Why and how does alcohol harm the liver?
The point is that the liver is an autonomous biochemical laboratory where the chemical transformations of alcohol take place. Under normal conditions, the conversion of alcohol proceeds successfully, but a dose of 50 mg of consumed alcohol is considered the norm. However, excessive and consistent alcohol consumption poses challenges for the liver. The byproducts generated during alcohol oxidation negatively affect metabolic processes within liver cells, particularly fat metabolism. This gradual accumulation of fat transforms the liver into a fatty sphere, impairing its proper function and rendering it susceptible to viruses and other infections, leading to alcoholic hepatitis. Prolonged alcohol exposure causes cells to lose energy and eventually die, resulting in the development of cirrhosis – an irreversible process. A cirrhotic liver loses its role as the body's defender, potentially culminating in hepatocellular carcinoma (cancer).
What is NOT recommended to eat in combination with alcohol?
Fatty and fried food.
The most popular myth is that a large amount of fatty food is a reliable assistant at any “unsober” celebration. Alcohol and fatty food affect each other simultaneously. On one hand, fat forms a protective film on the surface of the stomach mucosa, which slows down the entry of ethanol into the bloodstream. On the other hand, alcohol dissolves fats and increases appetite. This condition is quite deceptive because a person may feel that they are still far from the “desired state”.
Spicy appetizers can enhance the effects of alcohol. Combining spicy foods with strong alcoholic beverages may lead to burns of the esophageal and stomach mucosa.
Pastries and cakes primarily break down in the stomach When consumed with alcohol. This can delay the breakdown of alcohol, potentially leading to rapid intoxication and inevitable poisoning. The body becomes intoxicated with "stagnant" toxic substances from alcohol.
Combining chocolate with alcohol can pose a significant danger to the pancreas. It has the potential to block its ducts, resulting in pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas.
Marinated vegetables place additional strain on the kidneys and liver, which are already engaged in breaking down and excreting alcohol. Avoid consuming fresh tomatoes with alcohol. This combination can adversely affect the stomach wall, leading to abdominal bloating and stomach upset.
How to help the liver suffering from alcohol
The best way to protect the liver is to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Excessive and systematic intake of alcohol harms the liver, and therefore, the entire body.
Additionally, there are numerous hepatoprotectors - medications designed to restore the liver and reduce the negative impact of various factors on it, including alcohol. Multi-component herbal remedies are also very appropriate in this case, as they have a comprehensive approach to protecting and restoring the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol.
Hepaklin® is one of such hepatoprotectors.
Hepaklin® is a unique herbal complex that enhances the liver's resistance to damage from toxic substances (alcohol, junk food, medications, and other toxic compounds), stimulates the regeneration of damaged liver cells, and promotes the normalization of formation and outflow of the bile.
Additionally, due to the plant components included in the complex:
- Hepaklin® helps to increase the detoxification function of the liver
- Hepaklin® helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body.