What quantity of alcohol can be considered a risk for the liver?
First it needs to be understood that alcohol is poison. Any quantity of alcohol can damage the liver. In healthy people, those who are not suffering from liver diseases, alcohol is assimilated differently for men and for women. Men assimilate and eliminate alcohol more efficiently than women, due to the size of their bodies, their weight and due to some specific enzymes. In women, the “safe” quantity of alcohol is 1-2 drinks per day while in men the “safe” quantity is 3-4 drinks/day.
It is also important to know that the liver and the body can’t tell the difference between various types of drinks. Beer and wine are not “safer” than whiskey. One drink is defined as 45 grams of whiskey, 140 grams of wine or one beer. If someone has a liver affliction spawned by other causes, such as viral hepatitis B or C, or has a liver affliction due to alcohol, then the liver is sensitive to any quantity of alcohol. In these situations, the only “safe” dose is zero alcohol.
The most important risk factor for liver disorders is the quantity and interval of alcohol consumption. Each individual is unique, so this risk factor varies from one person to the next. Complications can occur after 5-10 years of consumption, but they most often occur after 20-30 years of consumption. Many people never get to reach the final stages of liver illnesses cause by alcohol. It is impossible to predict if and when a liver disease will occur due to alcohol.
What other toxic substances can damage the liver aside from alcohol?
The most common is Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), which is present in many drugs issued over the counter. Acetaminophen is the most efficient drug against fever and pain, but only taken in the recommended dosages. High doses, those higher than recommended, can damage the liver. Liver transplants are commonplace in cases of Acetaminophen overdose. A much more serious problem occurs in patients who consume alcohol on a daily basis and especially those who take more than two drinks per day, where a normal dose of Acetaminophen 3 or 4 times per day could cause some massive liver damage. The same problem occurs in patients who are suffering from a liver disease, for example viral hepatitis.
Aside from these, other frequently encountered toxic substances are those we inhale, such as cleaning agents, paint, thinners, etc. In these cases too, these substances are much more dangerous if there is a preexisting liver illness.
Liver disease signs and symptoms
One important thing there is to remember about liver illnesses is that some 50% of patients do not show any liver disease signs and symptoms. The most frequent symptoms are non-specific, such as fatigue or excessive tiredness, changes in attention and occasionally itchiness. More specific symptoms include jaundice or the yellow coloring of the skin and eyes, dark-colored urine, light colored stool, digestive tube bleeding, mental confusion and liquid retention in the abdomen.