Alcohol & Liver Health: How Much Alcohol Can Affect Liver Health?

Dr.Saurabh Singhal, 2 mins read

The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It helps remove toxins, produces essential proteins, and aids in digestion. But one of the biggest threats to our liver is alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver over time, and in some cases, the damage can be life-threatening. So, how much alcohol is too much? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

When we drink alcohol, our liver works to break it down and remove it from your blood. But the liver can only process a limited amount at a time. If you drink too much or too often, the extra alcohol starts to damage liver cells. Over a period of time, this can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, or even cirrhosis, a serious condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.

How Much Alcohol is Safe?

As per the experts, the limit for moderate drinking for men is up to 2 standard drinks per day and for women, it is up to 1 standard drink per day.

A standard drink means 1 glass (150 ml) of wine, 1 small bottle (330 ml) of beer and 1 shot (30-45 ml) of spirits like whiskey, rum, or vodka. Drinking within these limits is less likely to harm your liver. But remember safe doesn't mean risk-free. Even moderate alcohol use can cause liver problems, especially if you already have liver issues or take certain medications.

Signs That Show Your Liver Is In Trouble:

Your liver doesn't usually show signs of damage until it is very serious. But some early warning signs include:

• Constant fatigue
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  

Who Should Avoid Alcohol Completely?

Some people should avoid alcohol altogether, such as those with liver disease, people with a history of alcohol addiction, pregnant women and those taking medications that interact badly with alcohol.

Healthy Habits To Protect Our Liver

• Limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.
  
• Drink water between alcoholic drinks.
  
• Eat before drinking to slow alcohol absorption.
  
• Get regular liver function tests if you drink regularly.
  
• Avoid mixing alcohol with medications without asking the doctor.
  

Conclusion

Your liver works hard every day to keep your body healthy. But alcohol can put a huge burden on it. While occasional drinking may not cause harm for most people, regular or heavy drinking can lead to serious liver problems. If you have any health concerns, talk to our experts at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, for best treatment and advice.

Also Read: How to Keep Your Liver Healthy & Disease Free?