How Quickly It Takes Liver To Repair Itself After Quitting Drinking

By maks in Health and Fitness On 31st December 2023
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However, it's a misconception to think that consecutive days of partying won't impact your liver and overall health.

For some, 2024 marks a commitment to give up alcohol permanently, or at least to start with a Dry January.

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The festive period is notorious for downing booze. Credit: Pixabay

Reducing alcohol intake has numerous benefits, particularly for liver health.

Remarkably, the liver can heal itself after a break from alcohol.

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Lance Stein, M.D., a transplant hepatologist at Piedmont Transplant, explains the process: 

"When alcohol, or ethanol, reaches the liver, the cells of the liver have enzymes that help with the digestion and processing of alcohol."

"When alcohol then reaches the blood, that’s when you feel the effects of alcohol."

However, alcohol is toxic to the liver and can cause damage. Dr. Stein adds, 

"As the liver is processing alcohol, it can damage the liver’s enzymes, which can lead to cell death."

Credit: Getty

"As with any damage to any cell of any organ, there is always a process of healing."

So, what about liver healing and the timeframe for recovery after quitting booze?

The liver has incredible self-healing capabilities. 

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However, excessive cell death and subsequent scarring, known as liver cirrhosis, can lead to liver dysfunction.

Excessive drinking and continuous liver repair and scarring can eventually result in the liver losing its normal functionality.

The liver can repair itself if it's not too damaged from alcohol consumption. Credit: Pixabay

The extent of liver recovery depends on the level of damage. 

If not severely damaged, the liver might start healing within a few days to weeks after stopping alcohol intake.

Dr. Stein cautions, "if the damage to the liver has been long-term, it may not be reversible."

Therefore, maintaining safe drinking levels is vital for liver recovery after quiting alcohol.

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Dr. Stein advises caution with drink preparation: 

"It’s important to know what you’re drinking because when people mix their own drinks, they’re often using more than the recommended amount."

"They think they’re drinking one drink, but they’re actually having two or three."

Drinking 12 ounces is considered one serving of alcohol. Credit: Pixabay

A standard alcohol serving is defined as 5 to 6 ounces of wine, 1.5 to 2 ounces of liquor, or 12 ounces of beer. 

For men, two to three drinks per day, and one for women, is the recommended limit.

Sticking to these guidelines means your liver can effectively recover when you decide to stop drinking.

However, Dr. Stein warns those who drink heavily: 

"People who drink more heavily should be concerned and should seek medical counseling for assessment of whether they need assistance with stopping alcohol use or if they have any damage as a result of long-term alcohol use."

Are you considering quitting alcohol as part of your New Year’s resolutions?