Introduction

Multiple times we have heard that alcohol is bad. That it negatively impacts your liver. Not just your liver but it also contributes to cardiovascular problems like hypertension, heart disease and stroke, gastritis, pancreatitis, digestive problems, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety as well as overall energy levels affecting daily functioning. Let us understand how exactly it impacts our liver especially when consumed in high levels on a regular basis.

Alcohol components and their impact

Alcohol contains ethanol which is directly toxic for the cells in the body especially affecting the central nervous system. Chronic exposure to long levels of ethanol can lead to neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits. The metabolism of alcohol also promotes oxidative stress which contributes to tissue inflammation and organ damage.

The first metabolite of ethanol – Acetaldehyde is highly toxic. It can cause damage to cells and tissues, particularly in the liver where it contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress. Acetaldehyde is also carcinogenic and has been implicated in the development of cancers including liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Effect on protein synthesis and enzyme activity

Our liver is continuously synthesizing proteins that are essential for maintaining the structure and function of liver cells as well as proteins that are involved in various metabolic processes. Chronic alcoholic consumption disrupts the liver’s ability to synthesize these proteins. The proteins involved in detoxification pathways that breaks down and removes toxins from our body get particularly affected.

Enzymes that help convert alcohol to less toxic substances are also affected. Regular long term alcohol consumption can alter the activity of these enzymes leading to a buildup of toxic metabolites.

As the liver plays an important role in metabolism of other nutrients like carbohydrates, fats and various proteins, alcohol can also impair the liver’s ability to carry out essential metabolic functions.

Increased risk of alcoholic liver diseases

Fatty Liver – Alcohol metabolism primarily occurs in the live and this process can lead to an imbalance in the liver’s normal fat metabolism, resulting in the accumulation of fat within liver cells. This condition is known as fatty liver or steatosis. Fatty liver is often reversible if alcohol consumption is stopped early.

Alcoholic Hepatitis – Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation of the liver known as alcoholic hepatitis. This inflammation occurs due to the toxic effects of acetaldehyde, oxidative stress from alcohol metabolism and the body’s immune response to damaged liver cells. Continued alcohol use exacerbates this condition and increases the risk of progressing to more severe liver damage.

Fibrosis – Fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Over time as fibrosis progresses, it can impair liver function and lead to other complications

Cirrhosis – Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of liver fibrosis where extensive scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis is irreversible and severely impairs liver function.Cirrhosis is a major risk factor for liver cancer.