "kick" effect is slow while in the latter it is quick.
The statement that alcohol increases sex life is not true. Excess of alcohol leads to diminished performed and chronic alcoholism leads to impotence in men.
