How much is too much? Here's what women should know about alcohol and liver health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking for women is defined as one drink per day. However, frequent or binge drinking, more than four drinks in one session, can quickly escalate the risk of liver damage (Image: Canva)

Drinking alcohol can harm nearly every part of the body, with the liver being particularly vulnerable. Over time, alcohol can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, all of which impair liver function. It is more dangerous for women, suggest studies.

Women process alcohol differently than men because they have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach, explains Dr Geeta Shroff, Director NuBella Centre for Women’s Health, New Delhi. “This means more alcohol enters their bloodstream, even if the quantity consumed is the same. Additionally, women tend to have a higher fat-to-water ratio, which slows alcohol metabolism, exposing the liver to its toxic effects for a longer duration,” she says.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking for women is defined as one drink per day. However, frequent or binge drinking, more than four drinks in one session, can quickly escalate the risk of liver damage. “Even moderate drinking over time can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis,” Dr Shroff warns. Studies show women are more prone to alcohol-related liver diseases than men, even at lower levels of consumption.

Also read | Why over-drinking alcohol is more dangerous for your organs than you think

Dr Shroff shares the stages of alcohol-related liver damage:

Fatty liver disease:

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver disease, where fat accumulates in the liver cells. This condition impairs the liver’s ability to function properly, leading to symptoms like fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and liver enlargement. If untreated, fatty liver can progress to more severe liver conditions.

Alcoholic hepatitis:

Alcoholic hepatitis occurs due to long-term alcohol use, causing inflammation and damage to liver cells. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and nausea. Chronic alcoholic hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis if not managed.

Cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease where the liver becomes scarred and its function is severely compromised. This scarring is irreversible and can eventually lead to liver failure. The liver struggles to detoxify the body, leading to fluid retention, internal bleeding, and jaundice. Cirrhosis may require a liver transplant if it progresses to end-stage liver disease.

Liver cancer:

Chronic alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form. Over time, the liver’s cells are damaged, and scarring from cirrhosis can increase the likelihood of cancer development. Symptoms of liver cancer may include weight loss, loss of appetite, and unexplained pain in the upper abdomen.

Also read | Do you drink alcohol before sleep? It disrupts your sleep, brain function, emotional balance

Warning signs your liver may be struggling:

Liver damage is often silent in its early stages, making it important to watch for subtle signs. These may include unexplained fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain or bloating, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea or loss of appetite, and changes in urine color, such as dark urine or pale stools. Recognizing these symptoms early can help in seeking timely medical intervention.

Preventive steps women can take:

Know your limits: Stick to one drink per day or abstain if you have liver issues.

Get regular check-ups: Liver function tests can detect early damage.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, combined with regular exercise, helps mitigate alcohol’s effects.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports liver function.

Seek help if needed: If cutting down on alcohol feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.