Signs of Liver Damage From Alcohol
Legacy Healing Center Blog
The liver is an integral part of the body, filtering blood, detoxifying chemicals, and metabolizing drugs. Various substances can cause liver damage. Here at our treatment center in Pompano, FL, we want to make sure that you know all the signs of liver damage from alcohol. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver damage. When liver damage has happened due to alcohol, it’s called alcohol-related liver disease.
The liver is essential for certain functions, including the following:
- Responsible for the production and elimination of bile
- Eliminates cholesterol, drugs, and hormones within the body
- Metabolizes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
- Responsible for enzyme activation
- Stores vitamins, minerals, and glycogen
- Synthesizes plasma proteins and clotting factors
What Is Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD)?
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a result of drinking more alcohol than the liver can process, which damages the organ. The liver helps the body discard the toxins it does not need. As the liver breaks down alcohol, the chemical reaction releases a toxin, which damages liver cells. If too much alcohol is ingested repeatedly over time, even without getting drunk, liver damage begins to occur. When there is too much liver damage, it can impact the entire body. ALD leads to many fatalities.
Signs of alcohol liver disease can include:
- Stomach pains, nausea, and diarrhea
- Tenderness around the liver
- Unusual weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue and feelings of weakness
- Red palms and white fingernails
Severe and Acute Signs of Liver Damage From Alcohol
- Immune system issues
- Unusually dark urine
- Bruising and bleeding easily
- Liver failure
Can Your Liver Repair Itself From Alcohol?
The liver can repair itself and is incredibly resilient. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die. The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate. This can result in serious and permanent damage to your liver.
How to Avoid Liver Damage From Alcohol
To avoid liver damage from alcohol, lower your consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol in moderation can help lower the risk of liver damage. In addition to reducing alcohol intake, you can also eat a healthy diet, break a sweat, manage weight, mind your medications, and have regular checkups.
Abstinence in regard to the consumption of alcohol is the best way to avoid ALD. Even one drink can be too many. Alcohol avoidance is the only way to possibly revere the damage or prevent the disease from worsening. It’s important to avoid drinking alcohol together if you’re recovering from alcohol use disorder, are pregnant, or taking medications that can interact with alcohol.
Finding Help for Alcoholism
Here at our treatment center in Pompano, FL, we offer an extremely helpful alcohol rehab program. ALD normally stems from alcoholic abuse, though when people talk about addiction, they often think about drugs. Many don’t realize that alcohol is a drug and it is one of the most widely used substances in the world. Have faith in our treatment center being able to help you or a loved one avoid liver damage from alcohol.
When a person is battling alcohol use disorder, and it starts to affect physical health, it is important to consider addiction treatment.
For more information about our levels of care and other therapy programs, call Legacy Healing Center today at 888-534-2295.
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