Alcohol consumption has become a normalized aspect of social culture in Nigeria and across Africa. Whether it is at celebratory events, gatherings with friends, or even just a casual drink after a long day, alcohol is a go-to for many people. However, excessive drinking can hurt the liver.
While zero alcohol consumption is ideal for liver health, moderate intake is often considered safe. The National Health Service recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That is around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints, that is, 2.8 litres of beer with 4% alcohol by volume (ABV). There is no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health. Consuming more than these limits, particularly binge drinking or taking in excess can raise the risk of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD).
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a deadly condition affecting millions of people globally and is a growing concern in Nigeria and across Africa.
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that 2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths, with more than 200 diseases and injuries linked to alcohol use. While Alcohol policy in Nigeria also noted that harmful alcohol use accounts for approximately. 3.3 million deaths annually and it is linked to over 200 non-communicable diseases.
What is alcoholic liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease is a medical condition that occurs when the liver becomes damaged due to excessive and chronic alcohol consumption, leading to impaired liver function.
The liver processes and detoxifies substances in the body and produces essential proteins. Impairment of these functions due to alcoholic disease can have severe consequences, including liver failure and even death.
The stages of Alcoholic liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease progresses through three key stages: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Each of these stages present with different symptoms, allowing for early interventions that can prevent further damage.
- Fatty liver is the first stage, where excessive alcohol consumption leads to fat buildup in the liver. This stage is often reversible with lifestyle changes if caught early.
- Alcoholic hepatitis, the second stage, is marked by liver inflammation. This stage presents with more noticeable symptoms like abdominal pain and jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Cirrhosis is the final stage, where the liver becomes permanently scarred, leading to severe complications and a higher risk of liver failure.
Early detection during the fatty liver or alcoholic hepatitis stage allows for lifestyle changes and medical treatments, which can stop the disease from progressing to cirrhosis, which is irreversible and life-threatening.
