Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Research Paper

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Alcohol-related liver disease or ARLD is a common health issue in the United States that can lead to further complications or premature death. The contraction of this disease is influenced or caused by genetics, the environment, or even social acceptability of alcohol use. Nutrition plays a vast role in the factors of ARLD because the liver is the focal site for alcohol metabolism. This can cause complications in the metabolism of other essential nutrients in the liver. A lot of alcoholics become malnourished and cannot absorb essential nutrients for their body to function. They experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of the lack of protein and carbohydrates in their daily diet. An absence of these nutrients on top of alcohol consumption …show more content…
About 90 percent of people with excessive alcohol consumption will develop this disease. As a result of significant alcohol abuse, the liver becomes unable to break down fats. Fatty liver is a common stage for alcoholics and there are usually no symptoms. If symptoms are prevalent, they can include fatigue, obesity, or abdominal pain.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic Hepatitis is caused by inflammation of the liver and buildup of fat deposition in liver cells. About 35 percent of alcoholics will develop this disease. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. In a case where the alcoholic hepatitis is detrimental, it can lead to liver failure or death.
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Nutrition is a process that supplies the body with energy to maintain and strengthen body structure. It is vital that patients have a balanced diet enriched with multi vitamins because it aids in the replacement of damaged cells and the nutritional components needed for body function. Dietary status is assessed by taking a patient’s dietary histories and evaluating the amount and types of food they are eating. Physicians then prescribe vitamin supplements or recommend foods that are rich in vitamin A like sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and fish (Haiken,

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