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Genetic liver diseases are rapidly becoming a more prevalent cause of liver disease, showing us that more than just good looks can run in the family. Learn more about genetic liver diseases, the most common kinds, and why maintaining good liver health remains important.

About Genetic Liver Diseases

Genetic liver diseases are a group of metabolic and genetic defects that are known to cause chronic liver disease. Unlike a liver condition such as NASH that’s typically caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, genetic liver conditions are hereditary and are likely to be found in close relatives or family members. The most common and critical genetic liver conditions are Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC), and Wilson’s disease. However, various inheritable liver conditions exist but are rarer, such as Alagille syndrome and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. These inherited liver conditions can lead to various health complications and over time can manifest into liver scarring, cirrhosis and in some cases, liver failure.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein made by the liver that serves to protect the lungs. An alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a hereditary condition classified by the lack of a distinct enzyme. As a result, excess alpha-1 antitrypsin can accumulate in the liver. It’s not uncommon for adults afflicted by AAT deficiency to be asymptomatic until it advances into cirrhosis. Symptoms may be chronic or occur with acute respiratory infections and may include:

Chest pain that escalates when breathing in
Continuous exhaustion and low energy
Decreased ability to exercise
Excessive coughing with phlegm
Lack of appetite
Shortness of breath and wheezing

Initial symptoms of AAT deficiency typically occur between the ages of 20-50 but affect some as early as infancy. If the lung disease associated with the Alpha-1 antitrypsin is not severe, those who develop cirrhosis and liver failure might be eligible for a liver transplant.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) occurs when a surplus amount of iron gathers in the body. Excess iron in the body is toxic, and if left untreated, iron levels rise over time, and organ damage can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hemochromatosis patients are revealed mainly through abnormal iron levels via bloodwork but can also be detected through genetic testing, and some may require a liver biopsy.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, bronze or grey clear skin, joint pain, lethargy, loss of sex drive, and weight loss. The leading cause of death for HH patients is liver-related complications. The earlier you can achieve a diagnosis, the increased likelihood of avoiding these complications.

Wilson’s Disease

Approximately one in 30,000 people have Wilson’s disease. This genetic disorder doesn’t allow the body to discard extra copper, which causes a build-up in the liver and other organs. Like most things in life, moderation is essential, and the same can be applied to copper within our body. A person with a family history of Wilson’s disease is highly susceptible to also having it, with symptoms manifesting between the ages of 5-40. However, some diagnoses have been made as early as nine months and in adults seventy and up. It’s important to note that symptoms often remain undetected until it is too late but can be treated with appropriate medication if targeted appropriately.

Importance of Liver Health

Liver health maintenance is vital especially for those who are living with genetic liver diseases or those who are genetically predisposed to developing one. Through a balanced diet, routine exercise, responsible alcohol use, and weight management, you can help maintain good overall health. In addition, regular liver scans and check-ups can help detect any issues sooner rather than later.

Click here to request your FREE and painless fibroscan appointment! Looking to explore other research options or to learn more about genetic liver diseases? Visit our website to browse enrolling studies or contact us to connect with our team of liver experts today!

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1303145/pdf/westjmed00361-0066.pdf

https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/pediatric-liver-disease/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/wilson-disease/definition-facts

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/symptoms-diagnosis

To uncover the truth about dyslipidemia, we must first know what is, often referred to as high cholesterol, dyslipidemia is the imbalance of lipid or fat found in your bloodstream. While moderate lipid levels in your body are okay, high levels can put you at higher risk for other medical health concerns. Read on for more information on dyslipidemia and how it affects your liver health.

There are three prime types of lipids found in your blood:

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – are considered the “good” cholesterol because their primary function is to remove LDL from your bloodstream and redirect it to your liver. This works because once LDL returns to the liver, cholesterol is crushed down and passed from the body.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – are known as the “bad” cholesterol due to their creation in your arteries of a waxy layer referred to as plaque. The accumulation of plaque is dangerous; it can make the arteries stiffer but can also obstruct the arteries allowing less blood to flow.
Triglycerides – play a part by storing fat in your cells so that you may use them as a source of energy. They develop when calories are stored in fat cells rather than burned immediately.

If not monitored and controlled, dyslipidemia can be severe. If high cholesterol is left untreated, you allow plaque buildup in your blood vessels. This may result in health complications such as cardiovascular disease.

Can Dyslipidemia Affect Liver Health?

