When it comes to alcohol and liver health, women face unique challenges. Alcohol consumption affects men and women differently, and women are generally more susceptible to liver damage even with lower levels of alcohol intake. The liver metabolises alcohol, but excessive intake over time leads to serious health problems, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Understanding how alcohol affects women’s liver health is crucial to making informed choices about drinking and maintaining overall well-being.
We spoke to Dr Swapnil Sharma, Consultant Liver Transplant, HPB and GI Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who explained the impact of alcohol on liver health and what women should know.
How Much Is Too Much?
"According to the guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption for women is defined as one drink per day. However, this isn’t always safe, as women metabolise alcohol more slowly than men because of variations in body composition and enzyme activity," explained Dr Sharma. Consequently, women are at a higher risk for the harmful effects of alcohol. Additionally, long-term consumption above moderate levels can increase the chances of liver inflammation and scarring.
According to the United European Gastroenterol Journal, alcohol distribution in the body differs between men and women due to variations in body fat composition, which is higher in women. As a result, women tend to have higher blood alcohol levels than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol. The amount of alcohol that puts someone at risk for developing liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis varies from person to person.
Also Read: How Does Alcohol Consumption Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease
The early stages of liver damage from alcohol are often subtle, with symptoms that may be mistaken for common illnesses. Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease can include:
- Abdominal pain: You may experience discomfort or pain in the upper abdominal area, often as one of the first noticeable symptoms.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually exhausted even after sufficient rest.
- Vomiting and nausea: These can occur along with loss of appetite.
- Unintentional weight loss: There can be difficulty maintaining weight due to liver dysfunction.
One of the most severe outcomes of prolonged alcohol abuse is cirrhosis. It occurs when the liver becomes severely scarred, reducing its ability to perform essential functions like detoxifying the body, producing proteins, and regulating blood clotting. Cirrhosis is a permanent condition that impairs liver function and can lead to severe complications like liver failure, bleeding, and even liver cancer.
How Can Women Take Care Of Their Liver?
Here are some expert-recommended tips that can help women protect their liver health:
- Limit alcohol intake: It is crucial to reduce alcohol consumption to help reduce the risk of liver damage. The less alcohol consumed, the better the liver can function over time.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can help flush toxins from the body and reduce the burden on the liver. Proper hydration also aids digestion and supports healthy liver function.
- Balanced diet: A healthy and nutrient-rich diet is essential for liver health. Therefore, include whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also, avoid processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats that can strain the liver.
- Regular liver function tests: If alcohol consumption is frequent, it’s important to get liver function tests regularly. Early detection of liver damage can prevent further complications and ensure timely medical intervention.
- Medical attention for symptoms: If any symptoms of liver disease appear, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Timely medical care can prevent the condition from worsening and improve the chances of managing the disease effectively.
Bottomline
Dr Sharma concluded, "Women must be aware of the risks alcohol poses to liver health. While moderate drinking may be acceptable for some women, even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to liver damage over time, especially with chronic use. The safest approach is to reduce alcohol intake or abstain from alcohol to maintain the health of the liver for a long time."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]