Not only alcohol, but also sugar and an unhealthy diet can pose a serious risk to the liver
Many people have the misconception that if they don’t drink alcohol, or only have it occasionally, they don’t have to worry about the health of their liver. However, the main threat to the liver is not just excessive alcohol consumption, but rather an overly fatty, high-sugar diet. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is more common than alcohol-induced damage and often affects people who are overweight or obese, as well as diabetics.
Fatty liver can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis or even cancer. However, this condition can be reversed with an appropriate diet and sufficient exercise. Excessive sugar intake also damages the liver by causing fat to accumulate in this organ. Studies suggest that sugar can damage the liver in a similar way to alcohol, even in people of normal weight.
Alcohol is another factor that can seriously damage the liver, even in relatively small amounts. It is recommended to limit consumption to one drink a day for women and two for men. Some substances considered natural and safe, such as coffee, can also damage the liver in higher doses.
It is also important to monitor vitamin A intake and avoid excessive use of paracetamol, which can damage the liver if the recommended dose is exceeded. Although the liver has the ability to regenerate, some forms of damage may require transplantation.
To prevent liver disease, regular preventive screening is recommended, which includes testing liver enzyme and bilirubin levels. Although these tests are not a standard part of preventive check-ups, they can be done on request by a doctor or at a collection laboratory for approximately two hundred crowns.
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