From the moment alcohol reaches the liver, the liver works hard to break it down. The toxins released during this process damage the liver in the following ways:
1. Fatty liver (stage 1)
This is the first stage seen in most alcoholics. The byproducts of alcohol breakdown cause fat to accumulate in the liver. If you stop drinking at this stage, the liver will return to full health.
2. Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation)
Long-term alcohol consumption causes inflammation in the liver cells. This is called alcoholic hepatitis. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and mild fever. Delaying treatment at this stage is dangerous.
3. Cirrhosis (liver shrinkage)
This is the most serious stage. Due to continuous inflammation, liver cells are destroyed and scar tissue forms there. This hardens the liver (Fibrosis) and impairs its function. It is difficult to completely reverse the damage done at this stage.
When is the risk highest?
Daily drinking: Drinking alcohol every day without breaks causes the liver to not get a rest.
Amount: Women are more likely to suffer liver damage even with lower amounts of alcohol than men.
Other diseases: Alcohol can quickly damage the liver in people with hepatitis B and C and in people who are obese.
5 symptoms to recognize that the liver is in danger:
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice).
Excessive swelling in the legs and abdomen.
Severe fatigue and insomnia.
Red blood vessels that look like spider webs on the skin.
Vomiting blood or passing black stools
