4. Alcohol and Drug Use
Similar to tobacco, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is another consistent cause of tongue and mouth cancer. While having the occasional drink with friends might not be a problem, those people who tend to drink on a regular basis are far more likely to develop some form of cancer in the mouth, tongue, or head.
Development of cancer due to alcohol use comes from two known sources;
• Acetaldehyde – produced in the GI tract during digestion.
• Ethanol – Found in many alcoholic beverages and spirits.
Drinking also interrupts the body’s ability to absorb critical nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, D, and E, as well as hindering the absorption of folate and carotenoids responsible for cellular health.
Alcohol consumption, especially spirits such as vodka and whiskey, disrupt many different biological functions and weakens the immune system. Those individuals that drink daily should consult with a psychotherapist to help them reduce and eventually abstain from their habit.