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Nutrition & Alcoholic Liver Disease

Malnutrition tends to be a key health problem with people who drink too much alcohol. There are two main reasons for this: 1) the person places their focus on consuming alcohol instead of nourishing food; 2) the alcohol affects their metabolism and absorption of key nutrients in food, making them prone to malnutrition-related illnesses such as B Vitamin deficiency.

  1. Nutritional Content of Alcoholic Drinks

    • Alcoholic drinks are said to contain empty calories, because they provide little to the consumer in terms of nutritional value. The main ingredients of an alcoholic beverage are water, ethanol (the alcohol content), and sugars, which make up the carbohydrate that provides empty energy. Different drinks contain different amounts of sugar, with clear spirits such as vodka containing the least, and sweet alco-pop drinks containing the most. When alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it produces toxic by-products which destroy the nutritional content of food that has been eaten. These nutrients become depleted in the body over time, and need to be replaced.

    Sodium

    • A low-sodium diet can aid recovery from alcohol related liver disease. Reducing salt in the diet reduces fluid retention, where water leaks into the body's tissues and cells from the circulatory system of veins, arteries and capillaries. This eases the pressure of retained fluid in the liver. Cut down on salt in the diet by using pepper and herbs or spices in cooking for flavor. Avoid take-away meals; cook at home instead. Avoid salty snacks such as nachos and chips. Opt for fresh, home-cooked food in place of processed meals.

    Protein

    • Protein is essential for building muscle and for repairing the body's cells and tissues. It also helps fluid to circulate around the body in the arteries and veins, and prevents it from leaking into the body's cells and causing swelling. This is known as edema -- you will recognize it as a very swollen abdomen or swollen ankles. To increase protein in the diet, include fish three times a week, lentils and beans with at least one meal a day, and some dairy products such as natural live yogurt and eggs.

    Glycemic Index

    • Glycemic Index means the amount of sugar in a ml of blood. Excessive alcohol consumption releases glycogen that is stored in the liver as an energy reserve, causing slumped blood sugars leading to hunger, dizziness, irritability, and disorientation. Balance blood sugars with complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, rye bread, and porridge oats. Snack on raw vegetables rather than fruit, as these maintain regular blood sugar levels.

    Multi-vitamin Supplement

    • Section one explains the way that the body's store of vitamins and minerals becomes depleted through excessive alcohol use. A good quality multi-vitamin should start to replace these. B vitamins support the nervous system and help to reduce alcohol cravings. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system. Iron is essential for circulation of oxygen in the blood. Zinc supports cellular healing and the immune system. Calcium supports bone structure. Magnesium promotes good mental health.

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