The human body can normally cope with a small amount of alcohol, but drinking more than the recommended limit can cause significant health problems. People who have one to two drinks a day, especially red wine, are statistically at a slightly lower risk of heart attack than teetotalers, but drinking more than this increases the risk of cancers, heart disease and liver disease.
Steven (not his real name) owns an outdoor billboard advertising company. He regularly entertained, often twice a week, to source for new billboard locations and build relationships with potential clients.
His family doctor had warned him about fat buildup that occurs within the liver cells of those who drink heavily. Fatty liver in and of itself is not usually serious and can be reversed if the person stops drinking heavily. Left unmanaged, however, it can develop into alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
His doctor explained that alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines, and the blood first goes through the liver before circulating throughout the whole body. So the highest concentration of alcohol is in the blood that flows through the liver.
The liver cells contain enzymes that process alcohol, Steven was told, but these cells can only process a limited amount every hour.
Steven brushed his doctor’s words aside. He underwent a complete medical exam once a year with his wife and believed he was perfectly healthy.
As his business continued to grow, his entertainment increased exponentially, until the day his heavy drinking finally caught up with him.
He began feeling tired and generally unwell, and also developed abdominal discomfort and swelling around his ankles and lower legs. Despite staying home and resting for several days, his skin started feeling itchy for no reason. He insisted that he just needed rest, but his wife called their doctor.
Dr Lim (not his real name) ordered liver-function tests and an ultrasound scan on his liver. Sure enough, there was some degree of liver damage, though this was fortunately mild and in the early stages.
Steven was instructed to stop drinking alcohol completely. Dr Lim also referred him to a dietician because many people who drink heavily do not eat properly, and Steven needed proper advice on how to get back on track with his eating habits.
He was prescribed vitamin supplements to boost his liver function and immune system.
Today Steven has been alcohol-free for three years and is still running his successful business. He is sharing his story to spread the message that the pursuit of fun and wealth should not come at the cost of one’s health.
His regular and heavy drinking has been quietly damaging his liver from within. Steven and his wife have both now embraced a much more balanced diet and a proper exercise regime to keep themselves fitter and healthier.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life after that. Feel free to email [email protected] to share your story.
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