From the perspective of aging processes, the frequency of alcohol consumption, rather than the type of beverage, plays the pivotal role. This is because sustained toxic exposure to alcohol initiates processes that can be characterized as accelerated biological aging, according to Ruslan Isaev, head of the Doctor Isaev Clinic, president of the Independent Narcological Guild, and a narcologist, who shared this insight with “Lenta.ru.”
The physician reminded that ethanol, present in alcoholic drinks, functions as a universal poison operating at the cellular level. He stated that chronic alcohol consumption impacts virtually every organ and system—the liver, blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and hormonal balance—but the brain stands out as one of the most susceptible targets.
“In clinical practice, we observe that chronic alcohol abuse is accompanied by conditions mimicking premature aging: cognitive functions decline, the psyche’s adaptability lessens, and issues with memory and attention emerge. Sleep quality deteriorates, anxiety increases, and the nervous system’s resources are depleted more rapidly. Furthermore, alcohol compromises blood vessels and microcirculation. This impairs tissue nourishment, intensifies inflammatory responses, and hampers cellular recovery,” Isaev explained.
Regardless of whether one consumes wine, beer, or vodka, ethanol initiates identical destructive pathways within the body.
The doctor emphasized that alcohol’s effects are outwardly visible: skin loses its elasticity, vascular changes and puffiness appear, along with indicators of chronic fatigue. However, from a medical standpoint, the internal alterations—the hastened wear and tear on the cardiovascular and nervous systems—are far more significant, Isaev stressed.
Previously, researchers determined that even moderate intake of beer and hard liquor elevates the risk of premature mortality. This study utilized data from nearly 341,000 participants in the UK Biobank, who were monitored for an average duration exceeding 13 years.
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