HEALTH UPDATE: Regular alcohol consumption harms the liver. Overeating is another damaging factor. Excess iron also contributes to liver damage. Fructose in ‘sugar-free’ products is harmful too.

Yet the essential life-giving organ rarely signals a problem until the damage becomes severe. This was stated by gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and MD/PhD Sergey Vyalov.

‘The number one culprit is, of course, alcohol. Many people underestimate the impact alcohol has on the liver. They don’t understand, or refuse to listen to warnings about the actual amount of pure alcohol contained in alcoholic beverages.

Drinking 8 beers of 33cl at 5.5% alcohol daily is considered excessive and poses serious health risks.

Here’s a breakdown of why this level of consumption is harmful:

Alcohol Content and Units

Each 33cl beer at 5.5% ABV contains about 1.8 units of alcohol. 8 beers = 14.4 units per day. This amount is more than double the UK’s recommended weekly limit of 14 units. You’re consuming this amount daily.

Health Risks of Daily Heavy Drinking

Consuming this amount of alcohol regularly can lead to:

•       Liver damage: Increased risk of fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

•       Heart problems: Elevated blood pressure, arrhythmia, and increased risk of stroke.

•       Brain and mental health issues: Memory impairment, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

•       Cancer risk: Higher likelihood of mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancers.

•       Addiction: High risk of developing alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder.

Shortened lifespan: Chronic heavy drinking is linked to significantly reduced life expectancy.

Even if you feel physically fine now, the long-term consequences of this drinking pattern are severe.

If you’re considering cutting back or need support, talk to a healthcare professional. Reaching out to a support group can also be a powerful first step.

The doctor also named fructose as an equally dangerous enemy of the liver. It is often hidden in products labeled ‘sugar-free.’

‘Fructose doesn’t undergo any transformations in the body or liver. It immediately turns into fat. Therefore, the more fructose we eat, the more it contributes to fatty liver disease,’ the specialist noted.

The interviewee also dispelled popular myths. They stated that the amount of water you drink does not affect your liver health. Exercise or sleep patterns also do not impact it.

However, certain herbs, such as St. John’s wort, and liver-cleansing supplements can pose a risk. Furthermore, your gut health also affects your liver.

What will definitely affect liver health is the condition of your intestines. That’s where the microflora is located. It secretes various substances that either help the liver or harm it.

And then you need to pay attention to whether there’s bloating or not, and whether plant foods are well tolerated…,’ the expert emphasized.

The doctor identified the lack of symptoms as the main problem. The liver doesn’t hurt because there are no nerve endings.

For a timely diagnosis, he recommended elastography. This test accurately determines the percentage of fat in the organ. He preferred it over an ultrasound.

‘Today, even if there are any problems with the liver, we can cure it 50-100% in about six months. We can completely restore the liver’s condition within a year. This is possible provided it hasn’t passed the point of no return,’ the hepatologist added.

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