The Correlation Between Oxidative Stress And Antioxidants In Alcoholic Liver Diseases
The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It serves several purposes, including storing nutrients from the foods you eat, removing waste products from your blood, and breaking down harmful substances such as alcohol. When people drink too much alcohol, they put themselves at risk for liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a disease which results in the scarring of the liver, and the subsequent inability of the organ to function properly. Cirrhosis is currently the eighth leading cause of death in the United States today. What makes liver disease so deadly? Well, the answer can be found by examining what happens when a liver breaks down harmful toxins. Let's take a closer look, as we discuss the correlation between oxidative stress and antioxidants in alcoholic liver diseases.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances in your body that protect cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. Some common antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E as well as beta-carotene and lycopene. In a healthy liver, these antioxidants work efficiently to break down toxic substances for easy elimination. However, in alcoholic liver diseases, the antioxidants are overpowered by excess oxidation production, which ultimately leads to oxidative stress. Although this may sound confusing, let's turn our attention towards oxidative stress and give you a better idea of the process.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, resulting in the destruction of cells within the body. In alcoholic liver diseases, the liver is unable to adequately perform its role in removing toxins, thus hindering the effect of antioxidants on free radicals (cell-damaging oxidants). This is the reason that most alcoholic liver diseases can be treated, but not cured. The damage to the liver has already been done, and anything short of a transplant will leave your body's antioxidants overmatched. Think of it as a fight between a heavyweight boxer and a horse jockey; the oxidative stress just poses too powerful an ally for a damaged liver, regardless of the antioxidants present.
As you can see, it is important to treat your body well. Antioxidants are a great line of defense for you and your health, but if alcoholic liver disease is present, that defense becomes weak. Treat yourself right by maintaining a proper diet and avoiding excess alcohol consumption. That way, you can ensure that your body's antioxidants are always fighting to prevent oxidative stress and keeping you healthy for life.
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