Whether it’s a social gathering with friends, a celebratory toast at a wedding, or unwinding after a long day, alcohol is a common presence in many of our lives. Though we often focus on the immediate effects, we may not consider a key question: how does alcohol affect the liver?
As the primary organ responsible for metabolising alcohol, the liver bears the brunt of our alcohol consumption. As such, it’s important to consider the effects of our drinking habits in order to protect our liver and overall health.
This guide will outline the stages of alcohol-related liver damage and explore when these effects may warrant a medical consultation.
How Your Liver Processes Alcohol
The liver is responsible for metabolising alcohol and filtering toxins from the blood. During this process, the ethanol in alcohol is processed by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), breaking it down into a toxic by-product called acetaldehyde.
In turn, it is converted into a less toxic substance called acetate by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and removed from the body.
However, the liver can only process a limited amount of alcohol at a time. When it is overwhelmed by excessive or binge drinking, the by-products can accumulate, leading to liver cell inflammation and damage. As the liver struggles to repair itself over time, this can lead to serious health issues like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Stages of Liver Damage from Alcohol
Steatotic Liver Disease (Fatty Liver)
The earliest and often silent stage of alcohol-related liver damage is steatotic liver disease, where fat accumulates within the liver cells. Also known as fatty liver, the condition can result from a short period of heavy drinking or when an individual regularly consumes more alcohol than their liver can metabolise.
Typically, early steatotic liver disease does not present with visible symptoms, making this stage difficult to detect.
However, in most cases, it is reversible with proactive lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can mitigate the problem:
- Quitting alcohol: The most effective step is complete abstinence, which can reverse the condition in as little as two to three weeks. However, for more severe cases, it may take longer.
- Eating a well-balanced diet: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help in managing fatty liver and promoting liver health.
- Frequent exercise: Regular physical activity helps to reduce fat in the liver and improve overall metabolic function
Alcohol-Induced Hepatitis
Alcohol-induced hepatitis is a serious condition where the liver becomes inflamed from prolonged alcohol exposure, which signals infection or injury to the tissues.
Persistent inflammation can cause permanent damage to the organ, which can be life-threatening. While individuals with mild or early hepatitis may not experience symptoms, the signs tend to become more apparent as the disease progresses:
- Abdominal pain: Soreness or tenderness in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located.
- Nausea: A persistent feeling of sickness, often accompanied by vomiting.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to excess bilirubin.
- Light-coloured stools: Stools that are pale, light in colour, and float. This type of stool suggests that bile is not properly reaching the intestines.
- Irregular heart rate: A faster heartbeat as the body tries to cope with the inflammation.
Liver Cirrhosis
In the most severe stage of alcohol-related liver damage, liver cirrhosis involves the permanent scarring of liver tissue due to persistent injury.
As a significant amount of healthy liver tissue gets replaced by scar tissue, the liver is unable to perform vital tasks like filtering toxins. This impairment can eventually lead to liver failure.
While this damage is typically irreversible, liver cirrhosis treatment can help slow or halt the progression, preventing further deterioration of the liver.
Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Liver damage from alcohol may not be apparent until it reaches an advanced stage, but when early fatty liver symptoms do appear, they can be subtle. These include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
As the damage worsens, more serious signs may become noticeable, such as:
- Confusion
- Kidney failure
- Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
Lifestyle Tips to Protect Your Liver
When it comes to your liver health, a preventative approach can be the best defence. Taking pre-emptive steps is always preferable to treating damage after it has occurred.
Fortunately, you can adopt several simple lifestyle tips to protect your liver from alcohol-related issues and support its overall function. Here’s how:
- Limit alcohol intake: Moderating your alcohol consumption and incorporating regular alcohol-free days allows your liver time to recover and regenerate, so the organ does not get overwhelmed.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can contribute to the development of fatty liver and other liver diseases, so aim to keep a healthy body mass.
- Practise safe medication use: Always take medications as directed and avoid mixing them with alcohol.
- Avoid unnecessary medications: Be mindful of over-the-counter drugs and supplements that may further affect your liver. Always consult a professional before starting new medicines.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor?
As alcohol-related liver damage is often reversible in its initial stages, an early diagnosis can go a long way in protecting your health.
Therefore, if you consume alcohol regularly, it’s best to take proactive steps to stay ahead of potential liver issues, such as by consulting a hepatobiliary specialist.
This medical consultation does not necessarily signify a serious problem – rather, it’s an opportunity to understand your personal risks and receive guidance.
Consult a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent digestive problems.
- Unusual and unexplained fatigue.
- Abnormal liver test results from a routine screening.
Need Clarity on Your Liver Health?
If you have concerns regarding your liver health, take action sooner rather than later by seeking specialist medical attention.
As an expert in liver treatment in Singapore, Dr. Thng YongXian is well-versed in a wide range of liver conditions. Through comprehensive liver function tests and diagnostic services, he can help you chart the best course of action.
Don’t wait on your wellbeing – book an appointment for a personalised evaluation and treatment plan today.