A doctor has warned of the negative and potentially dangerous behaviours that come from drinking alcohol after just one hour.
With alcohol, like most food and drink, drinking it in moderation and not bingeing poses very little risk to the body and mind.
However, Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired doctor who works with the UK Care Guide, has described what effects alcohol can have on the body in the hour after its consumption as effects can be seen in 20 minutes.
Dr Cunningham said: "From my years in practice, I have seen a myriad of cases related to alcohol consumption and how it interacts with our bodies.
"It's crucial to remember that while consuming food before drinking alcohol can slow down its absorption, it doesn't negate the potential for harm.
"Regular heavy drinking can lead to serious health problems such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer, irrespective of whether one has eaten beforehand or not."
So, what happens to the body in the hour after you have drank alcohol? Read on below to find out more.
After 20 minutes
The first 20 minutes after a pint or a glass of wine is the phase where people feel the happiest and most relaxed.
"Around 20 minutes after consuming alcohol, the first effects are usually felt," said Dr Cunningham.
"Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining, causing an immediate effect on the central nervous system.
"Feelings of relaxation and euphoria often characterise this initial phase. However, this is also when judgement can initially start to become impaired, leading to a potential increase in risk taking behaviour."
You may not realise how much you've had at this point. The expert warned: "In my experience, this stage is where individuals often underestimate their level of intoxication."
After 40 minutes
The doctor explained that alcohol begins to affect other parts of the body 40 minutes after you've had your first beverage.
Dr Cunningham continued: "The liver, responsible for metabolising alcohol, works hard to break down the ethanol into non-toxic substances.
"At this point, the drinker might begin to feel a slight decrease in physical coordination and slower reaction times.
"This is why I always recommend that people avoid driving or operating machinery after consuming any amount of alcohol."
After 60 minutes
By the time the alcohol has been in the body for an hour, the full effects of the drink tend to be felt.
Dr Cunningham said: "At this stage, the liver is struggling to process the alcohol, and the bloodstream is carrying unmetabolised alcohol throughout the body.
"Depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed and individual tolerance levels, symptoms such as slurred speech, slowed thought processes, and impaired balance may become apparent."
The retired doctor also explained how excessive drinking can have a detrimental effect on the body and how certain lifestyle factors can affect how your body deals with alcohol.
He added: "Alcohol has both short-term and long-term effects on the body. While the initial effects wear off after a few hours, continued and excessive consumption can have lasting impacts on almost all organs, including the liver, heart, and brain.
"I've seen firsthand the long-term toll that excessive drinking can have on the body, ranging from liver disease to neurological complications.
"It's also worth noting that the human body's response to alcohol can be influenced by several factors, including gender, weight, overall health, and even genetic factors.
Hence, the timings I provided are estimates and can vary significantly from person to person."
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