TESTS THAT REVEAL THE DAMAGE TO YOUR LIVER

PARTICIPANTS underwent a series of detailed tests at the beginning and end of the experiment to measure aspects of health known to be affected by alcohol intake.

WEIGHT AND BMI

Alcohol is high in calories and drinking large quantities is known to pile on the pounds, increasing the risk of a host of obesity-related diseases. The researchers computed participants’ body mass index – or BMI – before and after the experiment. Those with a BMI over 24.9 are considered overweight, and at increased risk of heart disease.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL

Blood pressure and cholesterol are known to be high in big drinkers. Alcohol increases the rate at which blood is pumped around the body and, once digested, the toxins break down into cholesterol and fatty acids, leading to a build-up of cholesterol in the blood. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are the most common causes of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

LIVER BLOOD TESTS

All participants were subjected to the same series of blood tests, designed to detect liver problems. Some tested for an increase in proteins released during liver-tissue repair, indicating good organ function. Others looked for enzymes released when the liver tissue is damaged. Another test measured blood-clotting time, as liver damage affects the body’s blood-clotting ability.

THE FIBROSCAN

A special type of ultrasound, called a Fibroscan, measured the amount of scarring and fat content of the liver – both indicators of disease. Doctors use a hand-held device, connected to a computer, to deliver highfrequency sound waves to the liver. The speed at which the waves ‘bounce off’ the liver indicates the level of scarring. Another pattern of sound waves tells doctors how much fat is contained within the organ.