Drinking alcohol can harm your liver, especially if you have certain health conditions, a recent study has found. Conditions such as a large belly, diabetes, and high blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of serious liver damage when combined with alcohol consumption.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, who was not involved in the study, pointed out that this information is especially important during events like the Super Bowl.
People often indulge in unhealthy foods like processed meats and sugary snacks during these events, which can cause insulin resistance and fatty liver. When combined with alcohol, these factors amplify the risk of liver damage.
Conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar contribute to a build-up of fat in the liver, which can eventually lead to liver scarring or fibrosis. “Before someone develops diabetes, they usually have fatty liver, which is a result of sugar imbalance,” said Dr. Freeman.
Drinking alcohol alone can also damage liver cells, leading to further fat accumulation. This double risk of fatty liver from both the health conditions and alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, increasing the risk of liver failure and liver cancer.
The study, led by Dr. Brian Lee, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, revealed that people with chronic conditions who drink moderately to heavily have a higher likelihood of developing liver scarring.
“It’s a high-risk group, and pre-existing health issues play a big role in how alcohol affects the liver,” Dr. Lee said.
However, Dr. Lee also stressed that anyone who drinks heavily, regardless of their health condition, is at risk for liver damage. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 0.7 ounces (20 grams) of alcohol per day for women and 1.05 ounces (30 grams) for men.
A “standard drink” in the U.S. contains 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of alcohol, which is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine. Many people unknowingly exceed this amount, especially in social settings where they may pour larger drinks.
Studies have shown that even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to your health. A recent advisory from former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy highlighted the link between alcohol and cancer, noting that alcohol causes over 100,000 cancer cases each year in the U.S.
For those looking to reduce alcohol consumption, experts suggest opting for mocktails or using the SMART method to set achievable goals for cutting back. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based goals. This method helps set realistic targets for reducing alcohol intake and improving health.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York, advises taking small steps toward reducing alcohol and being honest about your current habits. “Nothing starts without an honest conversation with yourself,” she said.
By understanding these health risks, individuals can make more informed decisions about alcohol consumption and protect their liver from long-term damage.
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