The liver filters blood, removes toxins, produces bile for digestion, and metabolizes fats. Excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver and can lead to disease. After stopping alcohol consumption, the liver begins a multi-stage healing process, depending on factors like overall health, age, and nutrition.

Within a few days to a few weeks:

The liver filters fat: When alcohol is eliminated, the liver starts filtering fat from its cells. Within 7 days, liver enzymes can return to normal levels, and accumulated fats begin to disappear.

During the first week without alcohol, signs of inflammation decrease, reducing swelling and stiffness, and resulting in brighter skin.

Excessive alcohol consumption affects liver function. AI generated image

After 2-4 weeks:

Enzymes and bile production recover: In weeks 2-4, blood tests for ALT and AST (liver enzymes that help assess liver damage) show lower levels. As fat and inflammation decrease, bile production resumes, improving digestive health and reducing bloating.

Glucose regulation is restored: The liver recovers its role in stabilizing blood sugar, helping the body balance energy levels.

After one month:

Liver function is restored: After about a month of abstinence, the liver can return to its normal size, and its functions operate more efficiently.

Disease risk is reduced: A healthier liver reduces strain on the heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves insulin resistance.

Fibrosis progression slows: While cirrhosis is not always reversible, stopping alcohol consumption can prevent further disease progression and help the liver regenerate healthy tissue.

After 2-6 months:

Most enzyme and bilirubin levels return to normal after 8 weeks and 6 months, respectively, and immune function improves. Metabolism is optimized, inflammation decreases, sleep improves, emotional stability returns, and skin complexion brightens.

After one year:

Alcohol-related cirrhosis is dangerous, potentially leading to gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, liver failure, and liver cancer. At this stage, scar tissue accumulates in the liver, overwhelming healthy liver cells. Without prompt treatment, alcoholic cirrhosis can rapidly progress to liver failure.

For those with cirrhosis, abstaining from alcohol for a year can slow further damage and improve health. In some cases, scar tissue gradually reduces over time. Patients experience improved cardiovascular function, reduced cancer risk, and strengthened immune systems. For those with end-stage liver failure, a liver transplant can be life-saving, but requires lifelong abstinence from alcohol.

Alcohol consumption is harmful to health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women should have no more than one drink and men no more than two drinks per day.

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)