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Does Alcohol Deplete Vitamins And Minerals And What Is The Impact?

Does Alcohol Deplete Vitamins And Minerals And What Is The Impact?

Darrell Miller

11/02/11

Date: November 02, 2011 07:49 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Does Alcohol Deplete Vitamins And Minerals And What Is The Impact?

Alcoholic beverages are classified as diuretic. A diuretic substance can cause increased water loss through the urine. Urination will be frequent and if not controlled, it can cause dehydration. In addition, alcohol does not only deplete the body with water but also with the important electrolytes needed for the proper functioning of the body.

Studies reveal that alcohol inside the body can impair the body system’s ability to control its temperature. In cold environments, the body may not normally produce heat as compensatory mechanism. On the other hand, during warm or hot weathers, the body may not eliminate adequate heat from the body. Thus, thermoregulation by the body will not be successful. If you are an alcoholic, make sure to have sun - protection using sun block lotions and long sleeved - clothes. And more importantly, drink lots of non - alcoholic beverages. A good diet also greatly helps in the regulation of body nutrients among people who are frequently intoxicated with alcohol.

Here are some of the necessary nutrients that are depleted because of excessive alcohol consumption:

1. WATER. Water is required by the body for its functions and internal balance. In fact, almost three quarters of the body is composed of water. If urination is more frequent than usual, it is important that you should drink water than you usually do and always have a bottle of water with you for hydration purposes. Less water in the body may cause weakness and, worse, heat stroke if the climate is too warm.

2. SODIUM. This is a mineral and also an electrolyte. Sodium is considered to be a hydrophilic element. Thus, it is a water–loving compound which goes in direct relationship with water. If water is depleted, sodium level is also lowered. Therefore, if you have been losing water through urination after alcohol intoxication, make sure to supplement your body with sodium – containing beverages such as sports drink. As home remedy, you may also use a household oral rehydration solution. This is done with a liter of water added with 8 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of table salt.

3. POTASSIUM. Potassium is also easily excreted through the urine. If urination is more frequent, replenish the body with potassium by eating potassium – rich foods such as bananas, avocados, apples, apricots, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. There are also many commercial beverages which contain high amount of potassium.

4. ZINC. Alcoholic fluids greatly induce the loss of zinc through the urine. Zinc supplements are available aside from its dietary sources such as meat, dairy products and some fruits and vegetables.

5. CALCIUM. This mineral is also easily depleted during alcohol intoxication. Also, the Vitamin D in the digestive tract is also depleted because of alcohol. Vitamin D is important for the proper absorption of calcium.

6. VITAMIN B COMPLEX. There is a higher risk that the amount of vitamin B complex in the body may be lessened. This is for the reason that alcoholic beverages greatly decrease the absorption rate of these vitamins especially Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12 and Folic acid. In the United States, alcohol is the number one precipitating cause of folic acid deficiency.

Vitamins are important and alcohol can deplete them. to maintain good health, avoid alcohol all together.