The liver is the first organ to process alcohol. Excessive drinking leads to a build up of fat in the liver.
The damage is often reversible if you cut down or stop drinking alcohol. Within a few weeks after stopping alcohol, a reduction in liver fat can be seen.
Continuing to drink excessively, increases the risk of the liver becoming inflamed, which increases the risk of scar tissue as the liver tries to heal itself. This is called fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis.
Consider reducing your alcohol consumption:
14 units a week is advised for both men and women, with two or three free alcohol days in the week.
What is a unit of alcohol?
At a glance:
2.2 units – 1 pint of beer / lager / cider (4% ABV)
1.5 units – 330 ml bottle of beer / lager / cider (4.5% ABV)
2.2 units – 175 ml glass of wine (12.5% ABV)
3.1 units – 250 ml glass of wine (12.5% ABV)
9.8 units – 750 ml bottle of wine (13% ABV)
1 unit – 25 ml measure of spirits (40% ABV)
Further information:
Alcohol misuse – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Alcohol units – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Love Your Liver Month – Alcohol and the Liver – British Liver Trust
British Liver Trust – Thinking about cutting down on alcohol? alcohol tips (non rshow) (shift8web.com)