How One Glass Of Wine Affects Your Body
Not everyone processes alcohol in the same way.
Having a glass of wine with dinner can seem like no big deal, but sometimes a hangover is your reward for your moderation anyway. From your sleep to your heart rate, just one glass of wine can affect your body negatively in the 24 hours after you consume it.
This is how one glass of wine affects your body.
How your body processes alcohol:
"Once you drink a glass, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and moves throughout your body," Dr. Neha Pathak M.D., medical editor of WebMD. "A small amount is absorbed into small blood vessels in your mouth, but most is absorbed into the bloodstream from your stomach and small intestine." Around 20% dissipates in the stomach, according to Addiction Center, a referral service for substance use disorder treatment, while the remainder is digested in the small intestine. The liver breaks down the alcohol at a rate of about one drink per hour, which means that by the time you wake up the next morning, your one drink will be thoroughly processed if you stick to one glass.
Heart rate and blood pressure:
You might feel some increased heart rate and blood pressure changes, but science says they'll disappear pretty quickly. "For small amounts of alcohol, it probably wouldn't cause any drastic changes the next day, but some studies have shown a mild increase in blood pressure the next morning," Dr. Pathak says.
Dehydration:
"A single glass of wine could be dehydrating if you are not well hydrated before drinking the wine. You might feel a little fuzzy and more likely to giggle and forget trivia questions, but that won't last either. Changes to thinking, coordination, and memory likely will resolve by the next day," Dr. Pathak says.
Sleep:
The one area where one glass of wine might really dent your buzz is your sleep. "Alcohol can cause sleep disturbance, so you may be more fatigued or tired the next day," Dr. Pathak says. One glass of wine, it seems, won't affect very much when you wake up the morning after — but you can get headaches, toss and turn all night, or just don't feel like yourself, after even one glass of wine.
For most people drinking one glass of wine is like taking one Advil, what's the point! But even in a perfect world, one measly glass of wine has its repercussions. From increased heart rate and blood pressure to disturbing your sleep, is it even worth it?
Take a break:
Give your body a break! Join The 30 Days to Gain Booze-Free Challenge. You will receive through daily encouragement that is delivered straight to your email. You will learn facts, information about alcohol and its effects on your body. Through reflection and exercises, you will have the power and knowledge to change and enjoy yourself along the way.
These daily emails along with the daily worksheets will keep you accountable. You have seen where drinking has got you, this is a new adventure, a challenge. It is time to expand and try something new.
Sign up HERE