Must you really drink Alcohol ?

The liver is a vital organ for metabolism and detoxification. Dietary deficiencies have been shown to damage the liver and make the organ susceptible to infections and toxins. Viruses like Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B also cause liver damage as do certain drugs if consumed frequently.
However the most common problem of the liver is damage caused by excess consumption of alcohol. Cirrhosis is a condition in which liver cells are destroyed and it is a serious and irreversible disease. The cirrhotic process may commence many years before it becomes clinically obvious. However some of the symptoms are lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain and distention. The patient may also suffer from weakness, muscle cramps, weight loss and fever. As the disease progresses jaundice and other serious changes occur.
Alcohol is also known to have a direct action on the lipid metabolism in the liver, which stimulates triglyceride formation, which is very dangerous for those with a tendency to coronary heart disease.
Today the media has a lot of information promoting the consumption of alcohol saying it has various beneficial effects in the treatment of heart disease and hypertension. But if you are a teetotaller please continue to be that way. If you are a drinker be very, very careful and controlled in your drinking as the dangers of alcohol are too many, specially for your liver.
Also alcohol is one of the things that can be highly addictive so those consuming it must be very cautious as to whether you are in control of its consumption and have the capacity to stop when you choose. Most often you start with all good intention to consume only one or two drinks and then the alcohol takes control and you go on.
Alcohol has many negative properties from the health point of view. Most drinks are equally high in calorie value. One glass of wine (100ml) equals 120 calories or 6 teaspoons sugar, 1 mug beer (300ml) 130 calories is, 6-7 teaspoons sugar, any hard liquor, all of them are about 140-150 calories or 7 teaspoons sugar per large drink.
This causes rapid gains in weight, shooting up of blood sugar levels, rising of triglyceride levels, endangering the heart and of course finally damaging the liver. Alcohol is in no way a necessity. There is no nutritional benefit from the consumption of alcohol.
If you absolutely must drink, then it should be restricted to 2 large drinks, or 2 mugs beer or 2 glasses (100ml each) of wine at a time, not daily but twice in a week. This is the level at which one can be safe.
If the liver is already damaged alcohol must be totally avoided for at least three months. Food must be given in small frequent meals; 6 small meals instead of 3 large ones. Plenty of water at least 2-3 litres must be drunk throughout the day to reduce gastritis. Cut down caffeine intake. Avoid meats and fried and fatty foods. There may be a craving for very sweet foods. Try to meet this with fruits, fruit juices and sweetened skimmed milk or buttermilk and curds.
Fresh fruits and salads are a must daily. Have a salad with lunch and dinner every day and try to incorporate at least 2 fruits into your daily menu plan. A multi-vitamin capsule must be taken daily, as there may be severe vitamin, mineral deficiency. Iron and B complex levels must be kept up.