What are the primary ways alcohol acts as a rapid depleter of magnesium reserves?

Answer

Alcohol acts as a diuretic causing prompt, vigorous magnesium excretion via the kidneys, while also straining the liver's ability to process minerals from food.

Alcohol exerts a dual assault on magnesium levels. Firstly, it possesses acute diuretic properties, meaning it stimulates the kidneys to eliminate fluid more rapidly, leading to a vigorous increase in the urinary loss of vital minerals, including magnesium. Secondly, chronic alcohol intake places significant strain on filtering and metabolic organs, such as the liver. This organ strain impairs the overall efficiency with which the body can break down and assimilate minerals from ingested food sources. Furthermore, if consumption leads to vomiting or diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset compounds the loss through malabsorption.

What are the primary ways alcohol acts as a rapid depleter of magnesium reserves?

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