How much damage will that drink do?

Aside from being one of our hardestworking organs, the liver is also one of the smartest. In fact, it’s the only one in the body that can completely regenerate itself. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to look after it.

Discussing the alcohol and liver health connection, Prof Ryder explains that although many people who are diagnosed with liver disease don’t drink and have never done so, drinking to excess is still its leading cause. ‘It can cause fat to build up in the liver, leading to inflammation and subsequently stop the liver from functioning optimally,’ explains nutritionist Sophie Bertrand. ‘Heavy amounts of alcohol can eventually lead to alcoholic fatty disease (where your liver is unable to break down fats) and alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic hepatitis and cellular mutation that may lead to liver cancer.’

But you don’t have to be an alcoholic to harm your liver. Even drinking a few glasses every night can increase your risks and cause irreparable damage. ‘More than one in five people in the UK drink in a way that could harm their liver,’ says Prof Ryder. According to the University of Cambridge, one in three of us has increased our alcohol consumption during lockdown. So while there’s no ‘safe’ level of alcohol, is it still possible to enjoy an occasional glass? Yes, if you follow these rules...

✣ REDUCE YOUR INTAKE. If giving up alcohol is out of the question, limit your daily intake to just one glass, recommends the British Liver Trust. ✣ HAVE THREE CONSECUTIVE ALCOHOL-FREE DAYS A WEEK. ‘This reduces alcohol consumed, but also gives your liver a rest and a chance to rejuvenate,’ explains Prof Ryder. ✣ SWITCH TO LOW-ALCOHOL BEVERAGES. This helps look after your liver, and your waistline! There’s 200+ calories in a large glass of red...