1. Alcohol and the Liver
- No safe level of alcohol: WHO states no amount of alcohol is truly safe.
- One standard drink = 30ml whiskey (40% alcohol), 100ml wine (8–10%), or 250ml beer (4%).
- Binge drinking = ≥4 drinks (women) or ≥5 drinks (men) in ~2 hours; common during “weekend social drinking.”
- Women are more vulnerable to alcohol-induced liver damage due to lower levels of metabolizing enzymes.
- Myth: Expensive or “light” alcohol (like beer/wine) is safer — false. All alcohol is equally harmful in equivalent doses.
2. Fatty Liver Disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) is part of metabolic syndrome (linked to obesity, diabetes, high BP, PCOS, etc.).
- 1 in 3 people globally (including in India) have fatty liver—often asymptomatic.
- Lean NASH: Even thin individuals can have fatty liver due to high visceral fat and genetics.
- Signs to watch:
- Dark pigmentation on the neck (acanthosis nigricans)
- Waist >80 cm (women) or >90 cm (men)
3. Reversibility
- Fatty liver is reversible with lifestyle changes:
- 3–5% weight loss → reduces liver fat
- 7% loss → reduces inflammation (steatohepatitis)
- >10% loss → may reverse fibrosis/scarring
- Three pillars: Healthy diet (colorful veggies, nuts, protein), regular exercise, and good sleep.
- Black coffee is beneficial for liver health.
4. Liver Detox & Supplements
- “Liver detox” juices (e.g., beetroot, cucumber) are not scientifically proven. Whole fruits > juices.
- Herbal supplements (e.g., Giloy) can cause liver damage, especially in those with autoimmune conditions.
5. Liver Regeneration & Cirrhosis
- The liver can regenerate—key to recovery and living-donor transplants.
- Cirrhosis = advanced scarring; caused by alcohol, NAFLD, hepatitis B/C, and autoimmune disease.
- Early cirrhosis may be halted but not fully reversed.
- Warning signs: red palms (palmar erythema), spider angiomas, leg swelling, low platelets.
6. Advice for Children
- Follow the 5-2-1-0 rule:
- 5: Servings of fruits/veggies daily
- 2: <2 hours screen time
- 1: ≥1 hour physical activity
- 0: Zero sugary drinks
7. Jaundice Clarification
- Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease—indicates underlying liver issue (e.g., viral hepatitis A/E, blockage, drugs).
- During jaundice: eat home-cooked, hygienic food; avoid street juices unless clean.