Liver and Detox

Worldwide, drinking alcohol is a social and cultural tradition. Here's the catch: Although sometimes drinking is not necessarily harmful, continuous and excessive drinking can seriously damage the liver. The liver is essential for detoxifying the body, breaking down alcohol, and processing nutrients. However, when swamped by too much alcohol consumption, it makes itself prone to serious harm.

In this blog, we will explore how drinking affects the liver function, the risks to be aware of, and how to support liver recovery.

Knowing the Liver's Function in the Body

The liver is among the most critical organs and performs over 500 functions, including:
Detoxification of toxins and poisonous substances from the blood
Bile secretion to facilitate digestion
Conserve and utilise energy when needed
Regulating cholesterol levels and hormonal equilibrium
 
The Effects of Alcohol on Liver Function

Heavy alcohol use over time ultimately produces oxidative stress, inflammation, and fat accumulation within cells of the liver. Alcoholic liver effects on liver function can be divided into the following successive phases:

1. Fatty Liver (Steatosis)
The most frequent and initial alcohol effect on liver metabolism is fat storage in liver cells. Several days of alcoholic excess are all that are necessary to create fatty liver, which is asymptomatic but reversible with alcohol intake reduction.
 
2. Alcoholic Hepatitis
With continued drinking, inflammation occurs, and liver problems due to alcohol ensue. The symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis are:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Bloating and stomach ache
Vomiting and nausea
Fatigue and weakness
This illness may be mild or even fatal and may cause liver failure in its most severe forms.
 
3. Fibrosis
Cumulative alcohol use causes scarring (fibrosis) as the liver attempts to heal damage that is still present. All liver functions are present at this stage, but the damage is severe and can continue to deteriorate if alcohol use is continued.
 
4. Cirrhosis
The last phase of alcohol impact on liver health is cirrhosis, in which liver tissue is severely scarred, and function is significantly impaired. Cirrhosis can cause life-threatening complications such as:
Liver failure
Internal bleeding
Elevated risk of liver cancer
Unfortunately, cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis and modification in lifestyle can slow its progression.
 
Why Alcohol Is Bad for Liver Health?

The most common question asked is, “Why alcohol is bad for liver health?" Alcohol is terrible for liver health in numerous ways:
1. Toxin accumulation
The liver regulates alcohol metabolism ahead of other body functions, and toxin buildup slows down metabolic functions and is toxic to liver cells.
2. Inflammation and oxidative stress
Excessive alcohol consumption induces an inflammatory response and enhances oxidative stress, leading to the death of liver cells and fibrosis.
3. Disrupted fat metabolism
Alcohol prevents the breakdown of fats by the liver, causing fat to build up within liver cells (fatty liver disease) that can lead to severe liver damage.

Ways to Enable Liver Recovery

Although widespread liver injury cannot be prevented, early treatment and lifestyle adjustment can significantly improve liver function. The following are some simple ways to promote recovery and liver well-being:
1. Curtail or stop alcohol use
It is an important thing to prevent additional liver damage by reducing or entirely abstaining from alcohol consumption. Even slight decreases can lead to better liver function.
2. Eat a healthy and colourful diet
Eat a balanced diet of antioxidants and nutrients that maintain liver health. Prioritise eating the following:
Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – Rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants
Fruits (berries, oranges, apples) – High in vitamin C and polyphenols
Whole grains (brown rice, oats) – Provide fibre and facilitate digestion
Lean proteins (fish, eggs, legumes) – Aid in the repair of liver cells
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will flush out the toxins in the liver and keep it in perfect working condition.
4. Exercise regularly
Exercise reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver and improves metabolic function. Attempt to perform at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
5. Take liver-supporting supplements
Some supplements can support liver health, such as
Milk thistle– contains silymarin, which is well-known for liver-protective properties
Turmeric– shows anti-inflammatory activity beneficial for liver function
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)– assists in replenishing glutathione, an essential liver antioxidant

Liver Loyal by Cureveda reverses fatty liver, promotes the development of new liver cells, and aids in conditions like hepatitis, jaundice, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver. 

It is very effective in the condition of an enlarged liver as it promotes the secretion of bile, which in turn encourages metabolism and digestion.

It combines three super herbs—milk thistle, dandelion, and chicory. Chicory is beneficial in liver diseases such as fatty liver and alcoholic liver disease. Dandelion root stimulates the liver cells. It makes the liver healthy and strong. It is beneficial in liver diseases such as liver enlargement, constipation, and indigestion due to the malfunctioning of the liver.
6. Check liver health periodically
For patients with alcohol-induced liver disease, regular liver function tests (LFTs) can help follow the recovery and recognise early liver damage.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the way alcohol affects liver function is essential in making wise choices about drinking alcohol. While the liver is excellent at recovering, heavy drinking over some time can cause permanent damage. By becoming more aware of the alcohol impact on liver, reducing alcohol intake, and becoming healthier in their lifestyle habits, an individual can significantly improve the function of their liver and overall well-being.
If you, or someone you care about, is fighting alcohol-induced liver issues, do something about it today—your liver will thank you!