What effect does vodka have on human blood — dilutes it or thickens it?

There is an opinion that alcohol in small quantities has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, in particular, by thinning the blood. But this statement is only partially true, since ethyl alcohol has a twofold effect on blood vessels and blood viscosity.

According to some studies, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages really reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

On the other hand, a large body of scientific research indicates the harm of alcohol abuse for almost all body systems, including the cardiovascular system.

There is some debate about the effects of alcohol on the blood. In this article, we will try to figure out how vodka affects the composition and viscosity of blood. Does it dilute it or thicken it?

Effect on blood vessels and blood viscosity

Literally right away blood vessels dilate after drinking alcohol , the pressure is decreasing. But the effect is short–term, it only works for about 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the individual physiology of the gastrointestinal tract).

Then there is a spasm of the vessel walls, the pressure begins to rise abruptly. By the way, this is what makes the face blush – this is a sign of faster blood flow.

Alcohol also has the following effect on blood vessels and blood:

1. Disrupts the water-salt balance of blood plasma. As a result, the concentration of potassium decreases sharply, and sodium increases. This is what provokes frequent urge to urinate and accelerated fluid flow.
2. Accelerates blood flow and heart rate. This is a kind of protective reaction of the body. It accelerates blood flow in order to purify the blood faster from toxins derived from ethyl alcohol.
3. Promotes the breakdown of antioxidants. In particular, vitamin E, which helps to thin the blood.

As a result, drinking alcohol still thickens the blood. And the rapid flow of liquid contributes to this. And water is the basis of blood, when there is a lack of it in the body, the blood thickens. That is why the next morning, with the so–called "hangover syndrome", the drinker wants water so much - in this way the body restores the water-salt balance and normalizes blood density.

Effects on the cardiovascular system

Additionally, vodka has the following effect on the cardiovascular system:

1. Reduces the concentration of lipids. On the one hand, it helps to get rid of excess cholesterol and clean the vessels . But in return, the body has to deal with the elimination of toxins – alcohol derivatives. So, this method of fighting cholesterol does more harm than good.
2. Increases the load on heart . The frequency of contractions of the heart muscle increases dramatically in order to increase the volume of blood pumped through the liver and kidneys – they do the main job of neutralizing alcohol and its subsequent withdrawal from the body.
3. Reduces the rate of absorption of oxygen and carbohydrates. All this is the effect of neurotoxic effects of alcohol on brain function .

Rules for safe use

To minimize the negative effects of vodka on the body, you should follow the following rules for taking it:

1. At one time – no more than 30-50 milliliters of alcohol;
2. Before the first meal, you should eat something fatty - this will slow down the absorption of alcohol into the blood through the walls of the stomach;
3. The break between vodka drinks is at least 30 minutes (this time is enough to avoid the accumulation of alcohol in the stomach, which causes vomiting);
4. It is recommended not to drink vodka, namely to have a snack, and with fatty foods;
5. In no case should you drink vodka with carbonated drinks – this almost 4 times accelerates the ingress of alcohol into the bloodstream.

But as for the daily allowance, there is no such thing in medicine at all. It is relatively safe for an adult to drink about 30-50 milliliters of alcohol . At the same time, women's bodies are less resistant to the effects of alcoholic beverages.

Moreover, in liver diseases, the process of alcohol withdrawal slows down significantly, so 50 grams of vodka can provoke severe intoxication. The concept of "norms" is individual and depends mainly on how exactly vodka is consumed, as well as:

• On age;
• From the floor;
• Of body weight;
• From the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract.

Is there a concept of a "safe" norm? Yes, but it is literally 5-10 ml. That is, the use of various kinds medicinal tinctures will not harm the body in any way, it will also have no effect on blood viscosity. If you consume more, it will definitely affect your health, although it will not be expressed by any symptoms.

Contraindications

According to medical recommendations, vodka and other alcoholic beverages should be categorically abandoned in the presence of the following diseases:

1. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
2. Kidney failure;
3. Liver failure;
4. Heart failure;
5. Alcohol allergy (occurs in about one in 2,000 people);
6. Age under 18;
7. Pancreatic dysfunction;
8. Fibrosis of the liver, pancreas;
9. Neuralgic disorders (for example, migraines).

Interesting video

And now we invite you to familiarize yourself with the video:

 

Conclusion

In total, drinking vodka leads to an increase in blood viscosity. At the same time, the risk of blood clots and plaques that impede normal blood flow increases. It is especially dangerous to drink alcohol in chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system. There is also no safe vodka rate. But if you really drink, then you should not exceed the dosage of 200-250 ml per day.