When people consume excessive amounts of alcohol, the liver is often the organ most affected. Dr. SK Sarin, the director of the Liver Hospital Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in Delhi, provided insights into why alcohol predominantly impacts the liver compared to other organs.
Drinkers often present various arguments to justify their alcohol consumption, such as claims that it helps melt extra fat or aids in better digestion. However, Dr. Sarin emphasized that these are baseless reasons, as alcohol is inherently harmful to health. Dr. Sarin explained that when a person drinks alcohol, it is directly absorbed in the stomach, while the rest of the food is digested in the intestines.
Approximately 90% of the alcohol from the stomach goes directly to the liver at a rapid rate. This places additional pressure on the liver and disrupts its entire system. The doctor highlighted that the enzyme system of the liver becomes toxic, leading to the accumulation of fat in all liver cells. Even a few drinks over a short period can contribute to the development of fatty liver.
Moreover, Dr. Sarin noted that alcohol has a more significant impact on individuals with pre-existing conditions. If a person is already obese and has a fatty liver, the risk to the liver is even greater. He emphasized that quitting alcohol can allow individuals with fatty liver to recover without medication. Additionally, the harm caused by alcohol is more severe in obese individuals compared to those who are physically fit.
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