News! COVID lockdown causes spike in alcoholic fatty liver disease

Cases of alcoholic liver disease are up by 30% over the past year at the University of Michigan’s health system, according to assistant professor Jessica Mellinger, M.D. She and other specialists across the country are seeing patients drinking more. “People are turning to alcohol to soothe the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic,” asserts Fred Pescatore, M.D. This is especially true for women. “As primary caregivers, the burden of maintaining the home, homeschooling the children and keeping up with a day job has fallen mostly on women—and that pressure has led to an uptick in drinking.” The good news: Dr. Pescatore’s plan can help heal a liver damaged by alcohol overuse. “Eating a high-protein, lower-carb diet is a cure for any kind of liver disease,” he says. “If you follow this diet and incorporate regular exercise, you can heal the liver.” To do so, follow the guidelines on page 28.