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Dr Philip shared two images: one of a man who drank alcohol just once a week, and the other showing the healthy liver of his wife.
Even light drinking can harm the liver.
A recent revelation shared by Dr Abe Philip, widely known as “The Liver Doc,” left social media users stunned and prompted urgent discussions about the risks of alcohol consumption, even in moderation. The photos, which depict the livers of a 32-year-old man and his wife, sparked alarm about the long-term effects of drinking, particularly in those who consume alcohol only occasionally.
Dr Philip shared two striking images: one showing the liver of a man who drank alcohol just once a week, and the other showing the healthy liver of his wife, who donated part of her liver to save his life. The man, who had indulged in alcohol on weekends, was diagnosed with severe liver damage, ultimately requiring a life-saving transplant. The transformation was shocking: the man’s liver, once healthy, had become blackened and diseased, while his wife’s liver appeared pink and healthy.
The stark contrast between the two livers stunned doctors and viewers alike. The liver of the alcoholic man looked severely damaged, prompting Dr Philip to warn his followers about the potential risks of alcohol consumption – even in small amounts. He emphasised the fact that even drinking once a week can have severe consequences on liver health.
“Hello. Just wanted to show the inside of the liver of a 32 year old, ‘weekends only’ alcohol drinking man, and the healthy donor liver of his wife, that he received, that will help him survive to see their little daughter grow up,” Dr Philip wrote on social media. The post has since gone viral, with many people questioning their own drinking habits in light of the compelling visual evidence.
Can Drinking Once A Week Really Damage Your Liver?
While many might assume that drinking occasionally won’t lead to severe health problems, experts stress that even infrequent alcohol consumption can have long-term effects on liver health. Dr Srinivasan Bojanapu, a liver transplant surgeon at Kaveri Hospital, explained that alcohol, even in small quantities, can be toxic to the liver. When alcohol is metabolised by the liver, it can produce cancer-causing by-products, which over time can damage liver tissue.
According to Dr Bojanapu, continuous alcohol consumption is particularly harmful, leading to rapid deterioration of liver function. However, the damage doesn’t only depend on the amount of alcohol consumed. Genetic predisposition, diet, and lifestyle factors – such as smoking or an unhealthy diet – can amplify the risks.
“Occasional drinkers may not experience immediate damage, but if they have a genetic history of liver disease or follow an unhealthy lifestyle, even drinking once a week can contribute to liver deterioration,” Dr Bojanapu explained.
The case shared by Dr Philip serves as a stark reminder of how fragile our liver health can be. It also underscores the importance of being mindful of our drinking habits, as liver damage can often go unnoticed until it’s too late for intervention.