5 facts about how alcohol negatively affects the liver.
1. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, where it is broken down into harmful byproducts that can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells.
2. Excessive drinking can lead to fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat accumulates in liver cells, impairing the liver's ability to function properly.
3. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of the liver. This can eventually progress to cirrhosis, a severe and irreversible form of liver damage.
4. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, as chronic inflammation and damage to liver cells can promote the growth of cancerous tumors.
5. Alcohol can also interfere with the liver's ability to process and remove toxins from the body, leading to a buildup of harmful substances in the bloodstream that can further damage liver cells.