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Alcohol limits inflammation in some liver disease patients

Category: Liver Diseases

Most people who have received unhealthy liver panel test results are urged to stay away from alcohol entirely. After all, excessive drinking is one of the leading causes of liver disease. However, for patients whose conditions are not a result of alcoholism, moderate drinking may actually be beneficial, according to a new study.

Rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have increased dramatically in recent years. The condition is primarily brought on by obesity and bears many of the same symptoms of liver disease experienced by alcoholics.

When people with NAFLD consume just one or two drinks per day without ever binge drinking it actually reduces inflammation and improves liver function, according to the study, which was presented to the International Scientific forum on Alcohol Research. Inflammation plays an important role in the progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis, which may eventually lead to liver failure.

The findings suggest that not every person with liver disease should stay away from alcohol entirely. Depending on the cause of the condition, limited consumption may actually play a role in supporting healthy liver function.