10 things you should know about alcohol

Did you know that alcohol has to be detoxified by the liver? First the liver converts alcohol into the toxin "acetaldehyde", before turning it into "acetate". Acetate is then used by our cells as fuel.



Unfortunately excessive alcohol intake is linked to 4 different types of liver damage:

• fatty degeneration (similar to the liver changes in geese that are forced-fed to produce foie gras;


• inflammation


• formation of scar tissue (fibrosis)


• and cirrhosis (a serious condition in which the liver shrinks and becomes covered in nodules.

Alcohol is a sedative that has a depressant action on the brain. At first it makes you feel happy, this is only because it suppresses social inhibitions, but after, alcohol suppresses those parts of the brain that control movement, reaction times and coordination.

Alcohol also lowers testosterone and sperm count, and increases the production of oestrogen in men. In women, alcohol reduces oestrogens and may lead to menstrual problems and infertility.

But it's not all bad news!! One or two units of alcohol a day (100ml of wine is approximately 1 unit) can reduse stress levels. Drinking red wine is best since it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol and can protect your heart and your brain.

If you want to protect your liver than the best solution is for you to take Hepasil every day. This is a fantastic product from USANA which will protect your liver and help with liver detoxification. Also your liver will be protected from alcohol damage. For more information go to

http://www.nutritionals4health.usana.com/ click on products and buy some before your next night out.

Jessica