The liver is one of the most complex organs in the human body, performing over 500 functions. These include filtering toxins from the blood, storing energy, synthesizing hormones and proteins, and regulating cholesterol and blood sugar. When alcohol is broken down in the liver, several harmful by-products such as acetaldehyde and free radicals are produced, which can damage the liver. Each time the liver filters alcohol, some liver cells are destroyed. Although the liver can regenerate, this ability can be reduced by prolonged excessive drinking.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to alcoholic liver disease. Also, people with certain HLA phenotypes and women may be more prone to this type of damage.

Dr. Sanjeev Saigal, Principal Director and Head, Department of Liver Transplant, Biliary Sciences & HPB, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Saket said “If you have been a heavy drinker for many years, reducing or stopping your alcohol intake can have short-term and long-term benefits for your liver and overall health. While safe limits have been described, the best approach is to avoid alcohol altogether. The most effective way to prevent alcohol-induced liver damage is to quit drinking. Combining alcohol and medications can be extremely harmful to the liver. Alcohol, in particular, can cause serious damage when taken with medications such as acetaminophen, antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants, and painkillers. They should never be taken together”.

Alcoholic liver disease is completely preventable. Understanding this and taking the right steps will have a positive effect on not only the liver but overall health. The best way to take care of your liver is to stop consuming alcohol completely.

Dr Saigal explained that alcohol-related liver damage occurs in three main stages. The first stage is alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fat accumulation in the liver in a matter of days. This stage is symptomless but can be completely curable if alcohol consumption is stopped immediately. The second stage is alcoholic hepatitis, which can be caused by long-term alcohol abuse. It can be mild or severe. Mild cases may improve, but severe cases may require hospitalization and intensive care. The third and most serious stage is cirrhosis, in which the liver becomes permanently scarred. This stage is usually not reversible, but quitting alcohol can prevent further damage and improve life expectancy.

There are many myths about alcohol. For example, it is safe to drink alcohol when you have a healthy diet, liver protection medications can prevent alcohol-induced damage, and a particular type or brand of alcohol is less harmful. But the reality is just the opposite. The fact is that alcohol is one of the top three causes of liver damage in India. Liver damage can be prevented by quitting alcohol. Continued alcohol consumption can lead to serious diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, for which liver transplant may be the only cure.

About the author- Dr. Sanjeev Saigal, Principal Director and Head, Department of Liver Transplant, Biliary Sciences & HPB, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Saket