The Liver Can Heal
Your liver is a regenerative organ, and the only one in the body. It is possible to restore and heal the liver to the state it was in prior to the heavy drinking and before, during or after alcohol rehab.
But I’ve Been Drinking For Years…
As an alcohol rehab, many of our clients have been diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. Some have concerns that they have been drinking for so long that it might not be possible to reverse their diagnosis. Just like lizards can regrow their tails, the liver can rebuild itself. We know of clients whose liver was functioning at a level of 15 % and with diligence and hard work, the improved their liver function to 90-100 %.
It is possible to heal the liver after alcohol abuse, which may or may not coincide with alcohol rehab. Part of this ability comes from the liver’s role in the body. This vital organ is responsible for filtering out toxins that can damage the cells of the body. While alcohol is one of these toxins, so too are pollutants we breathe in or food additives we might consume. Because the liver is coming into contact with toxins every day, it has to be able to regenerate itself after being damaged by these harmful substances. Without this ability, humans could not survive.
Even After Alcohol Rehab, You Might Be Concerned About Your Liver
For many people who’ve gone to an alcohol rehab and gained sobriety, they may be focused on rebuilding their relationships, getting a job, and trying to live a sober life. As a result, they might not be overly focused on the state of their liver. However, it is very important that at some point – sooner than later – you see your doctor for a full spectrum liver test. Many alcohol addicts will learn that they have damaged their liver or have contracted an alcohol related liver disease. Common liver problems caused by alcohol addiction include fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver fibrosis. These conditions can be diagnosed through blood testing and an ultrasound.
Liver Fibrosis – When you’ve consumed alcohol on a regular basis, it can cause repetitive damage to the liver. This damage can result in scarred liver cells. Once scarred, the cells may not function normally. With continued use, more scarring will develop, and eventually, the cells will not be able to repair themselves. This is known as liver fibrosis. A small amount of scarring on the liver may not affect the organs’ functioning too much; however, when there is significant scarring, it can lead to imparied functioning and cirrhosis.
Fatty Liver Disease – As an alcohol rehab centre might explain to you, fatty liver disease is one of the most common alcoholic liver diseases. When too much fat builds up on the liver, generally 5-10 % of the livers’ weight in fat, it is considered to be a fatty liver. While it is possible for a non-drinker to develop a fatty liver, alcoholism is a common cause of it. Many people with this disease will experience mild symptoms, such as discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen; however, when there is too much fat, the risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death can increase.
Alcoholic Hepatitis – In severe cases of alcohol addiction, a person can develop alcoholic hepatitis. This is a condition that attacks the liver and begins to break down the organ with time. In short, it causes poisoning in the body and is a painful illness that can lead to death. This alcoholic liver disease is not the same as Hepatitis C. Rather, when a person is a chronic alcoholic, the liver becomes severely inflamed. Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include:
- Severe weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper ride side of the abdomen
- Excessive dry mouth
- A reduction in appetite
- Jaundice
- High fever
- Memory loss and confusion
- Extreme fatigue
If you have alcoholic hepatitis, it is prudent you take the necessary steps to heal the liver after alcoholism. If you have not gotten help at an alcohol rehab, and still drink, it would be in your best interest to discontinue drinking and seek treatment.
Liver Cirrhosis – Cirrhosis is the number one alcoholic liver disease, and most people who are frequent drinkers, abusers, or addicts of alcohol will have some level of cirrhosis. When the liver cells have become scarred, and the organ cannot perform any functions (or less of them), it may be unable to perform its job correctly. As a result, toxins are not flushed out of the body, rather they build up. Furthermore, bile cannot be produced as fast as it should and proteins that assist with blood clotting cannot be released as efficiently as they should.
Once a person has cirrhosis, the damage is often irreversible. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed. Symptoms of cirrhosis are similar to those of alcoholic hepatitis, and it is often misdiagnosed for another alcoholic liver disease. If you notice any of the following signs, or are/were a heavy drinker, ask your doctor to check you for cirrhosis.
- You notice blood capillaries on the skin of the upper abdomen
- Extreme fatigue
- Inability to sleep
- Itchy skin
- Significant weight loss
- Pain near the location of the liver
- Bleeding gums
- Loss of mass in the arms and body
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Edema
- Loss of hair
- Jaundice
- Bruising
- Memory loss
- Frequent illness
- Black, tar-like stools
- Dark urine
Heal the Liver After Alcohol Abuse/Addiction
When you’re wondering about the ability of the liver to heal itself after alcoholism, you might also want to know how long this will take. This is a difficult answer because everyone is different. Factors to consider include the progression of alcoholic liver disease, the age of the person, their weight, their diet, and overall health.
What you should know is the moment you discontinue alcohol consumption, the liver will start to heal. Depending on the factors above, your liver may need anywhere from one month to several years to repair. Often individuals fail to quit the consumption of alcohol on their own, which is where an alcohol rehab may save the day for this vital organ.
Ways to Repair Your Liver After Alcoholism
You cannot repair your liver overnight. If you’re serious about taking the necessary steps to healing your liver after alcoholism, you will need to implement new health practices. The following tips will get you off to a good start. Remember to work with your primary care physician for the best results.
1. Stop drinking and get help at an alcohol rehab. If you have not discontinued drinking, it is important you do so as quickly as possible. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may benefit from going to an alcohol rehab for treatment. Quitting alcohol without help could be dangerous, or life threatening, please do not do so without consulting a doctor.
2. Be sure to drink a lot of water. One of the best things you can do to heal your liver is to drink a lot of water. This does not mean tea or juice, but rather pure water. Water cleanses your body and flushes out toxins. It also aids the liver with the process, hydrates the body, and assists you in balancing your mood.
3. Become more active. Regular exercise helps to combat alcoholic liver disease. According to research, high levels of activity can protect against irreversible liver damage. In addition to this, regular exercise can:
- Replace unhealthy habits
- Reduce boredom
- Release dopamine
- Treat depression
- Boost confidence
4. Eat healthier foods. The liver filters out toxins in the body. If you’re trying to heal yourself after alcoholism, it is important to eat a healthy diet. Try the following tips:
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Drink 1-2 cups of coffee each day (coffee cleanses the liver)
- Try to eat organic produce
- Consume omega-3 rich foods like fish, nuts, and oils
- Eat plenty of fibre rich foods like whole grains
- Consume probiotic containing yoghurt
- Avoid high fat or salty foods
- Avoid sugary foods
- Do not drink sodas
- Avoid consuming high amounts of fatty animal protein
You Must Discontinue Drinking Alcohol
It will not be possible to heal your liver if you do not stop drinking alcohol. Even one drink can start to damage the liver and reverse the repair you’ve made. If you believe you have a problem drinking alcohol, you can get help. In general, a detox will be necessary to get through the withdrawal safely. An inpatient alcohol rehab may also be the best way to regain sobriety.
You can heal your liver after an alcohol addiction, but you will need to put in the effort. Start by getting help for an alcohol addiction, drink water, exercise, avoid alcohol, and eat healthier foods. If you would like to know more about our alcohol rehab programme, please call Siam Rehab now or contact us online.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160216123453.htm