The short answer is yes! Your liver produces cholesterol and transfers it to the parts of your body where it’s needed. However, it becomes more complicated when cholesterol levels are too high. The build-up of excess fat can cause damage to the liver. The liver is vital to the management of cholesterol in your body. Thus, changes in lipids can play a fundamental role in chronic liver diseases, such as:

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Cholestatic Liver Disease
Cirrhosis

Dyslipidemia is strongly associated with non-alcoholic liver disease based on recent study findings.

Symptoms and Treatment

Unless severe, minor dyslipidemia is challenging to detect since symptoms are relatively unseen. Most frequently, it is found via blood work or when testing for a different condition. Implementing lifestyle adjustments such as routine exercise and the reduction of unhealthy fats can have positive outcomes on those learning to best manage their dyslipidemia.

More severe symptoms of dyslipidemia can include chest pains, dizziness, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and swelling of the ankles or feet. When it comes to treatment, a healthcare professional will target lowering the levels of triglycerides and LDL. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of dyslipidemia and the underlying causes found.

Here at Arizona Liver Health, we offer a FREE fibroscan for those who worry they are at risk for liver disease. Prioritize your liver health and follow this link to set up your appointment today!

For interest in dyslipidemia or any future studies, learn more on our website here.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4542078/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6748890/#:~:text=Liver%20disease%20etiology%20is%20a,induced%20%E2%80%9Cimprovement%E2%80%9D%20of%20dyslipidemia.

The Sudden Wave of Hepatitis Amongst Children

A recent upsurge in hepatitis cases involving children has caused alarm nationwide. Let’s dive into why this age group is suddenly experiencing a spike in occurrences.

An Origin Story – How Cases of Hepatitis Amongst Children Began

The first flare-up of hepatitis in kids emerged in the United Kingdom in early April of this year. A total of 10 severe cases were brought to the attention of the World Health Organization. All of them were ages ten and younger. The numbers, however, did not end here. As of June 2022, thirty-three countries were combating the hepatitis outbreak in children and, when combined, equaled a sum of 920 reported cases. Arizona is considered to be one of the hot zones for activity.

What You Should Know About Hepatitis Amongst Children

When a child has hepatitis, they will experience an inflammation of their liver. A list of different viruses can cause this; however, the two most common are hepatitis B and hepatitis C. A link doctors are finding between the newfound cases in children involves a virus by the name of adenovirus. There is expected to be about 100 types of this virus and fifty percent known capable of infecting humans. When discussing hepatitis, you may often hear the terms acute and chronic hepatitis mentioned. Here’s what they mean.

Acute hepatitis occurs when a child with no previous health issues begins to display liver concerns.
Chronic hepatitis deals with predisposed children with ongoing issues with liver disease.

Tell-Tale Symptoms of Hepatitis Amongst Children

What’s particularly odd with this volume of cases is that it’s very unusual to encounter a healthy child with such severe liver injury suddenly. Children may even go on to develop Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease (NAFLD). This takes place when the liver becomes intruded with a fat named steatosis. If inflammation or scarring come about, it’s then called steatohepatitis or the more commonly used NASH. If you’re worried your child or a child that you know may be combating hepatitis, here are some signs to look out for.

Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Yellowing of skin and eyes
Flu-like symptoms
Joint pain
Loss of appetite
Dark urine or Clay-colored stool

Prevention of Hepatitis in Children is Around the Corner

It’s hard to not feel overwhelmed when something concerns our little ones or ones we know, but thankfully there are preventative measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of those you care about. If there’s one thing kids love, it’s touching everything in sight. A simple implementation of routine handwashing throughout the day can go a long way in helping stop the spread of hepatitis from child to child. You can also assist on your end by providing the child with supportive care, such as introducing a healthy diet into their daily routine and assuring they receive the necessary rest. Medications are also frequently used for treatment, depending on the individual case. Last but most certainly not least are vaccines. Currently, vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are readily available. This is a tremendous precaution to employ especially in young children before the exposure that follows age.

The Investigation Continues

To see so many cases of hepatitis affecting such a young demographic nationally and in the state of Arizona naturally bumps it up to the top concern for the CDC. At this time, adenovirus remains the believed leading cause for hepatitis in children, but investigation remains ongoing. The CDC is working with state and local health departments to help gather as much data as possible in hopes to best prevent the spreading of hepatitis in children.

Here at Arizona Liver Health, we believe research and awareness are the future to a better tomorrow. To learn more about hepatitis, check out our blog or contact us here with any questions or concerns you might have!

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7118e1.htm?s_cid=mm7118e1_w

https://www.azfamily.com/2022/05/06/cdc-investigating-100-cases-unexplained-hepatitis-children-arizona-other-states/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON394

At their very root, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis are two medical conditions that affect the liver. However, this seemingly separate duo shares more in common than you may think. When NASH and cirrhosis get together, your liver is at the heart of their destruction. Knowing their similarities and how they differ is part of the ongoing education slowing a growing epidemic for our liver and overall health.

