Alcohol: Chapter 14

Question 1

How do typical servings of alcoholic beverages compare to standard drinks?

Answer 1

People often exceed the standard drink size, especially with mixed drinks that may contain more than one type of hard liquor.

Question 2

What is the caloric content of alcohol, and how many calories does one standard drink provide?

Answer 2

• Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram.
• One standard drink (14 to 17 grams of alcohol) supplies about 100 to 120 calories.

Question 3

Why do many alcoholic beverages have higher total calorie content than one standard drink?

Answer 3

Many beverages are larger than one standard drink, and most also contain carbohydrates. For example:

One beer provides about 140 total calories.
“Light” beer, despite being lower in calories, still has close to the same alcohol content as regular beer, with about 99 calories.
A 145-millilitre glass of wine has about 100 calories.
An 85-millilitre margarita supplies 157 calories.
A 175-millilitre cosmopolitan has 143 calories.
A 175-millilitre rum and cola contain about 180 calories (including the mix).

Question 4

How does weight and gender influence alcohol consumption?

Answer 4

• Weight affects water content; larger individuals generally have more water.
• Men can generally consume more alcohol than women.
• Women have lower amounts of a certain enzyme, making them more susceptible to toxicity effects.

Question 5

How does the type of alcohol, concentration, and mixing with carbonated solutions affect absorption?

Answer 5

• Shots are quickly absorbed, especially due to their concentration.
• The more concentrated the alcohol, the faster it enters the bloodstream.
• Carbonation may speed up absorption, so avoiding alcohol with carbonation can help maintain a lower blood alcohol level.

Question 6

What is the impact of gender difference in enzyme levels on alcohol metabolism?

Answer 6

Women tend to have less of a specific enzyme related to alcohol metabolism.
This can be attributed to their lower body water content and overall mass compared to men.

Question 7

How does body composition and lean mass influence the effects of alcohol?

Answer 7

The proportion of body fat to lean mass is a critical factor in how alcohol affects an individual.
Higher body fat levels are associated with lower lean mass, potentially influencing the intensity of alcohol’s effects.

Question 8

What are some practical tips for safer drinking?

Answer 8

• Have a meal containing protein before consuming alcohol to slow down its absorption.
  Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
• Moderation in alcohol consumption is key to
• maintaining control over blood alcohol levels.

Question 9

How is blood alcohol concentration (BAC) impacted by body weight, percent body fat, and biological sex?

Answer 9

The size of an individual can influence the rate at which alcohol or toxins affect the body.

Question 10

What does a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% indicate, and what are the legal implications related to driving in Canada?

Answer 10

A BAC of 0.08% indicates 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, considered the legal limit for intoxication in Canada.
Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a criminal offense.

Question 11

How does chronic alcohol consumption affect the liver’s metabolism of alcohol?

Answer 11

Chronic alcohol consumption accelerates the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol.

Question 12

How does consuming alcohol with food impact its absorption?

Answer 12

Consuming alcohol with food can slow down its absorption, helping to mitigate the rapid increase in blood alcohol levels.

Question 13

What factors do not affect alcohol absorption into the bloodstream?

Answer 13

• Exercise: While exercise has various health benefits, it does not influence the absorption of alcohol.
• Deep Breathing: The act of deep breathing does not impact the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
• Coffee Consumption: Drinking coffee does not alter the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
• Other Drug Interactions: The absorption of alcohol remains unaffected by the concurrent use of other drugs.

Question 14

What are the risks associated with rapid and significant alcohol consumption?

Answer 14

Drinking a substantial amount of alcohol quickly can have severe consequences, carrying the risk of reaching potentially fatal levels in the bloodstream.

Question 15

What is the approximate rate at which the liver can metabolize alcohol, and how can it be used as a guideline?

Answer 15

The liver can metabolize approximately one standard drink per hour. This rate provides a general guideline for estimating how quickly the body processes alcohol.

Question 16

How does chronic alcohol consumption relate to NADH and fat accumulation in the liver?

