Alcohol isn’t good for your life. For some people, consuming as little as one glass of wine or beer a day can cause liver problems to develop.
The consequences of drinking excessively on a daily basis may result in the destruction of liver cells, a build-up of fat deposits in your liver (fatty liver), or, more seriously, liver inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), permanent scarring (cirrhosis) or even liver cancer
When alcohol reaches the liver, it produces a toxic enzyme called acetaldehyde, which can damage liver cells and cause permanent scarring, as well as harm to the brain and stomach lining. But that’s not all…
Regular and heavy drinking over time can strain or upset the way alcohol is metabolised within the body, which can lead to alcoholic liver disease.
Here Are Some Tips To Consider :
- If you are currently receiving treatment for hepatitis B or C or are thinking about treatment, drinking alcohol can lower the effectiveness of treatment. The less alcohol you drink, the more likely you are to respond to treatment
- If you have Liver cirrhosis & continue to drink at this stage, you will accelerate damage to your liver and rapidly increase your chances of liver cancer as well as death.
- Keep in mind that alcohol can have varying effects on you depending on age, gender, mental health, drug use and medical conditions, so balance a glass of your preferred alcoholic beverage with some thought about the associated risks.
- Love your liver- If you’re having difficulty cutting back, talk to your doctor about getting professional help to reduce your alcohol intake.
FAQs
- How does alcohol affect the liver?
Alcohol can damage liver cells, leading to conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. - Can liver damage from alcohol be reversed?
In some cases, early liver damage can be reversed with lifestyle changes, such as stopping alcohol consumption. - How much alcohol is safe for the liver?
Moderate drinking, such as up to one drink per day for women and two for men, is generally considered safe for the liver. - What are the signs of liver damage from alcohol?
Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, and swelling. - What should you do if you’re concerned about alcohol’s effect on your liver?
Consult a doctor for liver function tests and advice on alcohol consumption and liver health.