As festival season and social gatherings often lead to higher alcohol consumption, a Harvard, Stanford, and AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has broken down what alcohol actually does to your body depending on how often you drink — from once a month to daily.
In a detailed Instagram post, Dr Sethi explained that even modest increases in drinking frequency can stress the liver, disrupt gut health, and slow metabolism, highlighting how the impact compounds over time.
What Happens When You Drink Once a Month
According to Dr Sethi, occasional drinking causes minimal cumulative liver stress, meaning the body can typically recover without lasting harm.
However, he notes that it can still lead to temporary dehydration and disturbed sleep that night.
“You may feel worse sleep that night and experience mild dehydration, but overall, the liver load remains minimal,” he said.
What Happens When You Drink Once a Week
At this frequency, the liver begins to show signs of strain, Dr Sethi warned. Sleep quality declines, and the body experiences acute dehydration that slows recovery.
Citing a study, he said that weekly drinking can cause inflammation and reduced detox efficiency, setting the stage for longer-term damage if habits escalate.
What Happens When You Drink Three to Five Times a Week
Frequent drinking, Dr Sethi explained, starts to elevate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, leading to metabolic slowdown and early insulin resistance.
This means the body becomes less efficient at processing sugar and fat, increasing the risk of weight gain, fatty liver, and sleep disruption.
What Happens When You Drink Daily
Daily alcohol intake is the most dangerous pattern, according to Dr Sethi. It can lead to severe liver damage or even failure, a complete metabolic breakdown, and a higher risk of cancers, including liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer.
“At this stage, the body’s metabolic system essentially breaks down, and the risks extend far beyond the liver,” he said.
Can Exercise Reverse Alcohol’s Impact?
Dr Sethi and other experts emphasize that while regular exercise can improve liver function, circulation, and insulin sensitivity, it cannot fully undo the biological damage caused by frequent or heavy drinking.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that physically active people face lower risks of heart disease and liver fat accumulation, even if they drink moderately. However, experts caution that this only reduces, not eliminates, the long-term risks associated with alcohol.
Quick Recap: Effects of Drinking Frequency
| Frequency | Impact on Health |
|---|---|
| Once a Month | Minimal liver load, poor sleep, dehydration |
| Once a Week | Early liver stress, poorer sleep, dehydration |
| 3–5 Times a Week | Cortisol spikes, insulin resistance, slower metabolism |
| Daily | Severe liver damage, cancer risk, metabolic breakdown |
Key Takeaway
Dr Sethi’s advice underscores that frequency matters more than quantity — even small, regular drinking habits can have long-term effects on gut health and metabolic balance.
He recommends maintaining extended alcohol-free intervals, staying hydrated, and prioritizing sleep and nutrition for better gut and liver health.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider before making lifestyle or dietary changes.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
