One of the most important of these is dopamine, which is often thought of as a 'happy hormone'. When we start drinking alcohol, our bodies produce extra dopamine, which travels to the parts of the brain known as 'reward centres' – the bits that make us feel good and make us want to do more of whatever we're doing [1].
That aspect seems to stem from the fact that alcohol increases activity in the dopamine neurons in the mesolimbic reward pathway, as well as opioid cells that release endorphins. Both produce feelings of joy, pleasure, euphoria, depending on the type of activation. That's why drinking can be so pleasurable.
Many people still turn to the use of alcohol for pain relief due to its ability to depress the central nervous system. By slowing down the brain and nervous system, alcohol delivers a certain amount of relief.
Whiskey is a Digestion Aid
Drinking whiskey after a large, delicious meal (at State Fare?) can help ease an upset stomach. The high proof whiskey stimulates the stomach's enzymes, which help to break down food. This benefit makes whiskey an excellent part of your next happy hour.
Drinking beer or wine sometimes seems like a helpful way to ease anxiety. This is because alcohol is both a stimulant and a sedative, meaning it can make you feel more energetic and engaged, as well as calm and relaxed.
The barbiturate effect of the alcohol can reduce stress, and also has sedative properties to help you sleep if you're experiencing anxiety. This is why whiskey is a classic choice of nightcap for badasses the world over.
The people we polled said that certain forms of alcohol were more likely to give them different feelings. Men told us that wine, cocktails, and India pale ales (IPAs) made them happiest when they drank, while women said that cocktails, wine, and vodka left them with the most positive emotions.
As well as having an actively positive effect on the body, whisky is also the healthiest alcohol you can drink. It contains no fat and hardly any sugar or carbohydrates. It barely alters the level of sugar in your blood, making it a better choice for diabetics than other alcohol.
With its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, whiskey can help fight off illness, diabetes, cancer - even prevent Alzheimer's!
Whiskey has high levels of polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in whiskey have been shown to decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels, and reduce triglycerides, or fat in your blood.
However, it is well known that alcohol can help you relax thanks to its sedative and anxiolytic effect. Helping to relieve anxiety and stress, relax the muscles and generally relax the body.
Alcohol's inflammatory effects can aggravate both degenerative joint pain from osteoarthritis and auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis may flare up in response to a particular type of whiskey or beer. Alcohol's effects on immune function can also inhibit normal joint healing.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also impact testicular function and hormone production. Testosterone levels in the blood may also drop in as little as 30 minutes after consuming alcohol, which may lower sex drive and lead to poorer erections.
“Vodka is known to be the best alcoholic beverage for the most minimal hangover. Gin, light rum and white wine are runner-ups—with brandy and whiskey being at the bottom of the list.
Acute Alcohol Effects on the Brain's Serotonin System
In humans, for example, the levels of serotonin metabolites in the urine and blood increase after a single drinking session, indicating increased serotonin release in the nervous system (LeMarquand et al.
Individuals with ADHD may engage in impulsive behavior that can lead to harmful consequences. When they consume alcohol, these symptoms can increase. Alcohol can also intensify symptoms of inattentiveness and restlessness.
The U.S. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that men consume no more than four drinks on any day and no more than 14 drinks per week. On the other hand, women should not consume more than three drinks a day and no more than seven per week.
As with any other type of alcohol, whiskey is believed by many to have mild to moderately beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. This means drinking no more than 3oz of whiskey per day for men (2 shots of whiskey) and 1.5oz per day for women (1 shot of whiskey), with no additional alcoholic drinks.
Old Ways of Healing with Whiskey
A 1941 Time Magazine article stated, “Whiskey is one of the cheapest and best painkillers known to man.” During the civil war, paramedics would give wounded soldiers whiskey when they ran out of opioids to keep the pain more manageable.
Myth 3: Drinking hard liquor is worse than drinking beer or wine. Contrary to popular belief, the type of alcohol you drink doesn't make a difference – what matters is how much you drink. "The safe limit is fixed at 14 units a week," explains Dr Lui. "Below this limit, alcoholic fatty liver is less likely to occur.
If you're a healthy adult: To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
In terms of specific moods elicited by specific hooch, men reported that vodka, gin, and whisky—in that order—made them feel the saddest, whereas women ranked wine as the most tear-inducing beverage.
Red wine contains resveratrol, a plant based compound that has shown to display anti-stress effects by hampering the functioning of an enzyme which controls stress in the brain.
Drinkers have long blamed gin for inducing tears and sadness, but a new study suggests that the urban myth may actually have some foundation.