Does alcohol warm the body?

While it may seem that alcohol warms the body, the physiological effects tell a different story. When alcohol is consumed, it acts as a vasodilator, meaning it expands blood vessels. This process causes more blood to flow to the skin's surface, giving a temporary sensation of warmth. However, this effect can actually lead to a decrease in core body temperature as heat is lost more rapidly from the body. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of hypothermia.

The notion that alcohol warms the body is a common misconception, making it crucial to rely on scientific understanding rather than anecdotal experiences.