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Alcohol Makes Your Brain Grow
BBC News UK Edition ^
| 04/29/2005
| BBC News
Posted on 04/29/2005 8:59:41 AM PDT by Bacon Man
Drinking alcohol boosts the growth of new nerve cells in the brain, research suggests.
But while this might sound good in theory, the Swedish team believe these new cells could contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.
Mice fed moderate quantities of alcohol grew extra brain cells, but also showed a preference for alcohol over water.
The Karolinska Institute research appears in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.
Brain growth
Lead researcher Professor Stefan Brene said: "We believe that the increased production of new nerve cells during moderate alcohol consumption can be important for the development of alcohol addiction and other long-term effects of alcohol on the brain."
Alternatively, the extra cells might help with learning and memory, he said.
Another theory, according to the researchers, is that the tranquilising effect of alcohol triggers the growth.
All of the new cells developed normally.
A spokeswoman from the Campaign for Real Ale said: "It is well known that alcohol in moderation is good for your body so it's no surprise it's also good for your mind.
"Maybe that is why lots of pub quiz teams are so bright."
A spokeswoman from Alcohol Concern said: "This type of study could prove useful in the long term to shed light on the relationship between alcohol intake and dependency.
"However, very little can be drawn from a single animal-based study at this stage.
"Much more research is needed to explore the relationship between drinking patterns and their effect on the human brain."
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: alcohol; brain; health
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To: ex-Texan
Not bad manners, just good beer . . . Here here! Lifes too short to drink bad beer.
41
posted on
04/29/2005 9:26:35 AM PDT
by
Bacon Man
(I wanna live to see how global warming turns out. I have an inside tip it's all a load of crap.)
To: Bacon Man
If this is true why is Ted Kennedy SOOO stupid?
42
posted on
04/29/2005 9:28:52 AM PDT
by
John D
To: Bacon Man
I knew it, I just knew it ... brain food.
43
posted on
04/29/2005 9:30:40 AM PDT
by
tx_eggman
(Liberalism is only possible in that moment when a man chooses Barabas over Christ.)
To: John D
Well the brain may grow but the size of the skull stays the same. It's my theory that Teddy has increased his brain size to such an extent that it was crushed by the pressure.
44
posted on
04/29/2005 9:37:13 AM PDT
by
Bacon Man
(I wanna live to see how global warming turns out. I have an inside tip it's all a load of crap.)
To: raccoonradio
"Then again look at Ted Kennedy...oh-KAY, so much for this theory."
Who said the new grown brain cells are SMARTER than the old ones...
45
posted on
04/29/2005 9:42:31 AM PDT
by
Toidylop
To: Bacon Man
"Sorry to hear about your condition. Is heavy drinking a factor in contracting M.S. or was that a side note? I've never heard that."
It was a side note.
To the best of my knowledge drinking doesn't cause it.
They really don't know what causes it. They just know it when they see it.
No one in my family has it. I refused the ABC drugs and Reibif (spelling) and I control it through diet and exercise.
When I found out I had it, I went to a conference. It was sad. People in wheel chairs and canes at all ages were there. I'm fortunate that for whatever reason I'm not in the shape. Anyway the speaker was trying to tell people it only affects white women of European decent and heritage from specific parts of Europe.
I listened for awhile and then I had enough. I raised my hand. I asked him to explain WHY Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and other races, men, women and children have it who are present IN THIS ROOM? He got all flustered and mumbled something about anomalies happen. People in the audiance snickered at him too. He was there to really sell you drugs. Bull! They really don't know what causes it and can't predict who will get it unless a relative already has it and then they play the % game.
So when I see stuff like drinking grows brain cells - that's outrageous! It doesn't . It kills brain cells. Stupid people will take it seriously and totally screw themselves up.
46
posted on
04/29/2005 9:44:50 AM PDT
by
nmh
(Intelligent people recognize Intelligent Design (God).)
To: John D
You know I was just thinking in order for my theory to be correct, Teddy would have to have been smart at some point. I don't think I can accept that. Has to be another reason.
:)
47
posted on
04/29/2005 9:45:52 AM PDT
by
Bacon Man
(I wanna live to see how global warming turns out. I have an inside tip it's all a load of crap.)
To: Bacon Man
Oh stop! I'm laughing too hard to read!
48
posted on
04/29/2005 9:50:50 AM PDT
by
suzyjaruki
(We love Him because He first loved us. 1John 4:19)
To: Conspiracy Guy
Same here. Glad I now know why!
49
posted on
04/29/2005 10:00:10 AM PDT
by
Laura Earl
(Fitness is a journey not a destination.)
To: raccoonradio
You have to first have a brain. Teddy is without so it can't grow.
50
posted on
04/29/2005 10:07:45 AM PDT
by
Conspiracy Guy
(Caution. Contents under pressure.)
To: Laura Earl
You aren't just very smart. You're also strikingly beautiful. And you have excellent tastes in men.
51
posted on
04/29/2005 10:13:08 AM PDT
by
Conspiracy Guy
(Caution. Contents under pressure.)
To: Conspiracy Guy
Flattery will get you everywhere! ;)
52
posted on
04/29/2005 10:26:05 AM PDT
by
Laura Earl
(Fitness is a journey not a destination.)
To: Laura Earl
I know that because alcohol makes me smarter than the average guy.
53
posted on
04/29/2005 10:30:30 AM PDT
by
Conspiracy Guy
(Caution. Contents under pressure.)
To: Bacon Man
This is my college yearbook picture (freshman year).
To: Conspiracy Guy
Add that to ruggedly handsome, and you make a nice package! ;)
55
posted on
04/29/2005 10:49:31 AM PDT
by
Laura Earl
(Fitness is a journey not a destination.)
To: Conspiracy Guy
If this is true I should be able to call Einstien a dufus.
56
posted on
04/29/2005 10:51:55 AM PDT
by
TXBSAFH
(Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, who's bringing the chips?)
To: Laura Earl
This feeds on itself doesn't it.
57
posted on
04/29/2005 10:52:50 AM PDT
by
Conspiracy Guy
(Caution. Contents under pressure.)
To: TXBSAFH
He was a doofus. Look at all that time he wasted on math and such.
58
posted on
04/29/2005 10:53:35 AM PDT
by
Conspiracy Guy
(Caution. Contents under pressure.)
To: Conspiracy Guy
59
posted on
04/29/2005 10:57:33 AM PDT
by
Laura Earl
(Fitness is a journey not a destination.)
To: Conspiracy Guy
Hey I go to school part time, getting a higher degree. I am taking Linear Algebra now.
60
posted on
04/29/2005 10:59:23 AM PDT
by
TXBSAFH
(Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, who's bringing the chips?)
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