The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain and Body Functions
A study titled "Alcohol and the brain" published in the Journal Nutrients explains the mechanism of how alcohol works in the brain. Initially, alcohol produces desirable effects, such as enhancing the ability to socialize. However, its mechanism involves slowing down the chemicals and pathways that the brain uses to control the body, which can subsequently alter mood, slow down reflexes, and affect balance. Furthermore, originating from the brain, alcoholic beverages can explore and trigger subsequent negative effects, including changes in behavioral processes such as cravings and appetite.
The Difference Between Gray and White Matter
The long-term negative effects of alcohol consumption do not only affect memory and sleep duration but can also lead to brain shrinkage and the loss of both gray and white matter. Gray matter is the part of the brain that contains nerve cell bodies, or neurons. This area is the center for information processing, regulating vital functions such as vision, hearing, memory, emotion, and muscle control. Therefore, damage to this part can significantly impair basic cognitive and motor functions.
The Brain's Communication Pathways
In contrast to gray matter, white matter consists of nerve fibers coated with myelin. This part serves to form communication pathways between various parts of the brain and also connects the brain with other parts of the body. Consequently, the loss of white matter due to long-term alcohol consumption will disrupt the efficient transmission of signals and communication throughout the nervous system, potentially worsening issues with coordination, reflexes, and memory.
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