This may sound counterintuitive, but the truth is: the real culprit behind alcohol's damage to the liver is acetaldehyde — a highly toxic byproduct produced when alcohol is broken down by the liver . Even at low concentrations, acetaldehyde can trigger oxidative stress, free radical damage, and excessive collagen production , leading to liver fibrosis and potentially cirrhosis.
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Alcohol metabolism process: from ethanol to acetaldehyde, and then to liver damage.
1. Alcohol enters the body → is broken down by the liver using enzymes (Alcohol Dehydrogenase ).
2. Acetaldehyde is produced → highly toxic and promotes collagen accumulation.
3. This can lead to fatty liver → inflammation → fibrosis → cirrhosis.
Early liver damage often presents with no symptoms, but the crisis can lurk for years.
· The liver is a silent organ; symptoms only appear when the liver is severely damaged.
· Fatty liver can lead to visceral fat accumulation , causing a larger belly that may not be noticeable.
· The liver has thousands of functional units ( lobules ), and once it becomes inflamed or fibrotic, its detoxification, energy metabolism, and digestive functions will all decline.
Antioxidants are key weapons for protecting the liver.
· Free radicals damage liver cells; antioxidants can neutralize free radicals.
· Antioxidants are not single components, but rather operate in a network : after one antioxidant donates electrons, it becomes unstable and needs the support of another antioxidant.
· Therefore, you cannot rely on synthetic supplements , but rather need to obtain various antioxidants from natural foods.
Dietary recommendations for drinkers: Don't forget to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables !
· Dark green vegetables : kale, spinach, Chinese kale, coriander
· Cruciferous vegetables : broccoli, cauliflower, radish sprouts
· Purple vegetables and berries : contain anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation and oxidation.
· Fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut) : Increase beneficial gut bacteria and reduce the burden on the liver.
High-risk combination: Alcohol + Tobacco + Junk Food = Triple Damage to the Liver
· Smoking produces a large number of free radicals
· Junk food lacks antioxidants, increasing the burden on the liver.
· When these three factors are combined, the liver is more likely to suffer irreversible damage.
Hong Kong people need to be discerning: it's not about not drinking at all, but about knowing how to drink and how to replenish your body !
If you choose to drink alcohol, you need to balance the risks with a diet high in antioxidants . While the liver has regenerative capabilities, it cannot withstand unlimited damage. Starting today, add an extra layer of protection to your liver, so you can not only drink with peace of mind but also live a healthier life!
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YouTube source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut6w8hBvQzA
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