What is NASH?

NASH is the most severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is an umbrella term for various diseases that cause excess fat accumulation in the liver. Many individuals with NAFLD have a simple fatty liver without any complications. On the other hand, around 25% develop NASH. NASH is the chronic inflammation of the liver triggered by the immune system after enough fat accumulation.

Over time, chronic inflammation starts to damage and scar the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a chronic, long-term condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. Viruses like hepatitis, alcohol abuse and NAFLD like NASH are the most common causes of cirrhosis. In regards to NASH, the damage from chronic inflammation comes from the body’s healing response continuing when it’s meant to stop once repairs are complete. Instead of eliminating excess repair supplies like collagen, it continues depositing it. This results in fibrous scar tissue that spreads across and stiffens the liver.

Without treatment, cirrhosis can lead to loss of liver function and progress to liver cancer and liver failure.

A Growing Epidemic

NAFLD is the most common chronic liver condition in the U.S. At the current rate, health experts expect NASH prevalence to increase 63% by 2030. Because most people don’t know they have NASH, we can only estimate how many individuals have it. While even the estimations can be scary, it’s never too late to get your liver health back on track. Many factors fuel NASH. However, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices are among the most common causes.

By knowing your risk for NASH, you and your provider can begin regularly monitoring your liver, and you can make healthier lifestyle changes. Together, these can significantly positively impact the progression and prevention of liver disease.

Prioritizing Your Liver Health May be Easier Thank You Think!

Prioritizing your liver health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Arizona Liver Health has options to help you get started. Do you know you’re at risk for liver disease but haven’t gotten checked out? No problem! We offer a FREE fibroscan for adults at risk of liver disease that can quickly and painlessly determine your liver health. We also conduct clinical research studies to help expand care options for individuals living with liver disease.

So, if your fibroscan results indicate the presence of a liver condition, our team will talk with you about enrolling study options that may help!

Click on the links above to learn more, or call us today at (480) 470-4000.

Sources:

https://www.the-nash-education-program.com/what-is-nash/how-prevalent-is-nash/

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-liver-disease-cirrhosis#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20causes%20of,triglycerides%2C%20and%20high%20blood%20pressure)

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes

Evusheld is a long-acting investigational protective measure against COVID-19, featuring a combination of two monoclonal antibodies. The FDA recently gave its approval under an emergency use authorization (EUA). Evusheld is a game-changer for liver patients and other individuals with a compromised immune system.

What is Evusheld, and Who Can Use It?

Evusheld is a combination of two long-acting monoclonal antibodies:

Tixagevimab
Cilgavimab

Scientists create monoclonal antibodies in a laboratory to act as your own antibodies. Their purpose is to restore, modify, and enhance the body’s immune system’s attack on harmful cells or contagions like COVID-19.

Evusheld has approval under an EUA for the pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals at a higher risk of an inadequate immune response. This population includes immunocompromised people, such as those with cancer or transplant patients or anyone taking medicines that suppress the immune system.

Eligibility Criteria:

Adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds 40 kg):

Who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2, AND:
Who have moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, OR
For whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine, according to the approved or authorized schedule, is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction (e.g., severe allergic reaction) to a COVID-19 vaccine(s) and/or COVID-19 vaccine component(s).

COVID-19 Protection Vs. Traditional Vaccine Route

Though current COVID-19 vaccines are safe, well-tolerated, and effective, individuals with compromised immune systems face a different challenge. In some instances, some patients who are immunocompromised might not generate a robust enough immune response. As a result, they may remain susceptible to contracting COVID-19, even with completing a full vaccine series. In addition, the risk for severe illness is higher in immunocompromised people. One reason is because the virus can survive longer in their bodies.

Evusheld is the latest research breakthrough providing hope to one of the most vulnerable populations in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, “normal” is a little bit closer for even more individuals.

At Arizona Clinical Trials and Arizona Liver Health, we specialize in conducting clinical research studies to improve care options for liver diseases and other conditions. We are excited about what Evusheld means for individuals with compromised immune systems due to the advanced stages of liver disease. In the meantime, we are still offering FREE fibroscans to adults at risk of liver disease and research studies you can join to help advance treatments for conditions that affect the liver.

