Is Alcohol Consumption Advisable When Diagnosed With Liver Damage?

Posted on Sat, 6 May 2017

Question: Hi,

I have been diagnosed with XXXXXXX No significant fibrosis. Fibroscan (TE) values under 7 kPa. But ALT ~90 and GGT ~350. Other LFTs including AST and albumin are normal. These values have been consistent over the last few years; not significantly increasing nor decreasing. I am not overweight, BMI = 23. Ultrasound suggests some fatty regions, but nothing else.
I plan to improve my diet, exercise more regularly, and lose 1-2 more kilos.
Can I consume alcohol moderately, say a bottle of wine on a weekend?

Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow below explanations

Detailed Answer:

Hi and thank you for asking!

I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. You are reporting to have had XXXXXXX and GGT (350) plus ALT 90. These finding suggest for moderate liver damage. It is a good news that fibroscan values are under 7 kPa.
2. With regards to alcohol consumption it is advised do not use more than 14 units per week.
Amounts larger than that may cause liver damage. 14 units of alcohol are equal with 6 glasses of wine
3. So to my opinion if you will use one bottle per week, it is better if you use it divided in 3 days/ week.
It means that you can use two glasses of wine for 2-3 days per week.
3. Otherwise in your situation the risk for liver damage after alcohol use is higher than other peoples because you have elevated Alt level and GGT.
This is why it is better if you avoid alcohol consumption.
4. I would like to know if you have used during these time alcohol?
IF yes, alcohol use can explain your high GGT level. GGT elevation is typical in alcohol users.

Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (49 minutes later)

Thank you for your response. During this time, my alcohol consumption has not been excessive. According to an analysis by my doctor: considering how much alcohol i drink, the non-specific and sensitive nature of GGT, and because of AST:ALT ratio is <1, he suggests it is XXXXXXX Not alcoholic liver disease.

So I shall do the following:
Lose 1-2 kg.
Avoid fatty food, and increase fruit and veg.
Exercise more regularly.
Keep alcohol consumption below 14 units per week, and spread out with alcohol free days in between.
Avoid unnecessary medication and toxins.
Follow up LFT and fibroscan maybe once a year. If it gets worse than go for a liver biopsy. If not, then just carry on with the above.

Does the plan above sound good to you?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
I totally agreee with your doctor recommendation.

Otherwise to my opinion Ggt elevation is more related with alcohol use than with XXXXXXX
It is important for you to lose weight and increase physical activity.
Meantime use alcohol as less as you can and in divided doses.

Wish you health.
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar