Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Significant alcohol intake is positively associated with hypertension. Light intakes have little or no effect on blood pressure.  

Significant intakes of alcohol are associated with significant rises in serum triglycerides. Light alcohol intake, in contrast, appears to result in an increase in the levels of high-density lipoproteins.  

Hyperuricemia (excess uric acid in the blood) is positively correlated to alcohol intake in adult males. When significant quantities of alcohol are consumed, lactic acid accumulates that in turn inhibits the excretion of ureates. Ureate accumulation is a characteristic of gout. If the alcohol is consumed with a mixed meal there seems to be little…

Significant alcohol consumption (>2 ounces of alcohol/day) by people with diabetes has been associated with hypoglycemia. Alcohol decreases gluconeogenesis in the liver, and as a result, hypoglycemia can readily develop several hours after alcohol ingestion. If light to moderate quantities of alcohol (1-2 drinks) are consumed with a mixed meal, blood glucose is not adversely…

Although the precise cause of cardiomyopathy in alcoholism is unknown, alcohol abuse is the major cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, which leads to intractable congestive heart failure.  

A plant growth regulator; chemical name: daminozide. Related to structures resembling a wing. The term is most commonly used to describe the shoulder blade, but it can also loosely refer to the shoulder or armpit.  

A cycle that plays an important role in maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range (80-120 mg/dL, 4-6 mmol/L). The cycle uses alanine released by the muscle and deaminated by the liver to produce glucose via gluconeogenesis. This glucose is transported to the muscle where it is oxidized to pyruvate that in turn is…

The number of deaths in a specific age group for a given calendar year divided by the population of that same age group and multiplied by 1000.  

A member of a series of hydrazine derivatives occurring in mushrooms, including the common edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus.  

The habit of swallowing air. Swallowing of air, usually followed by belching, flatulence, and discomfort; also called aerophagy. This may be done voluntarily to stimulate belching, accidentally during rapid eating or drinking, or unconsciously as a habit. Voluntary aerophagia is used to permit esophageal speech after surgical removal of the larynx (usually for cancer). Ingesting…