The Impressive TimesMay 01, 2025: Alcohol consumption is widespread across the world, but few truly understand its toll on the liver. A common question arises: can the liver heal once it’s been damaged by alcohol? The good news is, in some cases, it can — but there’s a catch.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sudeep Khanna, senior consultant of gastroenterology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, shed light on this crucial health issue. According to Dr. Khanna, whether liver damage can be reversed largely depends on the severity of the damage and how early it’s detected.
“If you catch liver damage early and stop drinking alcohol, your liver can heal a lot,” Dr. Khanna explained. “But if the damage is severe, it may not fully get better. The best way to protect your liver is not to drink alcohol at all. Taking care of your body with good food, exercise, and healthy habits will give your liver the best chance to stay strong.”
The liver plays a critical role in breaking down alcohol. However, excessive drinking can overwhelm this process, causing inflammation, fat buildup (fatty liver), scarring (fibrosis), or even irreversible damage known as cirrhosis.
“Initially, the liver tries to repair itself,” said Dr. Khanna. “But when alcohol consumption is chronic, the liver’s natural repair process can’t keep up, and permanent scarring sets in.”
He explained that the amount of alcohol considered “safe” varies based on several factors, including age, sex, weight, and overall health. “For men, it is 60 to 80 grams per day for five years, and for women, it is 20 to 40 grams per day for the same duration,” Dr. Khanna noted. However, he added a critical warning: “Do not forget that there is nothing like a safe dosage of alcohol.”
The liver has a remarkable capacity for regeneration, but only if the damage hasn’t progressed too far.
“In cases of alcoholic fatty liver, which is the earliest stage of liver injury, complete recovery is possible if alcohol is stopped early,” Dr. Khanna said. “In alcoholic hepatitis, the inflammation can reduce if alcohol is stopped, though some damage may remain. But in cirrhosis, the damage is permanent, and the risk of liver failure or liver cancer increases sharply.”
He emphasized the importance of early detection through blood tests and liver scans, especially for people with a history of alcohol use.
While abstinence from alcohol is the most effective safeguard, Dr. Khanna also stressed adopting an overall healthy lifestyle. “Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding unnecessary medications or toxins can go a long way in protecting your liver,” he said.
The key takeaway from Dr. Khanna’s insights is clear: liver damage from alcohol can sometimes be reversed — but only if it’s caught early and alcohol consumption is completely stopped. There is no “safe” level of alcohol, and prevention remains the best cure.
So, if you’ve been thinking about cutting back on alcohol, the time to act is now — your liver will thank you for it.
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