The human liver is an important organ that helps in detoxification and metabolism of medications, alcohol, and other substances. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol does not harm a healthy liver.
However, excessive drinking habits can cause several liver diseases. Alcohol consumption affects liver health in different ways depending on a few factors, including age, gender, weight, and overall health. Therefore, it is essential to know what the healthy amount to drink is to maintain liver health.
What Is Moderate Drinking?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines moderate drinking as consuming up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
One drink is considered equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. These moderate drinking limits can lower the risk of developing several health conditions, including liver diseases.
How Does Alcohol Affect Liver Health?
When someone consumes alcohol, the liver processes the alcohol, and a toxic substance called acetaldehyde is formed. Acetaldehyde damages the liver cells, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can ultimately result in liver problems.
Long-term excessive drinking can even cause cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure or liver cancer. Alcohol-related liver diseases can range from fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, to cirrhosis.
Factors that Affect Liver Health Besides Alcohol
The amount of alcohol someone drinks isn’t the only factor that affects liver health. Other factors that can impact liver health include:.
Body Weight and BMI
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, and alcohol can worsen this condition.
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Age
As people get older, their liver may not be as efficient at processing alcohol.
Overall Health
Individuals with hepatitis C or B or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether as they are already at high risk of developing liver problems.
Gender
Women tend to have a lower body mass and an enzyme that breaks down alcohol less efficiently than men, which can lead to more significant alcohol-related liver damage.
Drinking Patterns
Drinking alcohol excessively or binge drinking, even if it is only occasionally, can damage the liver. Drinking patterns matter as much as the overall amount of alcohol consumed.
What is Safe Drinking for a Healthy Liver?
The best way to ensure a healthy liver is to avoid excessive drinking. Drinking in moderation means consuming up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. However, everyone’s threshold for alcohol is different.
People with liver damage or people taking medication that affects their liver should avoid alcohol altogether to prevent further liver damage.
Conclusion
While the liver is a powerful organ that can handle moderate amounts of alcohol consumption, its ability to do so decreases with excessive alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of the amount of alcohol consumed daily or weekly.
To have a healthy liver, it is best to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men. However, it is always better to consult a healthcare professional in case of any doubts about alcohol consumption and liver health.
