Signs Your Liver Is Healing From Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol has a major impact on the liver, as it is responsible for breaking down alcohol and filtering out toxins from your body. Repeated, chronic alcohol use can even lead to significant damage, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. However, if there is one thing to be said about the liver, it is its unique and remarkable ability to repair and regenerate itself after being put through the wringer - even because of alcohol.

At the NuView Treatment Center, we understand the toll that alcohol takes on your body. But the encouraging news here is that with holistic and personalized recovery options, your liver can begin to heal. In this article, we will explore the signs your liver is healing so that you can make informed choices in your recovery journey.

When alcohol is consumed in greater quantities over a period of time, as is the case with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it disrupts liver functioning - the organ is responsible for breaking it down. Dr. Ryan Peterson, a highly experienced physician at NuView, tells us that, “Excessive alcohol use can significantly damage the liver and health and functioning, which is collectively known as alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).”

ALD is as follows:

Fatty Liver - One of the earliest signs of liver damage is when fat deposits begin to build up in the liver cells - a condition known as fatty liver or alcoholic steatosis. With substance use treatment and lifestyle changes, this can be reversed.

Alcoholic Hepatitis - Alcoholic hepatitis is when there is acute inflammation of the liver because of alcohol use. It is characterized by the death of liver cells and can even lead to permanent scarring.

Liver Fibrosis - Chronic inflammation of the liver because of excessive alcohol use can cause hepatic stellate cells to produce collagen. This creates scar tissue and can even lead to liver cirrhosis if it is not treated.

Liver Cirrhosis - This is the most severe kind of liver damage, where scar tissue can limit liver functioning. Liver cirrhosis is not reversible, and advanced cirrhosis can even lead to death.

Here are some of the commonly recognizable signs of alcohol-related liver damage or ALD that you can identify early to seek the care you need and deserve:

Early Signs of ALD:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Feeling sick/generally unwell
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea

Advanced Signs of ALD:

• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Significant weight loss
• Hair loss
• Itchy skin
• Red palms
• Clubbed fingers
• Swollen legs, ankles, and feet
• Abdominal swelling
• High temperature
• Shivers
• Blood in the vomit and black stools
• Bleeding gums and nose
• Increased sensitivity to alcohol and other drugs.

Dr. Peterson reminds us that, “If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is an indication that your liver is taking the brunt of alcohol use. You can benefit from comprehensive substance use treatment services that heal both your mind and body for a well-rounded recovery.”

Yes, the liver has been known to have the ability to repair and regenerate itself. In fact, the liver can grow back to its general size even after 90% of it is removed! This is largely due to the fact that the liver can enlarge its existing cells.

However, this does not mean that the liver is entirely invincible to serious conditions or diseases. AUD can damage your liver to the point that it will need comprehensive treatment options to promote healing.

There are some signs your liver is healing itself after alcohol-related damage, and understanding these signs will help you understand where you are in your recovery journey and what you can do to support this process.

Here is a timeline and signs of liver healing symptoms after alcohol misuse:

The First Day

You may not immediately feel it, but - as alcohol begins to leave your system from the first day of your recovery itself, your liver’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels improves.

The First Week

Filtering Out Toxins - As you are still detoxing from alcohol, your liver also begins to filter out toxins more efficiently because alcohol is no longer present in the system to overwhelm and limit its functioning.

Digestive Functioning - With greater liver functioning, even the general symptoms of poor appetite, vomiting, and stomach ache will improve.

Some will also report better energy levels and sleep patterns, as the liver can efficiently stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Post 2 Weeks

Skin Changes - One of the most visible signs of liver healing is when your skin quality begins to improve. You will notice an improvement in skin color as well as reduced yellowing, as the liver is able to process bilirubin efficiently.

Physical Changes - Abdominal bloating and discomfort come down in the first few weeks, as liver inflammation and even mild scarring subsides quite early in your recovery.

Post 1 Month

Mental Clarity - How your body heals also impacts how your mind feels, as these two are intricately connected. As the liver filters out the toxins from your body, it clears the mental clutter, and you feel clearer in your thinking.

Weight Loss - You will notice healthy weight changes as your liver begins to heal, as optimal metabolism rates return with improved liver functioning.

Post 6 Months

Sustained Liver Functioning - The liver can repair itself within 6 months. For moderate drinkers, this is typically the time taken for the liver damage to be fully reversed.

Immune System Functioning - You will notice that your body is able to better fight infections and diseases, as the liver’s role in your immune system functioning also improves.

1 Year and Later

Liver Regeneration - The signs your liver is improving in the long-term is that it will reach its maximum regenerative potential within 1-2 years.

Sustained Liver Functioning - With sustained recovery, your liver functioning will begin to normalize.

Reduced Liver-Related Risks - There is a reduced risk of developing liver cancer and other diseases.

Quality of Life - Your energy, health, and well-being will continue to improve one year into sobriety and later.

When you notice the signs your liver is healing after AUD, it is indeed a good feeling. But do not stop right there, there are some steps you can take some steps to support this process:

Nutrition

At NuView, we always emphasize nutrition in your recovery. It is crucial to support your body with healthy nutrients as your liver heals:

• Macronutrients: Proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats facilitate liver repair and regeneration.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C and E, as well as other antioxidants, are crucial to your liver health as it heals.
• Water: With reduced alcohol in your system, you can experience dehydration. So, keep your body hydrated at all times — not only is this good for your body, but water is also your natural detox as it flushes out toxins from your body.

Lifestyle Changes

Recovery is not just reducing or quitting substance use; it is making your sobriety every single day. This is why you need to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes such as:

• Balanced nutrition
• A good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours
• Regular exercise
• Self-care practices
• Deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and other health and wellness practices
• Digital detox every day for an hour
• Building a strong social support system

Follow-Up With Your Doctor

Keep following up with your doctor for regular blood tests, ultrasounds and imaging, and vaccinations that can protect your liver from further damage.

Your liver can heal from alcohol - but every day you wait makes the damage difficult to reverse. The liver’s ability to repair itself and liver healing symptoms are not just mere signs - they are proof that your first step to recovery can pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.

Reach out to NuView today for personalized therapeutic and medical interventions designed to heal your mind and body from alcohol misuse before the damage becomes irreversible.

Can your liver heal from alcohol use disorder?

Yes, the liver can heal from excessive alcohol use, provided you receive the medical attention you need.

What are the signs your liver is healing from alcohol use?

The signs your liver is healing from alcohol use are:

• Blood sugar stabilization
• Efficient filtering of toxins
• Better energy and sleep patterns
• Healthy weight loss
• Better skin quality and coloration
• Reduced bloating, swelling, and discomfort
• Improved immune system functioning
• Sustained liver functioning
• Liver regeneration
• Better quality of life

How fast does your liver heal?

Your liver begins to heal within the first few days of quitting drinking. For sustained improvement, it can take a few weeks or months. However, some damage, like liver cirrhosis, can also be irreversible.

Does your liver grow back after alcohol use?

Yes, the liver can even grow back up to a great extent following alcohol damage.

How do you know your liver is healing

Yes, you know your liver is healing with the following signs:

• Better energy levels
• Better digestion
• Better sleep quality
• Weight normalization
• Better skin quality and color
• Better mental clarity and mood
• Normal liver enzyme tests

Does liver hurt when healing?

No, the liver does not hurt when healing. On the contrary, as inflammation and scarring decrease, the discomfort and pain will also reduce.

How can you support liver healing?

By following a nutritious diet, exercise, consistent sleep, self-care, health and wellness practices, and regular check-ups, you can support your liver as it heals.