Answer 16

Chronic alcohol consumption can elevate NADH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels, a molecule associated with increased fat accumulation in the liver, contributing to fatty liver disease.

Question 17

What is alcoholic hepatitis, and what causes it?

Answer 17

Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver and is a condition resulting from prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.

Question 18

Are fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis reversible conditions, and what is the key factor for improvement?

Answer 18

Fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis are reversible conditions if alcohol consumption is ceased. Abstaining from alcohol allows the liver to recover, and these conditions may improve over time.

Question 19

What is cirrhosis, and what is its association with chronic alcohol abuse?

Answer 19

Cirrhosis is a severe and irreversible scarring of the liver tissue. It is often the end-stage result of prolonged liver damage, frequently caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis can be fatal and is associated with a significant loss of liver function.

Question 20

What are some cognitive effects of excessive alcohol consumption on the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 20

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to memory blackout, causing individuals to have gaps in their recollection of events. It can also impair vision and coordination, affecting motor skills and visual perception. Chronic alcohol use may contribute to long-term memory impairments and cognitive dysfunction.

Question 21

How can alcohol affect the skin, and what are some associated consequences?

Answer 21

Alcohol can cause the skin to flush and become red, particularly in the face.

Question 22

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Answer 22

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term encompassing a range of conditions resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Question 23

What is the most severe condition of FASD? (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder)

Answer 23

The most severe diagnosis within FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by specific facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system abnormalities.

Question 24

what type of conditions are associated with FASD?

Answer 24

Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, reflecting the impact of alcohol on the neurological development of the fetus.

Question 25

Is there a consensus on a safe limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and what risks does even low to moderate alcohol intake pose?

Answer 25

There is a consensus among health professionals that there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Even low to moderate alcohol intake during pregnancy can pose risks to the developing fetus and contribute to FASD.

Question 26

What are some contradictory findings regarding the potential health benefits of alcohol, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health?

Answer 26

New research contradicts the notion that alcohol-induced blood thinning and reduced cholesterol offer cardiovascular benefits. While red wine has been associated with potential small benefits for the heart, moderation is crucial.

Question 27

Drinking less is better:

Answer 27

• 1-2 standard drink/ week: likely to not experience detrimental effects.
• 3-6/ week: cancers
• 7 or more: death

Question 28

Does drinking alcohol impact the body’s ability to build muscle protein effectively after a workout?

Answer 28

Yes, alcohol can hinder muscle protein synthesis after a workout, especially when combining strength and endurance exercises.

Question 29

How does consuming alcohol with carbohydrates affect intoxication levels?

Answer 29

When alcohol is consumed with carbohydrates, it tends to lead to higher levels of intoxication. Carbohydrates enhance alcohol absorption, intensifying its impact on blood alcohol levels.

Question 30

What is the impact of consuming alcohol alongside protein?

Answer 30

Consuming alcohol with protein may reduce adverse effects. Protein’s slower digestion rate can attenuate alcohol absorption, providing a protective effect against negative consequences.

Question 31

Is exercising and consuming alcohol simultaneously recommended?

Answer 31

No, exercising while consuming alcohol is considered unfavorable as it may hinder workout outcomes and negatively affect overall performance and muscle development.

Question 32

What is the significance of protein for muscle growth?

Answer 32

Consuming protein independently significantly contributes to muscle growth rates. Proteins are essential for muscle tissue recovery and repair after exercise.

Question 33

What effect does alcohol paired with exercise have on muscles?

Answer 33

Alcohol paired with exercise has a catabolic effect on muscles, suggesting detrimental impacts on muscle health and growth.

Question 34

How can pre-exercise protein intake help counteract potential toxicity from alcohol?

Answer 34

Consuming a substantial amount of protein before exercising can prime the body, offsetting the catabolic effects of alcohol on cells and providing a protective mechanism.

Question 35

Does alcohol consumption after exercise have a dose-dependent effect on muscle protein synthesis?

Answer 35

Yes, alcohol consumption after exercise has a negative effect on muscle protein synthesis and hormonal regulation, and this effect may be dose-dependent, especially with more than five drinks.