Does alcohol lower your immune system?

Alcohol has a complex relationship with the immune system. In small to moderate amounts, alcohol may actually boost the immune system and help fight off infection. However, heavy alcohol consumption can impair the immune system and make people more susceptible to infection.

How alcohol affects the immune system

Alcohol can affect the immune system in a number of ways. Some of the ways that alcohol can impair the immune system include:

* Impairment of neutrophil function: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is important for fighting infection. Alcohol can impair the ability of neutrophils to move to the site of infection and kill bacteria.

* Impairment of macrophage function: Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that is important for phagocytosis, the process of engulfing and destroying foreign particles. Alcohol can impair the ability of macrophages to phagocytose bacteria and other foreign particles.

* Reduction in the production of cytokines: Cytokines are proteins that are important for communication between cells of the immune system. Alcohol can reduce the production of cytokines, which can impair the ability of the immune system to respond to infection.

* Increased permeability of the intestinal lining: Alcohol can increase the permeability of the intestinal lining, which allows bacteria and other harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and infection.

Heavy alcohol consumption and the risk of infection

People who drink heavily are more likely to develop infections than people who do not drink or who drink only in moderation. This is because alcohol impairs the immune system, making people more susceptible to infection. Some of the infections that people who drink heavily are more likely to develop include:

* Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that is caused by bacteria or viruses. People who drink heavily are more likely to develop pneumonia than people who do not drink or who drink only in moderation.

* Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a lung infection that is caused by bacteria. People who drink heavily are more likely to develop tuberculosis than people who do not drink or who drink only in moderation.

* Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening bloodstream infection that can be caused by any type of bacteria or virus. People who drink heavily are more likely to develop sepsis than people who do not drink or who drink only in moderation.

Alcohol and the immune system: A balance

In small to moderate amounts, alcohol may actually boost the immune system and help fight off infection. However, heavy alcohol consumption can impair the immune system and make people more susceptible to infection. The key is to find a balance and drink alcohol in moderation.