Diet and sport saves the liver even in drinkers

This conclusion was reached by American researchers who published the results of a large study in the Journal of Hepatology, HealthDay reports.

In the course of the analysis, data from more than 60,000 US adults were studied. The scientists came to a clear conclusion: daily alcohol consumption - even in moderation - and episodes of binge drinking are directly linked to increased mortality from liver disease.

However, the study also revealed an encouraging fact: healthy habits such as a balanced diet and physical activity can significantly reduce this risk.

The protective effect was particularly pronounced in people who practised binge drinking:

• Regular physical activity reduced the risk of death from liver disease by 69%

• A balanced diet reduced this risk by 84%

So what kind of diet can be considered healthy? We are talking about diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, seafood and plant-based proteins. It is important to minimise the consumption of added sugars, saturated fats and, of course, alcohol itself.

The authors of the study emphasise: when screening for alcohol-related liver disease, it is necessary to take into account the patient's lifestyle - primarily diet and level of physical activity. This is particularly relevant in the United States, where more than half of the adult population regularly consumes alcohol, and the annual number of deaths associated with excessive alcohol consumption exceeds 178,000 people.

What does this mean in practice?

If you drink alcohol regularly - even in small doses - you are putting your liver at risk. However, it's not too late to make lifestyle changes. By adding moderate physical activity (e.g. walking, swimming or yoga) to your daily routine and balancing your diet, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing fatal liver disease.