And Other Drugs Alcohol promotes water loss. Alcohol depresses production of the antidiuretic hormone. Increases urination, which increases loss of body fluid increases thirst. Water loss caused by alcohol consumption involves the additional loss of important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc. These are vital to the maintenance of fluid balance and to nerve and muscle action and coordination.
Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of fat and glucose.
Fats and glucose are diverted into making body fat which accumulates in the liver cells. Synthesis of fatty acids is accelerated as a result of the liver's exposure to alcohol. Fat can accumulate in the liver after a single night of heavy drinking. The presence of alcohol alters amino acid metabolism in the liver cells. Protein deficiency can develop in heavy drinkers, both from the depression of protein synthesis in the cells and a poor diet.