Alcohol is a substance people should be aware of its physiological and pathological consequences, as well as how the body handles it. It is a tiny, water-soluble substance that is slowly absorbed from the stomach. But quickly absorbed from the small intestine, and widely distributed throughout the body. But, from these parts of the body which of the following has primary responsibility for eliminating alcohol from the bloodstream? Read this article to find out.

Which of the following has a primary responsibility for eliminating alcohol from the bloodstream? – How does Alcohol Enter Our Bloodstream?

Alcohol is a liquid and can travel from your mouth to the stomach and then intestines pretty quickly. Some of it is absorbed directly through the mouth and esophageal lining, some through the stomach walls. The remaining is absorbed by the intestines, primarily the small intestine.

If there is no solid food in the stomach or intestines, the alcohol will easily contact the intestinal walls and enter into the bloodstream. One cup of alcohol can be absorbed in just half an hour. However, If your stomach is relatively full, the alcohol will stay there for a longer period. Absorption will also be slower and could take up to more than an hour. To find out which of the following has primary responsibility for eliminating alcohol from the bloodstream keep reading till the end. 

Harmful Effects of Alcohol on Body 

Research suggests that the more alcohol a person consumes regularly the greater his or her chance of developing alcohol-related cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other major difficulties over time, including:

  • Stroke 
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease 
  • Cancer of the liver
  • Cancer of the mouth
  • Throat cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Depression
  • Fertility issues

Which of the Following has Primary Responsibility for Eliminating Alcohol from the Bloodstream? Liver 

The liver’s primary role is to filter blood from the digestive tracts before it enters other sections of the body. As a result, when humans consume alcohol, the liver’s principal function is to remove it from the bloodstream. So, the answer to which of the following has primary responsibility for eliminating alcohol from the bloodstream is the liver. 

Affect of Alcohol on Liver

Over 90% of alcohol taken is processed by the liver. The remainder is removed by urine, sweat, and respiration. Therefore, the liver has to work harder as one consumes more alcohol. The circulatory filtration process takes longer, which inevitably leads to drunkenness. Increased consumption of alcohol can cause the following diseases that mainly affect our liver:

  1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease is a common illness characterized by excess fat buildup in the liver. The accumulation of fat in the liver as a result of excessive drinking is known as alcoholic fatty liver. Most people have no symptoms, and it has no major consequences for them. However, in some situations, it can cause liver damage. The good news is that lifestyle adjustments like quitting alcohol can typically prevent or even heal fatty liver disease. 

  1. Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by alcohol consumption. It is most common in those who have consumed a large amount of alcohol over a long period. However, the link between alcohol and alcoholic hepatitis is not fully understood. Alcoholic hepatitis does not affect all heavy drinkers. And the disease can sometimes strike persons who merely consume modest amounts of alcohol. If you have alcoholic hepatitis, you must abstain from alcohol. People who continue to consume alcohol are at significant risk of developing serious liver damage and death.

  1. Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is caused by frequent and heavy alcohol usage. When the liver tissue begins to scar, the liver no longer performs as well as before. As a result, the body is unable to create enough proteins or filter toxins from the blood as efficiently as it should. Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by many factors. 

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis, on the other hand, is heavily linked to alcohol consumption. Symptoms of alcoholic liver cirrhosis usually appear between the ages of 30 and 40. In the early stages of the disease. Now our body will be able to compensate for our liver’s restricted function. However, symptoms will become more evident as the condition progresses.

The Bottom Line 

The liver is the organ responsible for removing alcohol from the bloodstream. Its role also includes removing toxins from your body and keeping your body healthy and ready for any challenge. Therefore, we must limit our alcohol use to avoid liver damage.