How Alcohol Consumption Alters Our DNA

Heavy drinkers can add one more worry to their list of potential health concerns. Excessive alcohol use can cause permanent changes to our DNA. These changes can result in increased cancer risks (especially gastrointestinal and reproductive types), disordered immune function and numerous other illnesses. The genetic changes might even intensify alcohol cravings and a desire to binge drink, even triggering alcoholism itself.

DNA Damage

Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge found a byproduct called acetaldehyde; it is created when the body metabolizes alcohol and it damages stem cells. Because stem cells are responsible for creating new cells, damage to their DNA can trigger a cascade of incorrect copies, leading to cancer. The most common cancers resulting from alcohol-related DNA damage occur in the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.

Acetaldehyde may also damage telomeres, chains of nucleotides at the ends of chromosomes that determine how many times a cell can reproduce before it dies. The shorter the telomere length, the older the cell. Studies have shown telomere length in samples taken from heavy drinkers is about half the length of those found in nondrinkers. This means alcohol literally ages you.

DNA Switches

A study conducted by the Research Society on Alcoholism uncovered a connection between heavy drinking and changes in DNA expression. Some of these changes inhibit genes that control alcohol cravings and a person’s desire to drink in excess. In simpler terms, if you drink heavily long enough, you may trigger genetic changes that can transform you into an alcoholic.

These changes are possible because, while your genetic makeup doesn’t change, parts of your DNA called your epigenome can be switched on or off by different triggers. Changes to your epigenome are responsible for the developmental shifts that occur throughout your life, and they also alter certain physical and emotional traits. Outside influences like alcohol can trigger harmful changes resulting in developmental issues, disordered immune function, gastrointestinal disorders and other physical and mental illnesses. Some epigenetic changes can be passed from parent to child.

Too much alcohol may alter our DNA, but quitting or cutting back could reduce our chances of developing serious health issues. If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, talk to a doctor about getting professional help. Quitting alcohol on your own can be dangerous, but postponing treatment can be just as harmful. The DNA damage might be lasting, but the sooner you put an end to it, the more minimal it will be.

~ Here’s to Your Health and Wellness