To learn more, contact us today at (480) 360-4000 or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/immunocompromised-covid-vaccine

https://www.upmc.com/coronavirus/monoclonal-antibodies/immunocompromised-patients

https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2022/evusheld-long-acting-antibody-combination-recommended-for-approval-in-the-eu-for-the-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prevention-of-covid-19.html

https://www.fda.gov/media/154702/download

Like many other liver diseases, hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms for most of the disease progression. It is one of the most common serious liver infections globally and in the state of Arizona, despite the fact it’s preventable and treatable. It’s time to get the facts on hepatitis B.

What is Hepatitis B, and How Does it Affect the Liver?

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The word hepatitis means “liver inflammation”; in this case, HBV is the cause of the inflammation. HBV is a short-term illness for most people, while others develop a serious long-term infection. Chronic inflammation (swelling and reddening) can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis (hardening or scarring), liver cancer, and in some cases death.

Hepatitis B spreads when bodily fluids like blood or semen from a person with the virus enter the body of someone without HBV. This can happen through:

Sexual contact
Sharing needles, syringes, or other IV drug use equipment
From mother to baby at birth.

Not everyone experiences symptoms with HBV. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice for those who do.

Hepatitis B is Treatable and Preventable

The treatments your healthcare provider recommends will depend on the type of hepatitis B you have, acute or chronic.

Acute hepatitis B infections
- Short-lived infections typically require that you get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and maintain a nutritious and healthy diet to give your body the support it needs as it fights off the infection.
Chronic hepatitis B infections
- There are seven FDA-approved drugs for hepatitis B for chronic, long-term infections. Two are injectable treatments that help boost the immune system to fight off the virus. The five other options are antivirals you take orally. These treatments help reduce inflammation and damage to the liver.

The hepatitis B vaccine is available and recommended for all infants at birth and children up to 18 years. Since everyone is at some risk, all adults should consider getting the vaccine since it provides a lifetime of protection against a preventable chronic liver disease. Even more so, for those adults living with diabetes and those with an increased risk for infection (job, lifestyle, etc.).

Arizona and Hepatitis B

HBV disproportionately affects Asians and Pacific Islanders, which is also a growing population in Arizona. According to the CDC, Asian and Pacific Islanders make up less than 5 percent of the U.S. population. However, this community of those living with hepatitis B.

Increasing awareness with community education and improving how HBV is detected and treated through clinical research studies has never been more critical. Arizona Liver Health has new hepatitis b studies starting soon! Visit our website to learn more about hepatitis b or contact us at (480) 470-4000.

Sources:

https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/what-is-hepb/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4246-hepatitis-b

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2016/08/15/asian-pacific-health-group-takes-aim-hepatitis-b-arizona/87670654/

Jaundice is a yellowing of the eye sclera (the white part) and skin because there’s too much bilirubin in the blood. There are many causes of jaundice. However, for people living with liver disease, jaundice is a common nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) complication.

Bilirubin, the Liver, and Jaundice

Bilirubin is formed while recycling old or damaged red blood cells. The bilirubin travels through the bloodstream to the liver. Then, it binds with bile and moves through the bile ducts into the digestive tract for removal from the body. Jaundice can develop when bilirubin levels build up in the blood and deposit in the skin. Any disease or other factor that prevents bilirubin from being eliminated from the body can lead to jaundice. The most common causes are:

Liver infections, like hepatitis
Excessive alcohol consumption
Gallstone disease
Some medicines and herbal supplements
Cirrhosis
Cancer of the gallbladder or pancreas

In addition, high bilirubin levels can cause an accumulation of substances the body forms when it breaks bile down. This can lead to itching all over the body.

Hepatitis and Jaundice

The word hepatitis means liver inflammation and is a crucial part of the damage to the liver NASH causes. NASH is a more severe form of fatty liver disease where there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. While a simple fatty liver isn’t necessarily harmful, it can progress to NASH which is marked by chronic inflammation.

In some individuals, the accumulation of fat in the liver triggers the body’s healing response. The immune response includes:

Inflammation (increases oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to damaged areas)
Liver cell repair
Application of collagen to protect healing areas

Normally, this is a self-limiting reaction, which means that once repairs and healing are complete, the body sends a signal to the immune system to switch off the healing response. With NASH and other liver diseases, most people are unaware they have a condition because there are no noticeable symptoms at first. If you don’t know something is wrong, you also don’t seek treatment or make healthier lifestyle changes to reduce the amount of fat in the liver.

This means that the liver continues accumulating fat and, therefore, continues the healing response. Eventually, chronic liver inflammation begins to scar and damage the liver replacing healthy liver cells with stiff, fibrous, non-functioning scar tissue. Over time, the liver can progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Without enough healthy cells, the liver cannot perform its vital functions, including moving the bilirubin through the bile ducts.

