Should I quit drinking for liver dysfunction caused by alcohol consumption?

Abnormal liver function caused by alcohol consumption usually requires quitting drinking. The key to repairing alcoholic liver injury is to stop alcohol intake in a timely manner to avoid sustained liver damage. Alcohol and its metabolites can cause direct toxicity to liver cells, and long-term alcohol consumption may lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis. After quitting alcohol, mild fatty liver may gradually recover within weeks to months, and transaminase indicators will significantly decrease. But if it has developed into liver fibrosis, complete abstinence from alcohol cannot reverse fibrosis, but can significantly delay disease progression. Clinical observations have shown that liver disease patients who continue to drink alcohol have a liver function deterioration rate that is more than twice that of non drinkers. If patients with alcoholic liver injury cannot completely quit immediately, they should start with reducing their alcohol intake and gradually transition to complete abstinence. Relying solely on liver protective drugs without quitting drinking has extremely limited therapeutic effects. Some patients with alcohol dependence may require professional institutions to assist with withdrawal. For those with obvious liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, regular monitoring of alpha fetoprotein and liver ultrasound is still necessary even after quitting drinking.

It is necessary to strictly control the consumption of high-fat and high sugar foods in daily life to reduce the burden on the liver, and to supplement high-quality protein and vitamin B appropriately. During the period of complete abstinence from alcohol, withdrawal symptoms may occur and should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. For those whose liver function does not improve after six months of quitting alcohol, it is necessary to investigate whether they have other liver diseases. Establishing a regular schedule and moderate exercise habits can help with liver cell regeneration and repair.