Living With Hepatitis C – Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

The main function of the liver is to process and filter every substance that enters the body. Anyone with a liver disease should know the importance of eating and drinking healthily, and avoiding any substances that could potentially harm this very important organ. Even so, many people with Hepatitis C still entertain the thought of having an alcoholic beverage from time to time. There has been much debate over the effects that moderate amounts of alcohol have on an already compromised liver. Ultimately, each individual must make their own choice as to whether or not to have that glass of wine or beer with dinner, but the decision could be made a whole lot easier if you know all the facts about how alcohol consumption can affect the liver.

You may have heard that a glass of wine per day can have positive cardiovascular benefits, and can possibly reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. But while wine may be health-friendly to people at risk for heart disease, the same doesn’t hold true for those with liver disease. People with Hepatitis C are dealing with a liver that isn’t functioning as best as it should be. Alcohol, regardless of how much is consumed, is a toxin and can add unnecessary stress to this already weakened organ.

One of the main goals of Hepatitis C treatment is to reduce viral load. However, drinking alcohol would likely negate the beneficial effects of treatment, and may worsen the liver damage. Recent studies have shown that alcohol consumption has a direct correlation with viral load. People with Hepatitis C who drink alcohol have significantly higher viral loads than those with no alcohol in their diet.

Everyone has differing opinions about consuming alcoholic beverages while also battling a liver disease like Hepatitis C. But the facts are clear – alcohol negatively affects liver health. When deciding whether or not to have an occasional drink, abstinence is really the wisest choice if you have liver disease.