How is alcohol linked to liver damage?
Alcohol is processed by your liver. This uses up oxygen and releases substances that can damage or kill your liver cells. Drinking can also cause bacteria in the gut to release toxins. And alcohol may cause your immune system to attack your liver cells as it becomes less able to recognise them. Heavy drinking for as little as a few days can lead to a condition called ‘fatty liver’ (although this might be reversed if you stop drinking). After a few years of regularly drinking more than the NHS advises, you could suddenly develop liver cirrhosis. Those affected often don’t realise they’re at risk because they are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent. Long-term heavy drinking is also linked to liver cancer. The role of alcohol isn’t completely understood, but studies have found a small but consistent link, which depends on how much you drink.
