Why alcohol is worse for women than it is for males?

Even if the headline might have sparked some debate, it’s critical to recognize that not everything falls under the umbrella of gender equality before we render this into a gender equality issue. The way alcohol is metabolized differently in the bodies of men and women is a prime illustration of this, which is not good for women. The next time you find yourself competing with a male in a beer-guzzling or who-can-take-more-shots competition, remember that there is a good scientific reason why this might be more harmful to your health.

“In a society striving for gender equality in education, jobs, and opportunities, it’s crucial to recognise that equal alcohol consumption between men and women might not be ideal,” says Dr. Mahendra Singh Rajput, assistant professor of gastroenterology at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad. “We need to consider the biological differences between the sexes and be more aware of how liquor affects women. While there have been significant strides in understanding liquorLiver Disease and liquorhepatitis, there’s still a gap in our knowledge about why women are more susceptible to these conditions. Research has revealed differences in how key alcohol-metabolizing enzymes are expressed and function between the sexes.”

Alcohol affects more quickly and last longer in women

Dr. Deepak Gargi Pande, Director of Internal Medicine at BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital, explains that even after drinking the same quantity of liquor as males, women had higher liquorlevels. As a result, the effects of liquor occur more quickly and last longer in women. Dr. Pavan Dhoble, Junior Consultant – Gastroenterology, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, adds, “Female bodies have less of enzyme that metabolizes liquor; the enzyme has less activity in females in comparison to men. Blood alcohol levels in females also remain longer in the body and the more it stays in the body, the more damage it causes. Also, female bodies have more body fat and less muscle mass compared to male bodies that have less fat and more muscle mass. So, more fat and more water mean the liquor will be present in the body in an unmetabolized form for longer in a woman’s body.”

Hazards of alcohol in women

Addressing the health consequences of liquor intake in women, new research indicates that women are more prone than males to suffer from liquor-induced liver inflammation, cardiovascular illness, hangovers, blackouts, and some malignancies. “People who consume alcohol often have increased folic acids in the body, which increases the risk of cancers,” Dr. Pande explains. “Consumption of alcohol increases estrogen levels and other hormones which can cause breast cancer. Women being more susceptible towards alcohol, the risk of women getting liver diseases and liver cirrhosis is more as compared to men.”

“Women who drink liquor are more likely to have infertility and spontaneous abortion, and adverse effects on fetal outcomes can occur with varying amounts of liquor consumption during pregnancy,” Dr. Rajput says. “As a result, any alcohol use during pregnancy is regarded as potentially hazardous. It is critical that women are aware of these hazards and make educated decisions about alcohol usage.”

Is there such a thing as a safe drinking limit?

According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) analysis published in The Lancet Public Health journal, there is no level of alcohol use that is completely safe, since even little amounts can be harmful to one’s health. Dr. Dhoble believes that the concept of “safe drinking” is faulty. “I have seen cases where individuals who consumed just a single drink developed pancreatitis. Alcohol doesn’t only impact liver health but also affects the pancreas.”

However, some medical specialists believe that moderation is essential for individuals who are usually healthy and choose to incorporate liquor in their lifestyle. The suggested weekly maximum is less than 90 ml of liquor. However, this advise may not be universally applicable, and one’s health conditions have an important part in deciding the outcome of liquor intake. People with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are strongly recommended to avoid liquor. In summary, while moderate alcohol intake may seem appropriate for some, people with specific health risks should avoid alcohol entirely.

“It’s advisable for everyone to steer clear of chronic excessive liquor use. Particularly, educating women becomes crucial in raising awareness about the heightened risks and harmful effects of chronic and excessive liquor use, especially concerning liver health and other women’s health-related issues. It’s essential for women to be well-informed to make choices that prioritise their overall well-being,” Dr Rajput concludes.

You might also be intersted in – Mixing alcohol with Coca Cola is actually a bad idea: Serious side effects revealed