Alcohol abuse affects the body in many ways. In the brain’s case, the effects can be devastating and permanent. Long term alcohol abuse has been shown in many brain studies to actually physically shrink the portion of the brain that controls the memory and learning functions. This decrease in area is most apparent in the cortex of the frontal lobe, which is the center of higher intellectual functions. The shrinkage of these areas will continue to grow with continued drinking and with age. The first noticeable sign of alcohol associated damage is short-term memory loss.

Progressive brain shrinkage was shown in a study that conducted periodic imaging in alcoholics over a five year period. The amount of brain shrinkage was directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed, but there was no question that the shrinkage far exceeded anything in the normal range.

Alcohol related brain damage will possibly affect any alcoholic who consumes large amounts of alcohol over a period of time. Factors that determine the severity of the damage are the system of the drinker, the type and amount of alcohol consumed and the overall diet of the drinker.

Another contributor to brain damage is the nutritional problems that are created by alcohol consumption. Malnutrition is many times the result of drinking excessively. Essential parts of the brain experience damage due to vitamin deficiencies, thiamine in particular. Toxicity in the body’s systems builds from alcohol, damaging vital organs such as the brain, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

The central nervous system also falls victim to the effects of alcohol.

If caught early enough, much of the alcohol damage can possibly be reversed and can sometimes disappear entirely. This reversal can be best supported by a complete abstinence from alcohol, an improved diet and by taking vitamins, especially B1 and thiamine. In addition, there is a vitamin called milk thistle that can ever help restore liver functions.

The Terrible Effects Of Alcohol Abuse Revealed
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