Alcohol is a substance that has a negative impact on the human body. One of the organs most exposed to the toxic effects of alcohol is the liver. This organ participates in the process of ethanol breakdown and, although it possesses a natural ability to regenerate, it undergoes stress and damage under its influence. Is complete regeneration of the liver weakened by alcohol possible? How long does liver regeneration take and how much time is needed for this organ to return to normal functions? How can you support liver regeneration after alcohol abuse?
How Does Alcohol Affect the Liver?
Excessive alcohol consumption is a frequent cause of liver diseases. This substance causes destabilization of oxidation and reduction processes within the cell, as well as the occurrence of oxidative stress – an imbalance between the action of free oxygen radicals and mechanisms for their removal – recognized as one of the main causes of liver damage. A significant increase in the risk of diseases of this organ can be observed with daily alcohol consumption exceeding 80 g of pure ethanol. This is an amount corresponding to one liter of wine or two liters of beer. The effects of alcohol consumption on the liver may differ depending on variables such as ethnic origin and gender. Statistical studies show that susceptibility to damage caused by excessive ethanol consumption is significantly higher in women than in men. Start Treatment at Nasz Gabinet:The Process of Alcohol Digestion
Consumed alcohol in the absorption process penetrates from the stomach and intestines into the blood, and then is broken down into other chemical substances with the help of enzymes present in the human body. As a result of the action of an enzyme known as alcohol dehydrogenase, ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde, to then be transformed into acetate and ultimately into water and carbon dioxide. Another enzyme participating in the process of alcohol metabolism in the liver is cytochrome oxidase, whose level increases during the period of chronic drinking. The liver processes most of the ethanol supplied to the body. Its small, unprocessed part allows for measuring the alcohol content in urine and air exhaled by a person. See also: Disulfiram – What Is It?How Long Does the Liver Digest Alcohol?
The pace at which the liver digests alcohol depends on the level of enzymes, which varies depending on the person and may be genetically determined. The time of ethanol metabolization also depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and body mass. The body's ability to break down ethanol is largely individualized and, it is worth emphasizing, decreasing with age. Due to the fact that the process of alcohol metabolization proceeds more slowly than the absorption process, preventing the accumulation of ethanol in the human body and the resulting alcohol poisoning can only be achieved by controlling one's consumption.Does the Liver Regenerate?
The liver is the only internal organ in the human body that possesses the ability for independent regeneration. This is due to the fact that it has a large functional reserve. This reserve allows the liver to work effectively with only 10% healthy parenchyma, as well as to regrow even from a small lobe. Due to the presence of stem cells, this organ is also capable of regenerating its damaged fragments. How long liver regeneration after alcohol takes depends on the state of organ damage.Liver Regeneration After Alcohol – How Long Does It Take?
Although the regenerative processes of the liver are undoubtedly effective, they are also lengthy. Many factors determine how long the liver regenerates. In the case of a one-time liver damage after alcohol, only two days may suffice, however, in people consuming alcohol in excessive amounts, the liver regeneration time, depending on the degree of damage, ranges from several weeks to several months. It is also worth noting that the regenerative possibilities of the liver are limited. Excessive stress or damage to this organ leads to its significant enlargement, which causes pressure on the stomach and intestines, thereby causing various ailments from the digestive system. Their occurrence necessitates supporting the regenerative processes of the liver by eliminating toxins and other harmful substances accumulated in it that negatively affect the organ's function.How to Regenerate the Liver After Alcohol?
How to cleanse the liver of alcohol? To support the regeneration of the liver weakened by ethanol, it is necessary to eliminate factors leading to organ damage – besides alcohol, these can be liver-burdening medications, supplements, and fatty foods. Detoxification of the body with an easily digestible diet is recommended, which primarily includes vegetables, fruits, and unprocessed food. It is advisable to avoid fat, coffee, strong tea, and sweets. In a diet supporting the regenerative processes of the liver, proper supply of animal protein should also be ensured, so it is worth introducing kefir, yogurts, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, as well as lean meat into the diet. Changing eating habits should go hand in hand with increasing physical activity, which helps eliminate liver steatosis. Some over-the-counter pharmacy preparations also help in the regeneration of this organ, such as:- phospholipid preparations that penetrate damaged liver cells, inhibit fibrosis processes, reduce the risk of cirrhosis, increase cholesterol solubility in bile and support its elimination from the body
- thiazolidinecarboxylic acid preparations that help remove toxic compounds accumulated in the liver and protect the organ from the harmful effects of alcohol and medications
- curcumin supplements that accelerate the liver cleansing process and support its regeneration processes.
Medications for Liver Regeneration – Do They Work?
The FDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has not yet approved any pharmacotherapy for alcoholic liver damage. However, off-label, medications such as pentoxifylline and corticosteroids are used to stimulate liver regeneration processes, which represent the best-studied form of liver regeneration support. However, they have limited and short-term usefulness, and their intake is also associated with the risk of side effects such as infections, which for people with alcohol-damaged liver can have serious consequences.Diet for Liver Regeneration After Alcohol
A diet for fatty liver regeneration after alcohol should be primarily easily digestible and rich in nutrients. People following it must absolutely abstain from stimulants – alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs – as far as possible, liver-burdening medications should also be discontinued/less harmful alternatives should be chosen. Consuming healthy, medium-chain fats can be helpful in liver regeneration, which help limit the accumulation of harmful fats in this organ, as well as an adequate supply of antioxidants preventing the formation of harmful oxygen molecules and free radicals. These antioxidants can be supplied in the form of supplements. Glutathione (GSH) and S-adenosylmethionine are considered the most effective in regenerating the body after alcohol.:::cta Need Help Fighting Addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule Appointment :::
