(NaturalPath) Alcohol consumption is the oldest and most common form of liver injury. While the biological mechanisms are known, there is no universally accepted therapy to prevent or treat Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). According to a 2011 report by the WHO, chronic alcohol consumption accounts for approximately 2.5 million deaths per year, mostly due to ALD. About 90 percent of alcohol intake is metabolized by the liver. Generally, abstinence from alcohol is vital to deal with ALD and becomes increasingly important as the condition worsens. In the long-term, psychological therapy and social support may be necessary to accomplish the goal. Pharmacological options include, Naltrexone and Acamprosate, which have been used to manage alcohol abuse in chronic heavy drinkers. Smoking and obesity are both risk factors.
While there isn’t a universally accepted therapy, there are ways to manage it. Here are some natural alternatives that are suggested. They include Silymarin, garlic, ginseng, green tea, gingko, Echinacea, St. John’s wort and Curcumin.
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For more detailed information, read the full study.