Reducing the Prevalence of NASH

The prevalence of NASH is growing at an alarming rate in America. There are no FDA-approved treatments available currently for NASH, but potential new options are being evaluated in clinical trials. Arizona Liver Health offers a FREE fibroscan to adults at risk of liver disease to check the health of their liver. To schedule your FREE fibroscan appointment or explore our enrolling NASH studies, contact us today at (480) 470-4000!

Sources:

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/jaundice-in-adults

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0201/p164-s1.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15367-adult-jaundice

Hepatitis C is a liver infection from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). For some people, HCV causes short-term illness. However, for more than half, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection that can result in severe and life-threatening health problems. Liver diseases like hepatitis C progressively damage the liver over many years without notice. Learning about how it affects the liver and ways you can prevent and manage it are the best possible steps to fight it.

How HCV Affects the Liver

The hepatitis C virus spreads by coming into contact with an infected person’s blood. Hepatitis C can cause an acute or chronic infection:

Acute hepatitis C
- Acute hepatitis C is a short-term infection where symptoms can last up to 6 months. In some cases, the body can sometimes fight off the infection, and the virus goes away.
Chronic hepatitis C
- Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the body cannot fight off the virus, resulting in a long-lasting infection. Around 75 to 85 percent of people with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic hepatitis C.

Symptoms of hepatitis C include:

Dark yellow urine
Fatigue
Fever
Gray-colored stools
Pain in the joints
Decrease in appetite
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin

Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver” from infection, autoimmune disorder, or other factors. Regardless of the cause, these events trigger the body’s healing response, which rushes oxygen-rich blood, vital nutrients, and other special repair cells to the liver to heal it. We know of this process as inflammation. Most people with HCV have no idea they have it, so nothing is done to suppress or treat the infection.

Without treatment, the healing response continues trying to repair the liver. Over time, chronic inflammation and excess repair materials like collagen begin to damage and scar the liver. HCV can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Managing Hepatitis C

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection. You can help keep your liver healthy by eating healthy, staying active, and kicking the habits that harm your health.

Remember, most people with HCV don’t know it, so understanding the risk factors can help with early diagnosis and prevention.

Risk factors for HCV:

Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood
History or a current user of injected or inhaled illicit drugs
Diagnosed with HIV
Have tattoos or body piercings
Underwent a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
Were treated with clotting factor concentrates before 1987
If your mother had a hepatitis C infection when you were born
If you ever worked or lived in prison
Have been on kidney dialysis

Arizona Liver Health has a new hepatitis C study starting soon. To learn more, call us today at (480) 470-4000.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c

ALH_Facebook_Bog-2-Effects-of-Alcohol_08APR2022_AW-1.jpg

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances among America’s adult and teen populations, posing substantial health and safety risks. Even though most know the adverse effects of alcohol, many tend to do so without fully recognizing the health risks of consuming alcohol excessively. The liver is one of the essential organs in the body, and when it comes to alcohol, it can have devastating effects.

The Metabolization of Alcohol

On average, it takes the body about an hour to process one alcoholic beverage. Every additional drink increased that time frame. The more a person drinks, the longer it takes to process alcohol. That’s because the liver can only process so much at a time. When someone drinks too much, the alcohol left unprocessed by the liver circulates through the bloodstream and starts affecting the heart and brain. This is how people become intoxicated. Two liver enzymes begin to break apart the alcohol molecule so it the body can eventually eliminate them.

Alcohol’s Destruction

One of those enzymes, ADH, helps convert alcohol to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is only in the body for a short time, but it is highly toxic and a known carcinogen. Some small amounts of alcohol are also eliminated from the body by forming fatty acid compounds. These compounds can damage the liver and pancreas.

The toxic effects of acetaldehyde have been linked to the development of cancers of the:

Mouth
Throat
Upper respiratory tract
Liver
Colon
Breasts

Chronic alcohol abuse (drinking 4 or 5 drinks in a row regularly) also destroys liver cells, which progress from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation) to cirrhosis (scarring). However, heavy drinkers may develop alcoholic cirrhosis without first developing hepatitis.

Is There a Safe Amount of Alcohol?

While there is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume, you can reduce your risk of liver damage by drinking less. Individuals can drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or one drink or less for women.

Does the health of your liver concern you? Arizona Liver Health offers a FREE fibroscan for adults at risk of liver disease. To learn more, call (480) 470-4000 or request an appointment online today!

Sources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/alcohol-metabolism-key-to-alcohols-dangers-66524

https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/liver/

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