Alcohol Consumption And The Liver
Consuming eight or more drinks of alcohol per week can affect your liver function. Bodily impairment, irregular liver function, and death are some of the consequences of acute or heavy drinking such as binge drinking. In the United States, about 8.5% of the population develops an alcohol disorder each year.
How Alcohol Affects Liver Health
Your liver is specialized for metabolizing different molecules such as hormones, enzymes, and proteins. The liver also breaks down and eliminates some waste substances from the blood. Medicines, nutrients, and vitamins are also converted by the liver into substances to be used by the body. Ultimately, the liver helps in storing glycogen for energy, digestion, and cleaning your blood.
When a person drinks too much alcohol, he or she becomes unable to process all the alcohol. As a result, alcohol in excess remains in the blood and may affect the normal functioning of the brain.
Your liver cells start getting destroyed as a result of chronic alcohol abuse. It may lead to alcoholic hepatitis, liver cancer, and cirrhosis.
How Your Liver Processes Alcohol
Your liver processes most alcohol after it is absorbed in the digestive tract. During processing, alcohol is broken down into harmful substances that damage the liver. The liver will be more damaged if you drink more alcohol.
Your liver can recover from a little damage. Therefore, when liver cells are being damaged by alcohol, the liver can still continue to work. Even if the liver is 80% damaged, it can still function. Excessive alcohol abuse progresses liver damage, leading eventually to death.
How Much Alcohol Is Harmful?
Your risk of developing liver disease depends on how much alcohol you drink. The risk of developing liver damage varies greatly between individuals. Some people will develop liver disease after moderate consumption and others only after heavy or very heavy consumption over a long period. It is recommended not to exceed one to two glasses of alcohol per day for men. For women, it is recommended to consume no more than one glass of alcohol per day.
Long And Short-Term Effects Of Alcohol Consumption
Short-Term Effects
Short term effects of excessive alcohol consumption include:
- Blackouts and memory lapses
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Breathing difficulties
- Coma
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
Long-Term Effects
Long-term effects include:
- Ulcers in the esophagus or the stomach
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Liver disease
- Gastritis
- Alcohol poisoning
- Intentional injuries
Sources
- World Health Organization: Alcohol
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol and Public Health
- NHS: Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.