
The liver is the most complex organs in the human body. It has more than 500 functions. These include filtering out toxins in the blood, energy storage, hormone and protein production and controlling cholesterol and blood sugar. Liver damage can affect the entire body. This is because the liver is generally highly efficient in rebuilding and repairing itself. Often when the damage is found, it is irreversible.
Fast Facts about Alcoholic Liver Disease:
- Alcoholic liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries and is the third most common cause of liver transplants.
- Abstaining from alcohol is the only way a person has a chance of recovery.
- It can cause the jaundice and tremors are symptoms of alcoholic liver disease.
- Some of the treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes and surgery.
- The recommended daily limit is no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
What Are The Early Symptoms?
The early signs of liver damage from alcohol are vague and affect many systems in the body. In addition to the general discomfort, Signs may include:
- Stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite
It may be easy to ignore the symptoms in the early stages. But the leaving these symptoms undiagnosed and untreated, especially while drinking alcohol continuously. It may cause liver disease to progress faster over time.
Prevention:
To prevent alcoholic liver disease and other conditions linked to alcohol consumption, Citizens should follow national guidelines for limiting alcohol consumption. The guidelines classify moderate drinking as a maximum of one drink per day for women. One glass is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer at 5 per cent alcohol, 5 ounces of wine at 12 per cent, or 1.5 ounces of spirits at 40 per cent alcohol.