Research-based study
Alcohol (Ethanol) is a water-soluble molecule that is absorbed into the bloodstream through stomach and proximal small intestine and further distributed throughout the body.
Alcohol consumption is deeply rooted in the digestive system and liver. Alcohol is the most widely used drug globally that carries significant risks to human health.
Based on the research it is found that alcohol ranks as the seventh leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost contribute to over 2.8 million deaths based on the reports of 2016. Alcohol is linked to over 200 health conditions that can create worse situations including cancers of the digestive tract and liver. One of the significant reasons for the global health burden is due to alcohol-related liver disease which accounts for more than 27% of all chronic liver disease deaths, and alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
Taking into consideration the increasing global health burden and increasing chronic diseases, iThrive has come up with a vision to heal the world and create a happy, healthy, and disease-free world. If you are dealing with any uncertainty regarding the disease and want the best-personalized solution, book a free consultation with iThrive and get your journey started to better health.
Are you suffering from Alcoholic Liver Disease?
Are you one of those who is facing these symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Malnutrition
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Brain function decline
- Reduced muscle mass
- Heart failure
Reversing these symptoms is very important for your better health. Untreated alcoholic disease can lead to several complications:
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Kidney distress
- Bleeding in the intestinal tract
- Infection
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
We have the best solution for you. Book a free consultation with iThrive and discuss your health history with our nutritionist. At iThrive, we focus on the symptoms and the root causes. The 3-month disease reversal program- Alive 2.0 is totally customized based on your lifestyle and preferences. We are here for you, let's treat it together and create a better path towards good health!!
Lets discuss in detail about how alcohol and liver interact by studying its metabolism, types of diseases, and its impact on nutrient absorption
Alcohol Metabolism
Hepatocytes do the process of metabolism of alcohol in the liver. The main metabolic pathway involves alcohol dehydrogenase, that converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, and then it is converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase. Further, the acetate is broken down into water and carbon dioxide in the peripheral tissues of the liver. Once they are broken down, a very small portion of alcohol is metabolized by the mitochondrial enzyme oxidation system through the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2E1, which produces acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species.
Acetaldehyde is a highly reactive molecule that contributes to liver damage by binding lipids, proteins, and DNA resulting in the formation of immunogenic adducts. These adducts are responsible for triggering the immune response and lead to hepatocellular damage inflammation in the liver and changes in the structure. If the structure is changed in mitochondria, it can impact its function, reducing ATP production and increasing Reactive oxygen species generation (ROS). Acetaldehyde also plays a very important role in liver fibrosis by promoting collagen synthesis in hepatic satellite cells and stimulating the release of inflammatory cytokines.
Increased Reactive oxygen species can damage proteins, DNA and lipids formation leading to oxidative stress and the formation of carcinogenic DNA adducts. If one consumes heavy alcohol it impairs the liver's antioxidant system and reduces glutathione levels which results in hepatocyte apoptosis.
There are three stages of alcoholic impact on the liver:
1. Alcohol-Related Steatosis
Commonly known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fat accumulation in liver cells is a common early response to chronic alcohol use. This can be reversed by reducing the alcohol intake and can progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. This is influenced by various factors including gender, genetics, and existing liver conditions.
Chronic alcohol consumption leads to increased fat production and reduces the fat breakdown in the liver. It affects mitochondrial function leads to high fat accumulation and induces the expression of genes that promote fatty acid synthesis.
2. Alcohol steatohepatitis
Alcohol-induced gut permeability allows pathogen-associated molecular patterns to reach the liver and then it activates receptors on immune cells that lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This further results in immune cell infiltration, cell death, and hepatic stellate cell activation. The patients who suffer from alcoholic hepatitis also exhibit immune dysfunction.
MicroRNAs play a very important role in regulating inflammation in the liver. In alcohol-related liver disease, microRNA-155, which promotes inflammation is increased while microRNA-181b-3p, which inhibits inflammatory signaling, is decreased. These changes in functioning contribute to the inflammatory response, leading to liver damage.
3. Alcohol-induced fibrosis and cirrhosis
Fibrosis can be defined as the liver's response to damage. This condition of liver damage due to alcohol can be reversed if the damaging stimulus is removed. Heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to persistent inflammation that causes ferrous tissue deposition which leads to distorted liver architecture and alters blood flow. The activated hepatic stellate cells are central to fibrosis development and driven by alcohol, inflammatory cytokines and its metabolites.
Cirrhosis is defined as a precancerous condition that significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, where alcohol is the major cause of it. In this case, alcohol acts as a carcinogen through Reactive oxygen species-induced damage, acetaldehyde production, and high inflammation. In heavy drinkers, Reactive oxygen species can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer.
Micronutrient Supplementation
Patients who face alcohol-related liver diseases often suffer from several deficiencies in nutrients such as zinc, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Folate, etc.
Ø Zinc: Alcohol impairs the absorption and increases the excretion of zinc leading to deficiencies that affect immune function and cellular health.
Ø Vitamin C and D: Excessive alcohol can reduce the absorption of these vitamins and impact the metabolism rate which contributes to deficiency and affects the immune system.
Ø Thiamine & Folate: Alcohol interferes with the absorption and storage of folate and thiamine leading to deficiencies that can cause neurological issues and affect cell division and growth.
According to the studies supplementing with these vitamins and nutrients can positively influence the gut microbiome and decrease gut permeability and liver inflammation.
Therefore, consuming supplements can be beneficial to overcome these deficiencies and improve your health. Also, it is essential to consider only proven and potent supplements that are in pure form to prevent side effects.
iThrive Essentials is a brand of supplements whose products are designed to support overall health and well-being, particularly for individuals dealing with chronic conditions.
iThrive Essentials Zinc, iThrive Essentials B-complex, iThrive Essentials Vitamin D3+k2, and iThrive Essentials Magnesium Bisglycinate are the best supplements to overcome the deficiencies in this case.
