Alcoholic liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease is a major cause of liver problems in the Western World. The liver metabolises alcohol by converting it to a chemical called acetaldehyde using two enzyme systems, one of which involves the production of chemicals called free radicals which can damage liver cells. In heavy drinkers there is more of this enzyme, increasing the risk of liver damage. There are three stages: in the first there is accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver cells - producing so-called fatty liver (a similar condition can occur in those who are obese, have high cholesterol or are diabetic). There may be no symptoms. In the second stage there is damage to the liver cells and inflammation, producing alcoholic hepatitis with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. This may progress to the third stage with the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Abstinence from alcohol will cause resolution of the first two stages over a period of time, but fibrosis and cirrhosis are irreversible, although abstinence will prevent progression and increase survival.
Not everybody who drinks heavily will necessarily develop liver disease, and other factors such as genetic susceptibility and diet may be involved. It is not possible to predict which of us is at risk of developing the disease - or, unfortunately, which of us isn’t. Besides abstinence, alcoholic liver disease requires treatment with vitamin supplements in order to prevent the development of complications.
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