| The main function of the liver is to process and filter | | | | those with liver disease. People with Hepatitis C are |
| every substance that enters the body. Anyone with | | | | dealing with a liver that isn't functioning as best as it |
| a liver disease should know the importance of eating | | | | should be. Alcohol, regardless of how much is |
| and drinking healthily, and avoiding any substances | | | | consumed, is a toxin and can add unnecessary stress |
| that could potentially harm this very important organ. | | | | to this already weakened organ. |
| Even so, many people with Hepatitis C still entertain | | | | One of the main goals of Hepatitis C treatment is to |
| the thought of having an alcoholic beverage from | | | | reduce viral load. However, drinking alcohol would |
| time to time. There has been much debate over the | | | | likely negate the beneficial effects of treatment, and |
| effects that moderate amounts of alcohol have on | | | | may worsen the liver damage. Recent studies have |
| an already compromised liver. Ultimately, each | | | | shown that alcohol consumption has a direct |
| individual must make their own choice as to whether | | | | correlation with viral load. People with Hepatitis C who |
| or not to have that glass of wine or beer with | | | | drink alcohol have significantly higher viral loads than |
| dinner, but the decision could be made a whole lot | | | | those with no alcohol in their diet. |
| easier if you know all the facts about how alcohol | | | | Everyone has differing opinions about consuming |
| consumption can affect the liver. | | | | alcoholic beverages while also battling a liver disease |
| You may have heard that a glass of wine per day | | | | like Hepatitis C. But the facts are clear - alcohol |
| can have positive cardiovascular benefits, and can | | | | negatively affects liver health. When deciding |
| possibly reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. | | | | whether or not to have an occasional drink, |
| But while wine may be health-friendly to people at | | | | abstinence is really the wisest choice if you have liver |
| risk for heart disease, the same doesn't hold true for | | | | disease. |