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 can lead to three main types of liver disease: fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The question under review examines the effects nutritional therapy has on patients suffering with this disease. This paper will also discover the three-different alcohol-related liver diseases and the role nutrition plays in the process of these diseases. Alcohol-Related Liver Disease ARLD is a major public health conundrum in the United States. Various studies for over 200 years has linked a direct correlation between heavy alcohol consumption and liver disease. Research shows that “… the quantity and duration of alcohol consumption are the principal agents in the development of alcohol liver injury (Griffith & Schenker, 2006, p. 296). Liver injury is caused by the toxicity of alcohol in the liver because it is the primary site of alcohol metabolism. ARLD can be detected by a person's genetics, environmental situation, or medical conditions that can lead to substance abuse. The diagnosis of this disease begins with a blood test that checks for high levels of long-chain fatty acids in your blood. Then physicians might also perform a liver biopsy, where a small piece of the liver tissue is removed to be examined in the lab for signs of abnormality or the formation of scar tissue. Literature Review Three Stages of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Alcoholic Fatty Liver Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease.
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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. Cirrhosis The most advanced type of alcohol induced liver injury is Cirrhosis. Only about 20 percent of alcoholics will develop this disease. Cirrhosis occurs when hard scar tissue replaces soft healthy tissue creating an abnormality in the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis are comparable to those suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitis. Although this type of alcohol-induced liver damage is fatal and can result in severe functional impairment, it can be stabilized. Nutritional Status of Patients The nutritional status of a person suffering with ARLD is a huge factor in understanding the state of which the person is in. …show more content…
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, 2016). The liver is a nutrient sensitive organ in the body. Alcohol impairs the absorption of nutrients in your liver by damaging the cells lining the stomach. It also effects the intestines by disabling transport of some nutrients into the blood. In addition, people with ARLD are prone to nutritional deficiencies and as Charles explains: “… Many alcoholics suffer from various degrees of both primary and secondary malnutrition. Primary malnutrition occurs when alcohol
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. Cirrhosis The most advanced type of alcohol induced liver injury is Cirrhosis. Only about 20 percent of alcoholics will develop this disease. Cirrhosis occurs when hard scar tissue replaces soft healthy tissue creating an abnormality in the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis are comparable to those suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitis. Although this type of alcohol-induced liver damage is fatal and can result in severe functional impairment, it can be stabilized. Nutritional Status of Patients The nutritional status of a person suffering with ARLD is a huge factor in understanding the state of which the person is in. …show more content…
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, 2016). The liver is a nutrient sensitive organ in the body. Alcohol impairs the absorption of nutrients in your liver by damaging the cells lining the stomach. It also effects the intestines by disabling transport of some nutrients into the blood. In addition, people with ARLD are prone to nutritional deficiencies and as Charles explains: “… Many alcoholics suffer from various degrees of both primary and secondary malnutrition. Primary malnutrition occurs when alcohol