If you like to enjoy a drink or two with dinner, you may want to reconsider how frequently you do so.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive alcohol drinking is the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide. That’s not surprising. But, a new worldwide study has shown the significant influence of daily drinking on this disease burden – and we’re talking about a drink or two.
Of course, cirrhosis refers to the scarring of the liver as a result of constant, long-term liver damage – often caused by alcohol.
Whereas most studies that focus on risk factors for alcoholic cirrhosis focus on total annual amount drunk per person, WHO researchers now highlight clinical studies that suggest that the highest predictor of alcoholic cirrhosis is a high daily consumption.
It’s the daily drinkers who most influence a country’s cirrhosis burden.
According to WHO’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, around 6 per cent of global deaths are caused from drinking booze. The report includes patterns in alcohol consumption in 193 countries.
Perhaps it’s time to give your liver a break?
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