Watch CBS News

Study: Binge Drinking Wreaks Havoc On Your Immune System

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Binge drinking could be making you sick – but not in the way you think.

In addition to throwing up or suffering from a massive hangover, new research from Loyola University's School of Medicine suggests drinking excessive amounts of alcohol "significantly disrupts the immune system."

The study subjects, who had a median age of 27, were given four or five shots of vodka depending on their weight. At 20 minutes after "peak intoxication," their immune systems showed increased activity. But two and five hours after maximum intoxication, the opposite proved true – the subjects' immune systems were less active than they were when they were sober.

Researchers say that while there is plenty of research on how binge drinking impacts behavior and decision-making, there is little on the effects of a lot of alcohol on the immune system.

Dr. Majid Afshar, who led the research, says he is planning a follow-up study that will focus on the recovery of burn victims who had alcohol in their system upon arrival at the hospital versus patients who didn't.

But it's something you might want to consider before over-serving yourself this New Year's Eve.

To read more about the study, click here.

Must Read Today's Top Talkers

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.